This arch and an Indian petroglyph panel (the "Shoe Panel")
are located in Natural Bridges National Monument located on the
Bi-Centennial Highway, UT 95 in southern Utah. Driving the loop
road in the Monument, Owachomo is the last of the three large
natural bridges for which the Monument is named. Park at the
Owachomo parking area and be prepared to hike from
Owachomo N.B to Kachina N.B, then overland back to your
vehicle. This is about a five and half mile loop and well-worth it.
Along the way, you will see two huge natural bridges up close,
and one of the most pristine panels in the area. Then, there is
Shoe Panel Arch.
It may be posible to see this arch from the rim; however,
one must climb up the other side of the canyon, or up on the
rincon itself to see the arch when walking the canyon. Climbing
up the abandoned meander is the most satisfying option. As
you round the bend alongside the Shoe Panel, you will see how
to easily walk up to the Panel. There is a ruin there too. To
reach the arch, continue around the nose in the down-canyon
direction -at the Panel level. Near the neck of this small
meander, you will see a way to climb up onto the neck; and
from there, to the base of the Shoe. The Shoe Panel Arch forms the arch in
the shoe. Look and step carefully, there are pot sherds to study
and leave un-disturbed.
Under Kachina NB, scout around for the petroglyphs and the
ruins before climbing up to the rim and overland to your vehicle.
See the
Wilderness Vagabond Trip Report.
Photo and directions
Rob Jones
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