Melody Arches
Melody Arches These arches are in a BLM Special Management Area so you will need a permit to hike the Coyote Buttes to visit it. From Rt. 89 in Utah, turn south on FR 1065 (the House Rock Valley Road) and drive one mile south of the turnoff to the State Line Campground (line between Arizona and Utah). Park on the west side of the road in a large camp area. Hike east over a low ridge on a cattle trail. Cross the sage brush flats, aiming for the south side of a gulch in orange foothills. Look for the trail gash on the side hill (do not take this trail). Find an old cattle trail on the south side of the gulch, close to the mouth of the gulch, and below the gulch previously mentioned. Be sure to find this trail, because crossing the foothills will be rough otherwise. Go over the foothills and when on the east side, trend south into the upper regions of Sand Cove. Here is the “not recommended” part: hike up-canyon to the checkerboard slope of sandstone and very carefully wind up it to the Navajo Sandstone (white) layer. This is a dangerous climb and is recommended neither by the author nor by Rob Jones. Once on top of the Navajo sandstone, hike north about a mile to the coordinates for the arches. The arches are difficult to see until you are in the depression with them. Total hiking distance is about 4.5 miles one way, and involves 2500 ft. of elevation change. UTM for the arches- 12S 410513E 4094317N , Elev. 4880 ft. For reference, the car park is at about 12S 407994E 4093837N.
Photo and Directions
by Rob Jones
Trip Report


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