Wrather Arch Arch
Remote natural arch carved from Navajo sandstone
A remote sandstone arch in northern Arizona along the Colorado River corridor. It draws photographers and river-trip visitors for dramatic rock formations and backcountry exploration.
Wrather Arch at a Glance#
How to Get to Wrather Arch#
Wrather Arch lies within Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in northern Arizona, north of US-89A. Access typically begins from small dirt roads off Highway 89 between Jacob Lake and Marble Canyon; the final approach is cross-country. Reach the nearest paved point-Jacob Lake or Marble Canyon-by car, then use a high-clearance vehicle to go further on unpaved roads if available. From the closest trailhead the arch requires several miles of off-trail navigation; a topographic map and GPS are strongly recommended.
Tips for Visiting Wrather Arch#
- Go prepared for a long hike; the route to Wrather Arch is unmarked and cross-country terrain can be loose and steep.
- Bring a topographic map or GPS-cell service is unreliable in this part of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light on the sandstone; mid-day washes out the subtle colors.
- Leave no trace: the arch sits in a fragile desert ecosystem-don't climb on or around the formation.
Best Time to Visit Wrather Arch#
Best visited spring through fall for access and comfortable hiking conditions; avoid the hottest summer months when desert heat and flash floods are hazards.
Weather & Climate near Wrather Arch#
Wrather Arch's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 34°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 6 mm.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 34°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with 32 mm of rain.
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September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall.