Wrather Arch
Wrather Arch is a cave type natural arch in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, in Coconino County, northern Arizona. [1]
The sandstone arch is located in the eponymous Wrather Canyon, a short side canyon of Paria Canyon.[1] The Paria River is a tributary of the Colorado River, at its confluence down−canyon at Lee's Ferry.
Length
Wrather Arch was once thought to be the longest natural arch span outside of the state of Utah, originally reported to be 246 feet (75 m) in span. The recent discovery of longer arches in China, Afghanistan, and Chad; and a shortening of its estimated length by the Natural Arch and Bridge Society−NABS, have taken Wrather Arch off their "largest arches over 200 feet in span list." Recent NABS assessments estimate the span has an approximate length of 180 feet (55 m). [1]
Access
Wrather Arch is distinguished as being the least accessible among the major natural bridges in the Southwestern United States. It is located in the heart of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness area, and can only be accessed by the Paria Canyon Trail. Being located near the midway point of the hiking trail, visitors must walk around 18 miles (29 km) to reach and see Wrather Arch.[1] Permits for the hike are required from the BLM office in Kanab, Utah.[1]
See also
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. |
References
- "Hiking and Exploring the Paria River" — by Michael Kelsey.
- "Hikers Guide to Paria" — BLM publication, with map.
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Coordinates: 36°57′45″N 111°46′53″W / 36.96250°N 111.78139°W