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Moonshine Arch Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 150 Google reviews · Running trail in Vernal, Utah · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Moonshine Arch Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area with an arch and cave accessed via an unmarked dirt road.
What runners say about Moonshine Arch Trail
“The arch was beautiful and had a sort of shallow cave behind where you could explore behind it.”
“Kids can scramble around, there's shade to snack, perfect little hike.”
“The trail was very easy to follow and we went with our toddler without any difficulty.”
This is a moderate to easy hike. It is about a mile from the parking area. Do NOT use google maps. Pick up a brochure from the local field museum (a GREAT museum to visit) and follow those directions. There are 2 posted signs-- one on the main road just past the entrance to the reservoir..
Very nice view, but be aware of the misleading multiple trails that are present. My recommendation is that when you arrive, cross the green fence gate and go left, then when you go through the small stream area you want to take the trail to the left, and then finally you want to go right at the next trail.
I’ve been in Vernal for a few days on business and this was one of the three short hiking trips that I had planned while I was here. I fly out of Vernal tomorrow, and this one was the last one on my list, which I got to do today. I thoroughly enjoyed the hike and the photo opportunities. It’s a beautiful arch.
Beautiful arch once you're there. There were outhouses at the trailhead, it's a little confusing on which way to go at the beginning, and the multiple forks along the trail would have have been a problem without a trail guide. Lots of sand in the beginning but then trail turned into rock. I enjoyed it overall.
Trail conditions & character
“The arch was beautiful and had a sort of shallow cave behind where you could explore behind it.”
“There are no services available at the parking lot.”
“Kids can scramble around, there's shade to snack, perfect little hike.”
“Look for the "trailhead road" marker on Google Maps and go that route.”
Plan your run at Moonshine Arch Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Vernal
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Moonshine Arch Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 60 reviews
Hiking area featuring an accessible arch with scenic views.
Steinaker State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 541 reviews
Reservoir offering on-water recreation & a sandy beach with a swimming dock & picnic tables.
Ashley Nature Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 98 reviews
Relaxing nature park featuring a paved loop and unpaved trails, plus a picnic area and a restroom.
Freestone Legacy Walking Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 113 reviews
Relaxed, landscaped park featuring trails for walking and running along with a stream, waterfall and pond.
Dinosaur Trackway Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 116 reviews
Trail featuring rocky terrain, leading to the discovery of black-painted dinosaur footprints.