Home › Utah › Vernal › Moonshine Arch Trailhead
Moonshine Arch Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 60 Google reviews · Running trail in Vernal, Utah · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Moonshine Arch Trailhead'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 featuring an accessible arch with scenic views.
What runners say about Moonshine Arch Trailhead
“A wonderfull arch, not that famous like the original arch but very beautiful and worth to explore as well.”
“If you’re in the area, this is an easy hike and definitely worth doing as the structure is awesome.”
Great short hike, moderate climb, well worth the effort. Do NOT follow Google,or even the posted sign. Enter the green gate at the sign and follow the footsteps and pilons to the left a very short way,then right . Dog friendly
Wanted to try to get an early hike as the weather was going to be close to 100° today. We are visiting from out of town for a wedding and saw this one on Google Maps. Although the directions took us to somebody’s private driveway we ended up looking at the map and found our way in.
Awesome hike. There are new signs on the highway that direct you where to turn passed mile marker 359. Do not follow maps.
Recently (march 2024) renewed trailhead parking and pit toilets building, included a map with different routes (ATV and hike) in the area to the beautifully hidden Moonshine arch. Was a nice hike, not too difficult and even the kids made it. Just bring enough water and stay on the paths.
Trail conditions & character
“We were the only ones up there when we arrived, and had the whole place to ourselves to walk around, look at the views, and take some photos.”
“Overall, if you are in an acceptable health condition, I highly recommend that anyone goes to visit Moonshine Arch, Vernals' hidden gem in the hills.”
“Recently (march 2024) renewed trailhead parking and pit toilets building, included a map with different routes (ATV and hike) in the area to the beautifully hidden Moonshine arch.”
Plan your run at Moonshine Arch Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitedinoland.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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 Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 150 reviews
Hiking area with an arch and cave accessed via an unmarked dirt road.
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.
Dinosaur Trackway Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 116 reviews
Trail featuring rocky terrain, leading to the discovery of black-painted dinosaur footprints.
Freestone Legacy Walking Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 113 reviews
Relaxed, landscaped park featuring trails for walking and running along with a stream, waterfall and pond.