Name: Dead Mans Arch
Rating: 4.0

“A fun and fairly simple scramble through a beautiful canyon drainage to a hidden rock arch!”

— Preston Acuff

GPX File

Features Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly The wash is already a perfect family friendly camping location, this is a great opportunity for younger family members to see a side of nature usually only seen on more advanced hikes.

The road to access this hike is only recommended for high-clearance vehicles.
The Lake Mead National Recreation Area is pass or fee based for entry.

Description

This short hike to a hidden arch is the perfect addition to your outing to Kingman Wash. The arch is located roughly half-a-mile to the southwest and above the Kingman Wash (formerly known as Dead Mans Wash during the construction of Hoover Dam).

The trail starts at the end of the wash about 100 feet from the water. Head over the low hill covered in deep gravel, and from the top, descend to your right to head to the water's edge. Hikers will see a clearly worn route heading south along the ledge of the rock just above the water. At this point, there should be a cove and beach directly in front of you (there's often a fire pit here).

Continue south into the cove and then head into the drainage between the two slopes, almost like a canyon. Stay to the right (north) of the red rock formation just above the beach. Hikers will encounter plenty of boulders and a little scrambling as they go. There is not developed trail here, so focus on staying to the right as the climb continues. There are several possible routes, just keep following the drainage south to reach the saddle between the two slopes.

At the top of this climb, take a moment to admire the view of the lake behind you and the Kingman Wash Access Road ahead. The Arch should also be visible about a quarter mile to the west. A brief descent leads into a fairly level and straightforward wash. Follow the wash a short distance before breaking right towards the clearly visible arch.