Sandstone Arch Hike and Desert Wildlife Adventure

Babylon Arch is a hidden gem in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, offering a stunning desert landscape and a relatively short yet rewarding hike. The trail to Babylon Arch is approximately 3 miles round-trip, leading hikers through red sandstone formations, sand dunes, and unique rock features. The highlight of the trail is the Babylon Arch itself, a natural sandstone arch carved over time by wind and water. The area is known for its quiet, peaceful setting, where hikers can often explore without encountering crowds.
The geology of this region is characterized by Navajo sandstone, which was deposited millions of years ago during the Jurassic period when this area was a vast desert. Over time, the shifting sands solidified into rock, forming the dramatic cliffs and arches we see today. The soft sandstone erodes easily, creating fascinating rock formations, narrow canyons, and arches like Babylon Arch.