Whoever nicknamed New Mexico as the ‘land of enchantment’ was a genius. This state is a state full of unexpected wonders. It can be the ugliest state you have ever seen, but it will surprise you with incredible, jaw-dropping wonders! In the absolute middle of nowhere between Durango and Aztec is the desert wonder of Cox Canyon Arch.
I mean seriously just look at these pictures of it and tell me that is not a remarkable thing to see! It was definitely worth the hike. Now this is not your normal ‘average Joe’ hike, you know with an actual set trail. It is a unique and kinda complicated hike to an incredible landmark.
FAQs about hiking to Cox Canyon Arch
Things you need for this hike:
- Hiking Shoes– The majority of this hike has large boulders to climb. WEAR NON-SLIP SHOES! I can promise you that this trail is slippery and that these shoes will make the world of a difference.
- Water– When I mean you are literally in the middle of the desert, I mean you are LITERALLY in the middle of nowhere. It is hot and you are going to be climbing, one plus one equals you will need water! A hydration backpack is what I would recommend. Since you will be climbing so much it will be challenging to physically hold a water bottle, a backpack will keep your hands clear while making the climbs.
- Sunscreen– Same point I made with the water is why you will need sunscreen on this trail. There is no shade so prep for some heavy desert sun.
- Hiking Carrier– If you are hiking with a toddler or a baby than a hiking carrier will make a world of difference. When I say there are large boulders for climbing I mean there is no way you are going to get a toddler up these mounds without them being strapped to you in some way or a line of adults for passing them up and down.
Is this a kid friendly hike and dog friendly?
As a mama of 3 who loves to go hiking; one of the first things I look at when I look for a hike is if it is kid friendly. By kid friendly I mean, toddler friendly. This hike, the Cox Canyon Arch Trail, is kid friendly, but not toddler friendly. The majority of this hike is climbing large boulders and rocks. By large boulders I mean you are climbing heights that make my 5 foot 7 inches seem like a child’s height.
Normally when I hike, I hike alone with my 3 kids, luckily when I did this hike I had my sister with me. Having her there was the only way I was able to do this hike with my 3 toddlers, but even then it probably was not the safest choice. The climbs are straight up and even more scary was when they were going straight down on the way back.
Like I said the trail itself is easy so a dog could do it no problem, but you will probably have to carry your dog up the climbs and that would be super hard. My toddlers knew how to hold onto me while I climbed or I had them in a carrier. I have no idea how you would carry a dog up those climbs. You definitely need both arms. My advice if you want to bring your dog is bring a friend also that can help you get your dog up the boulders.
Is this a hard hike?
This hike to the Cox Canyon Arch is not hard per say. It is a very short trail, only 0.4 mile hike. The majority of the hike is straight, but there are about 2-3 large boulders to climb. Those climbs are not easy climbs. So the trail is easy, but the climbs are difficult.
Good news is that so many people have done this hike, that the rocks are very worn in spots where you can put your hands and feet. Its almost like climbing a rock climbing course, but the handles are inward instead of outward. So if you are healthy and strong than this hike isn’t bad. It is a very physical hike with a lot of twisting, stretching, bending, walking, and climbing, so if you can do these things than you can do this hike.
Also it is a very slippery hike due to the dirt on the rocks. Just make sure you invest in a good pair of hiking shoes to really help you from slipping as you climb.
How long is the hike?
This trail is very, very short. As in this hike is not even a half a mile. It is a quick 0.4 mile hike there and back.
Can you get to the actual arch or is it just a view point?
Depending on how much you want to climb is how close you get to the arch. You can make out the arch from the dirt road, so even if you didn’t want to hike you can see it from a distance.
After the first climb in the trail you get a decent distant view of the arch as shown in the first picture. I wouldn’t stop there though if I were you! Just go a short distance further and another small climb and you can walk right under the arch. It is incredible from a distance, but holy cow it is beyond amazing when you are standing right under it.
Where is the trailhead?
Once you turn off onto the gravel road, you are going to drive and drive and drive. I am pretty sure at some point you will probably wonder if you are even on the right road. I sure did. Then you get towards where AllTrails says the trail is and there are private property and no trespassing signs. Heed those signs and do not cross the gate, because that is private property.
Right before you reach those signs there is a right turn onto a dirt lot that leads to an electric/oil machine. Park just past those machines and you will be at the base of a beautiful rock cliff. There will be a large tree with a swing on it, and this is where the trail will start.
Where is the trail?
As you start hiking you will probably start to wonder where the trail actually is. There is no set and distinct trail to the arch just a slightly faded one where many people have walked. Also there are several variations of where to climb up to boulders so there is no set trail up in the climbing spots.
If you lose the trail than just start walking toward where the arch is and you will find it again or you will at least find your way to it.
What wildlife are on this trail?
While hiking you will see the basic desert wildlife along this trail. We mostly saw lizards scurrying around the rocks, but there were plenty of spiders and flies as well. Beware though of rattlesnakes! This is a desert and there are a lot of rocks for these snakes to hide under.
What amenities are at this trail?
If you are looking for a bathroom or a bench than you are looking at the wrong trail. This trail is literally out in the middle of nowhere, so you won’t even have the luxury of a parking lot to park your car or a trailhead marking. The only thing you will find at this trail is an old swing.
Other Fun Things To Do Near Cox Canyon Arch:
Pinkerton Hot Springs
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