Water Canyon Arch (Eye of the Heavens)

…Who doesn’t enjoy a hike that gives you views as if you’re on top of the world! I know I do, and this hike to Water Canyon Arch (Eye of the Heavens Arch) will do just that!

There’s two ways of getting to the arch, but the route I took was the squirrel creek trail, to the Canaan mountain trail. Once you park your vehicle in the obvious, large parking lot, follow the property fence to the right for about .5 miles towards "short creek". Note: there is no fee to park at the trailhead. You’ll then see a foot beaten path that you’ll follow and will have you cross the creek and around the mountain. Depending on the time of year, the water levels may be higher, so you may need to get your feet wet. You’ll then take that for about 2.8 miles, before taking the Canaan mountain trail fork to your left. You’ll take that trail for .8 miles, but at the .8 mile mark keep a lookout on your left for a wide sandy/dirt trail. That trail will take you to the arch. Once you get on the trail, take that for 1.1 miles until you get to the arch. As you get closer to the cliff edge you know you’re close. I mean, you’ll know when you’re there because you can’t miss the arch! It’s not only amazing and large in length, but you can walk across it if you dare to. When up there, look northeast at the skyline and locate the white domes...it's pretty awesome! It really is a special spot in the canyon, and as far I know, not a whole lot of people make their way to the arch, so you may have it all to yourself. However you Capture the moment, have a good time and take it all in. 

Once you’re done, head back the same way you came, OR go the opposite (loop) route and take the water canyon trail back. Either way, your round-trip distance is going to be around10 and a half miles. There are some fairly challenging sections throughout the hike, especially some steep inclining and navigating, so go prepared and bring an offline map and plenty of water. Me and my friend lost the trail a few times, so just go prepared.

The trail is kid and pet friendly (albeit long), so bring them along if that's something they/you are prepared for. Remember, leave the trail better then you left it, and never stop exploring!