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Taken 1-Oct-17
Visitors 42


12 of 53 photos
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Photo Info

Dimensions2880 x 1920
Original file size5.2 MB
Image typeJPEG
Color spaceAdobe RGB (1998)
Date taken2-Oct-17 06:24
Date modified5-Sep-18 12:56
Shooting Conditions

Camera makeCanon
Camera modelCanon EOS 5D Mark III
Focal length234 mm
Max lens aperturef/5
Exposure1/125 at f/8
FlashNot fired, compulsory mode
Exposure bias0 EV
Exposure modeManual
Exposure prog.Manual
ISO speedISO 400
Metering modePattern
Question Mark Arch

Question Mark Arch

Double-Barrel Arch may not be this arch's "official" name, but it suits it well. Double-Barrel Arch is located along a break in the western Paria Plateau, just south of the northernmost AZT trailhead, and just a quarter mile up BLM Road 1065 from the West Bench Pueblo turnoff. Looking to the east, just past the West Bench turnoff, you'll notice the plateau begin to flatten out, and then an island of slickrock appears. Look closely on the south end of the escarpment. As you drive a little further north, you'll notice a totem-pole like spire on the south end of the island. The arch is just north of the totem pole - you'll be able to see it from the road. Park opposite the arch where HRVR crosses a small wash - there's a wide spot off to the west side of the road. There's no real trail, per say, to follow to the arch. The easiest way seems to be to follow the small wash's north bank across the low sage plain, heading directly for the arch. The view from the plain is spectacular, however - you can look north along the west side of the Paria Plateau, and further north you can even see the Aquarius Plateau, way up into Utah. In between you and the arch lays a low ridge covered in pinon and juniper. Immediately before this ridge is a deep (15+ feet) arroyo. The arroyo is probably the most difficult part of the hike (not saying much, eh?). If you are following the north side of the small wash, your best bet for crossing the arroyo is to hike a short distance to the north, where a small spur arroyo is begining, and hike down into the main arroyo from there. If you hike a little more north in the arroyo bottom, you should come across a few cattle trails leading up and out of the gully and onto the east side. Find the south side of the sandstone mound again (the arch isn't visible from here), and continue hiking east towards the southern tip. Keep your eyes peeled for Anasazi artifacts - I saw lots of flint flakes and some potsherds when I went. There's also lots of cryptobiotic soil in the P/J area, so watch your step and tread lightly. There are a couple old cattle paths through the strip of woods that'll keep you off the cryptos.