Catherine Creek - Natural Arch, Catherine Creek - Universal Access Trail

A loop trip suitable for the whole family. We had three generations with us for this 2.7 mile loop. We started at the Catherine Creek trailhead, staying on the right-hand trail as it went up along Catherine Creek through a little canyon.

The trail here is actually an old road, so it is pleasant to walk side-by-side, admiring the white oaks. But what is that shiny three-leafed plant alongside of the trail? That, kids, is poison oak! Lots of it. This is a perfect laboratory for learning how to identify and avoid this plant.

We were very excited about visiting the natural arch, but were disappointed to find that the agency had placed a fence around it. We didn't look closely, but there didn't seem to be a good view of it from below - just the arch with a cliff wall behind it.

Past the arch, it is about a half mile to the junction where you can loop back up on the ridge above the arch. Take the trail to the right and leave the road-walk behind. This is where the views get good, along with the wildflowers. We had missed the desert parsley, but were fascinated by its "fall" foliage. Pretty white bitter-root were poking up everywhere too.

From the top of the ridge you can see sweeping views of the Gorge - you are really high up here, as this trail starts from the old highway and not Hwy 14. The area above the arch is also fenced off, and there is no vantage to look at it here either.

The trail drops hikers off on the road on the east side of Catherine Creek. Cross the bridge, watching for vehicles, and return to the parking lot.

For some extra fun, take the short (<1 mile) ADA loop trail on the south side of the road for more views and, right now, lots of poppies in bloom.