Tunnel Arch

Tunnel Arch is a peculiar tunnel formation located in Arches National Park. This curious sandstone feature is one of the most visited and photographed arches in the entire park.            The Tunnel is a great desert hike that will require 2 to 3 hours round trip. Elevation gain on this hike is virtually nil. This route should be easy for any experienced hiker. Navigation for this route is moderate. There is no trail for most of the way. Paying attention to your map and route description is required. Good map reading skills are helpful. This route is rated 1A I using the Canyon Rating System.          Follow the route described and you will avoid areas of cryptobiotic crust. Please avoid disturbing all cryptobiotic crust. Stay on existing trails, walk in wash bottoms or on slickrock. Go out of your way, literally, to avoid cryptobiotic soil. Cryptobiotic crust requires five to ten years of undisturbed growth before it even becomes visible as an irregular, blackish mat on the soil surface. A single footprint by a careless hiker can destroy decades of growth!           The Tunnel was first reported and recorded by Reuben Scolnik in May 1979. The Tunnel is a highly unusual feature. The opening is about 4 feet wide, 5 feet high, and the tunnel is 53 feet long. Once inside The Tunnel you can see that water seeping between two rock layers played a major role in its formation.