Trail Run Project Logo

gem icon Arch Rock [Suggest Edits]

2 votes
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

Description

Arch Rock on the Margaret Lakes Trail is the only large natural arch that I know of in the Sierras (Not counting the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine). The entire free-standing formation is probably 50-60 feet tall. I would estimate that the opening is about 30 feet from top to bottom. The area immediately around it includes columns and balancing rocks, all of which have been rounded and smoothed by the wind. The area looks much like the sandstone formations in Utah, minus the brilliant colors. The granite here must be relatively soft, allowing scouring action by the wind.

Overnight Trip: Arch Rock is not well known because it is difficult to reach. It is 4.6 miles from the parking lot at the end of the Onion Springs OHV Route, and it requires a climb of 2500 feet. If you don't have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, then you have to add an additional 5.6 miles and 700 feet of climbing to walk to Onion Springs from the trail parking at Lake Thomas A Edison. Nearly everyone who hikes to the Arch will continue on the Margaret Lakes Trail to Frog Lake and the superb five lakes in the Big Margaret Lake area.

Note: The Arch is mis-located on the USGS topographical map and most other maps.

To reach the arch, continue north past the high point on the Margaret Lakes Trail. The trail drops about 250 feet and then climbs about 40 feet to another saddle. At this saddle, the arch is partially visible. It is about 75 yards to the left (southwest) up an easy sandy trail. It is a good place to camp. There is plenty of relatively level space, sheltered by large rock formations. No fires are allowed, and there is no water.

Gem Type: Rock Formation

Shared by:
Lee Watts

0 Comments

You & This Gem

Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Nearby Gems

gem Favorite Devils Postpile.

Devils Postpile

(9) Mammoth…, CA

Nearby Trails

13.2 mi 21.2 km Mammoth Crest - Duck Pass Loop
Difficult Difficult
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Difficult Difficult
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Unknown
Update
23 
5.5 mi 8.8 km Duck Pass Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Unknown
Update
20 
2.6 mi 4.1 km Convict Lake Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Unknown
Update
19 
35.0 mi 56.3 km JMT: Segment 2 - Tuolomne Meadows to Devils Postpile
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Yosemite Valley, CA
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Yosemite Valley, CA
Unknown
Update
29.3 mi 47.2 km JMT: Segment 3 - Devils Postpile to Lake Edison
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Unknown
Update
20.5 mi 33.1 km JMT: Segment 4 - Lake Edison to Muir Trail Ranch
Intermediate Intermediate
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Unknown
Update
14.1 mi 22.6 km McGee Pass Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Unknown
Update
10 
20.0 mi 32.2 km Ram Lake via Duck Pass and John Muir Trail
Difficult Difficult
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Difficult Difficult
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Unknown
Update
14.1 mi 22.7 km Bloody Mountain via Laurel Lakes Road and the Northeast Ridge
Very Difficult Very Difficult
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Very Difficult Very Difficult
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Unknown
Update
9.4 mi 15.1 km Goodale Pass Trail #28E20
Difficult Difficult
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Difficult Difficult
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Unknown
Update
Shared by Lee Watts on Aug 23, 2020. All Page Views: 523. Last Month: 2.

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.