Getting to the Trailhead

From downtown Moab, drive north on US-191 for about 16 miles and turn right (east) onto UT-313. Follow UT-313 for 7 miles until you reach a signed left turn for the Lone Mesa Group Campground. Park along the wide dirt pullout near the canyon rim. This is not an official trailhead, but it is commonly used as the access point for Cable Arch Canyon. The start is unmarked and requires a short cross-country hike to the head of the drainage.

GPS Coordinates for Parking: 38.6527, -109.7268

In-Depth Route Description – Cable Arch Canyon

From the parking area near the Lone Mesa Group Site, head southeast across open desert terrain. There is no formal trail, but a faint footpath weaves between patches of cryptobiotic soil and slickrock domes. Within about ten minutes, you’ll reach the shallow head of the drainage. Gear up before descending, as the first rappel comes quickly.

Rappel 1 – Short Drop into the Narrows

The route begins with a 25 to 30-foot rappel from a natural anchor — usually a large boulder or chockstone wedged at the canyon lip. This drop leads into a tight, V-shaped slot that marks the beginning of the technical section. In spring and after recent rain, this section can hold standing water, so be prepared for ankle-deep puddles.

Slot and Downclimb Section

After the first rappel, the canyon narrows significantly. The next 200 yards involve several short downclimbs (some with handline options), easy chimneying, and controlled slides over slickrock pour-offs. Keep your group spaced out here and watch for loose rock underfoot.

Rappel 2 – Mid-Canyon Dryfall

This rappel is usually about 45 feet, anchored from a pinch point or a sling around a rock horn. The rappel ends in a sandy chamber with high walls and a natural echo. This is a good rest point, especially in warmer weather. Check the condition of existing webbing before use.

Short Walk to the Arch

The canyon begins to widen temporarily. After about ten minutes of easy hiking through soft sand and scattered boulders, you will come to the edge of the Cable Arch bowl. Take a minute here, you’re standing above one of the more dramatic rappels in the area.

Rappel 3 – The Arch Drop

This is the route’s crux and most photographed rappel. Approximately 95 to 100 feet in height, this descent follows a clean vertical wall with Cable Arch prominently overhead and slightly off to your right. Most parties rig from bolts or a stout natural anchor on a nearby slab. The rope pulls cleanly if set correctly, but use a rope bag and extend the anchor if drag is a concern. The view of the arch during the rappel is stunning — this is a good spot to have a photographer staged below if you’re with a group.

Exit and Return

After the final rappel, follow the drainage south for a short distance until it opens into a broad slickrock wash. Head west and look for cairns that mark the exit route. The climb out involves several hundred vertical feet of steep sandstone slabs and sandy ledges. While not exposed, the exit requires solid route finding. Once on the mesa top, contour north back toward your vehicle. The return hike is around one mile and can be hot and exposed in the afternoon.

Optional Variations

• Some parties set up an additional rappel below the arch to bypass a downclimb, especially if traveling with less experienced team members or kids.

• A variation starts slightly higher on the mesa and adds one extra short rappel (15 feet), but most stick to the standard three-rappel route for efficiency.

Final Tips

• Expect sun exposure throughout the approach and exit

• Cell service is minimal to nonexistent

• Check weather before you go — flash flooding is a real hazard in narrow canyons

• A GPS or reliable offline map is highly recommended

• Bring more water than you think you need, especially in late spring or early fall

Cable Arch Canyon is an ideal objective for people looking to practice intermediate canyon skills in a beautiful and remote setting. It is accessible without being crowded, scenic without being overwhelming, and just technical enough to keep it interesting. For those new to the sport, consider booking a guided tour to gain confidence with anchors, rappels, and movement techniques.

• Map and Compass
• Multi-tool
• Waterproof Bag
• Insect Repellent
• Portable Charger
• Identification