Johnson Canyon Arch is a simple, family-friendly trail that leads to an arch and a little canyon. This Snow Canyon State Park hike is only open to the public from October to Mid-March, so plan to hike this trail during those months. For more information about Snow Canyon, check out our Snow Canyon Guide.
Hike Info:
- Distance: 1.7 mile roundtrip
- Elevation Change: 150 ft.
- Rating: Easy
- Dog-friendly: No
- Fee: Yes. $10/Utah resident. $15/non-resident
Trail Info
The trailhead actually lies just outside of the Snow Canyon fee station, but there is a box where you can pay the state parks fee ($10/Utah resident in 2021). After we filled out our envelope and dropped our money in the box, we crossed the main road from the parking area to begin the trail.
Johnson Canyon Arch trail crosses 3 different types of terrain: dirt, lava rocks, and sand. While this trail is fairly flat, the trail does has many lava rocks to navigate and the sand can be tricky, so be careful. We found this trail to be great for families because it is simple to follow and easy. There is no shade, so we recommend early morning or evening.
There is another hike that begins at this same location called Scout Cave. About 1/4 of a mile into the hike, these trails split, so make sure to stay to the left toward Johnson Canyon Arch. Dogs are not permitted on this area of the trail.
Johnson Canyon Arch
Soon you will turn into a shaded canyon, which is Johnson Canyon. The arch appears quickly up on the right side of the trail. Johnson Canyon Arch is set up high in the cliffs and is a beautiful sight. There is a fence preventing anyone from climbing up to the arch to protect it. We took many pictures and then headed further into the shaded canyon. The trail only continues for about 5 more minutes before it hits a dead end, but we loved walking between the steep canyon walls. It was very cool in the morning during March, and it felt nice.
This trail is an out and back trail, so we turned around and headed back to our car. This trail, and all the other trails in Snow Canyon, are very popular. So plan on crowds, or definitely hike early to increase your chances of finding a parking spot. For more information on when this trail is open, visit the Snow Canyon website.
Directions
Johnson Canyon lies just outside the Snow Canyon southern entrance fee station, but still is part of the state park and requires a fee. Take Snow Canyon Parkway north and before you arrive at the entrance station, turn right into the parking lot for Johnson Canyon/Scout Cave. Bluff Street and Red Hills Parkway connect to Snow Canyon Parkway and most map apps will take you right to this location.
