Backway to Tower Arch
Slickrock maze to Utah's most isolated arch
The Backway to Tower Arch throws you into the heart of Arches National Park’s backcountry where GPS goes stupid and cairns disappear into red sandstone chaos. This route follows an old uranium mining track across exposed slickrock, threading between towering fins and crossing washes that can flood without warning. The real challenge isn’t the driving — it’s navigation through the Fiery Furnace maze where every red rock formation looks identical and wrong turns dead-end against 200-foot walls.
Stock 4WD sufficient for the track itself, but navigation skills and paper maps essential when electronics fail in the rock maze. Spring and fall optimal; summer heat reflects off slickrock like a furnace. Park entry fee required but no additional permits for the backway. Carry extra water, recovery gear, and a compass — getting lost here means a long, exposed walk out. Those who find Tower Arch get to camp beneath one of the Southwest’s most spectacular formations with zero crowds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Rock, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 7 mi / 11.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5200 ft |
| Best season | March-May, September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD |
| Nearest town | Moab, Utah |
| Land manager | National Park Service |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | nps.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4WD handle Backway to Tower Arch, or do I need a lift?
A stock 4WD with decent all-terrain tires can make it. The slickrock sections require low range and confident throttle control, but you don't need a lift — clearance isn't the issue, traction and driver comfort on off-camber rock is.
When is the trail passable, and will snow or mud close it?
Best windows are March–May and September–November. Summer heat in the canyon country is brutal and monsoon rains can turn the sandy sections into axle-deep traps. Winter snow and freeze-thaw cycles make the slickrock unpredictable — check conditions with the Moab NPS office before you go.
Do I need a permit to drive Backway to Tower Arch?
Yes, this route falls under Arches National Park (NPS) jurisdiction and requires a valid park entrance pass. There's no separate trail permit for the drive itself, but if you're camping overnight you'll need a backcountry camping permit from the park.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The trickiest parts are the unmarked slickrock navigation segments — there's no defined road, just cairns and tire tracks across open rock. Getting off-route is the real hazard here, not a single gnarly obstacle. Go slow, stay on rock to protect the cryptobiotic soil, and confirm your line before committing.
Is there any water or cell service on the trail, and how far is the nearest fuel?
Zero cell service the entire route — download offline maps before you leave. There's no water on trail, so carry everything you need. Moab is roughly 18 miles away and has all services including fuel; don't roll out on a partial tank.
Trail track
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