Royal Arch

Royal Arch is a natural stone arch deep in the western Grand Canyon backcountry, reached by one of the toughest routes in the park: the Royal Arch Loop. This isn't a rim overlook you drive up to — it's an off-trail, route-finding expedition that draws serious backpackers and canyoneers, not casual sightseers.

What the trip involves

The National Park Service describes the Royal Arch Loop as a demanding, multi-day backcountry route requiring off-trail navigation, scrambling, and at least one rappel to complete the loop past the arch itself. Reviewers back this up directly — one calls it "a challenge to get to but really amazing," another simply "rough hike, but well worth the price." Elves Chasm sits nearby and is often combined into the same trip.

Good to know

• Access: remote western canyon backcountry, via the unofficial Royal Arch Loop route detailed in the NPS trip-planning PDF
• Difficulty: strenuous, off-trail, technical sections including a rappel — not a marked or maintained trail
• Rating: 3.8 stars from a small pool of reviewers, split between backcountry veterans and less prepared visitors
• Nearby: Elves Chasm, frequently paired into the same multi-day itinerary

This is a destination for experienced backcountry permit holders who've done their homework, not a stop to add on impulse. Check the NPS Royal Arch Loop planning guide before attempting it, and be realistic about the skills the route demands.