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Arches National Park is not the only place in the world where there are arches and bridges, as many are aware. The unique and mysterious origins of the Lexington Arch didn’t leave behind enough evidence to let us know whether the arch is a true arch or a bridge, the leavings of a natural cave eroded by Lexington creek, or river way back when. Whether millions or thousands of years is immaterial.

Photo by Local Hikes.com

Arches N.P. is pretty obvious with it’s presence of fins and reefs as to its weathered origins, especially since the red entrada sandstone is the predominant strata. But, Lexington arch being composed of limestone is rather unique and somewhat throws a monkey wrench into researcher’s efforts to establish its creation.

This trail leads to a six-story limestone arch. The trail has some steep sections. The trailhead is outside of the park, about 25 miles (48 km) south of Baker. The road is unpaved. Check at the visitor center for road conditions.

You can view the park map here: http://home.nps.gov/applications/parks/grba/ppMaps/GRBAmap1.pdf

Rising high above the floor of Lexington Canyon, this imposing natural arch was created by the forces of weather working slowly over a span of centuries. Lexington Arch is unusual in one important respect: it is carved from limestone. Most of the natural arches of the western United States are composed of sandstone. The fact that Lexington Arch is made of limestone leads to speculation that it was once a passage in a cave system. Flowstone, a smooth glossy deposit that forms in caves has been found at the base of the opening, lending support to this theory.

It is even possible that Lexington Arch is actually a natural bridge. The distinction: an arch is formed by the forces of weathering, such as ice, wind, and chemical breakdown of the rock. A natural bridge, by contrast, is formed by the flowing waters of a stream. It is possible that long ago when Lexington Canyon was less deep, the waters of Lexington Creek flowed through a cave in the wall of the canyon, in the process enlarging the tunnel that later became Lexington Arch. If this happened then the Arch is truly a natural bridge.

Lexington Arch is located in a remote and wild section of Great Basin National Park. The dirt road is unimproved. Be prepared for rugged terrain and remember the high elevation. Hiking boots are essential on the rough rocky trail. Bring water and a snack and be prepared to spend the better part of a day driving and walking to Lexington Arch. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so come prepared for all types of weather, including sudden rainstorms and snow.

Getting There; From the Great Basin Visitor Center in Baker, drive south on NV Hwy 487 10.7 miles (17.2 km). On this stretch you will cross the state line into Utah, at which point NV Hwy 487 becomes Utah 21. Pass through the town of Garrison, and then pass Pruess Lake on your right. Look for the first dirt road on the right just south of Pruess Lake. Turn right onto the dirt road with a sign for Lexington Arch.

Proceed west 12.0 miles (19.3 km). The road will branch in a few places. At each fork look for the sign indicating the correct direction to Lexington Arch. Please remember to close any fence gates that you open to keep livestock on their range. The road ends in a small parking area with a sign indicating the trail to Lexington Arch. Park here.

The hike to the base of the Arch is 1.7 miles (2.7 km). The trail rises 820 feet (250 m). The first mile of the trail climbs up a steady grade and then levels off before crossing into the park. The last quarter mile climbs several short switchbacks to the arch.

Lexington Arch Trail
Length 3.4 miles (5.5 km)
Elevation Gain 820 feet (255 m)
Start Elev. 7,440 feet (2,320 m)

Great Basin N.P. park page
Source; NPS
Research Asst. Corie Marks