Inchworm Arch is a super cool and unusual arch located in southern Utah. In fact, Inchworm Arch is my dad’s favorite arch, and he has hiked with me to quite a few arches! It looks like an actual inchworm. If you don’t know what an inchworm is, click here for a short lesson, and then you will clearly be able to make the comparison.
Directions to the Inchworm Arch Trailhead
You will need a 4WD vehicle or ATV to get to Inchworm Arch, and the drive is half the fun! If you have an ATV, I highly recommend it, but a 4WD of any kind will work just fine. I suggest printing this handy map, courtesy of the Kane County Utah Office of Tourism, before you go. The directions are self-explanatory, but there are many turn-offs.
Directions to Inchworm Arch from Kanab, Utah: drive east 9.5 miles and turn left at Johnson Canyon Road. Drive on this road for 9.1 miles to the Nephi Pastures Trailhead on your right. Nephi Pastrues is a great place to unload your ATV’s. From there, take road #556 for 8 miles, and turn right at road #558. Drive one mile and take the next road on your left. After another 1.5 miles, keep left at the fork. Follow this road until it ends; you will see a “No Vehicles” sign with a trail behind it. This is where the hike begins!
The Hike to Inchworm Arch
The hike to Inchworm Arch is short and sweet; it’s only a half-mile round trip. The trail is relatively easy unless you decide to climb up the arch or scramble up and down some of the nearby rocks. One of the coolest things about Inchworm Arch is that you can hike right up to it, under it, and on top of it!
More Arches in the Area
Destination hikes are always the best. Here are some more Arches you can hike to in the area!
Birthday Arch
Birthday Arch is a breathtaking natural sandstone arch in the remote desert near Big Water, Utah. The hike to reach it is moderate, covering about 5 miles round trip. Expect a mix of sandy trails and some rock scrambling, making it a fun and slightly challenging adventure. Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and the unique beauty of the arch.
Cobra Arch is characterized by its distinctive shape, resembling the hood of a cobra poised to strike. The distance to Cobra Arch is approximately 7 miles round trip, and the difficulty level is generally considered moderate.
Double Barrel Arch consists of two distinct arches side by side, resembling the barrels of a double-barreled shotgun. The distance to Double Barrel Arch is typically around 1 to 2 miles round trip from the nearest parking area. The difficulty of the hike to Double Barrel Arch is considered to be moderate.
Grosvenor Arch is a double arch formation located in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument at the end of Cottonwood Canyon Road. The distance to Grosvenor Arch is only a short walk from the parking area. The hike is easy, making it accessible to all.
Skylight Arch & Stud Horse Point
Skylight Arch and Stud Horse Point offer an incredible dual experience. Known for the large “skylight” in its center, Skylight Arch is a moderately challenging hike of around 2 to 3 miles round trip. On the other hand, Stud Horse Point is a scenic overlook with panoramic views of the surrounding desert and is easily accessible.
Leave It Better Than You Found It
Please do your part to keep Inchworm Arch beautiful by packing out everything you pack in and not changing the landscape. Respect nature and follow ethical practices when engaging in outdoor activities. Always leave a place better than you found it and practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Enjoy your time exploring the trails and discovering one of Southern Utah’s unique hidden treasures!
