Liz’s Arch and Sunny Side Arch Out and Back

Dec 18

Map of Liz's Arch and Sunny Side Arch Hike, Muir Valley

Elevation Profile of Liz's Arch and Sunny Side Arch Hike, Muir Valley

Overview. There are two arches in Muir Valley along the trail system and both are beautiful. Liz’s Arch calls to mind Angel Windows while Sunny Side is a really unique arch with a kind of slot canyon feel along its eastern entryway. Both are worth a stop when visiting the waterfalls here over Winter when climbers (primary trail users) are away.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 1.6 miles
Overall Difficulty | Easy to Moderate
Map of Muir Valley Climbing Area

GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 37.724528, -83.634544
Liz’s Arch | 37.724131, -83.630719
Sunny Side Arch | 37.722267, -83.626267

Trailhead. Plenty of parking is available during the Winter months, just be sure to sign the liability waiver and pay your parking fee online or at the pay station (wi-fi available here too). [map]

Trail navigation. From the shelter, stay to the right at the fork to descend into the valley heading eastward. You’ll reach a set of steps with a sign and trail midway down. Follow the sign for Land Before Time and continue on this trail before reaching Liz’s Arch after a slightly steeper downhill section. Retrace your steps and turn right to the ‘Main Trail’ and turn right again to continue descending to Middle Fork of Lower Devil Creek. Continue until crossing the bridge and turn right toward Sunny Side and follow the well placed signs. Reach another junction and go right again toward Sunny Side. The trail hits a switchback with a user trail to the left. Continue on the main path moving around the cliffline. Another trail with stone steps will appear, move past it before reaching a unique rock formation with Velvet Revolution tagged near its base. Move left and find your way to what looks like a cave entrance. This is the eastern entrance to Sunny Side Arch. Descend and take your time examining this beauty before retracing your steps to return to the parking lot.

Climbers first. Rock climbers are the primary trail users here, and this is a world class climbing destination. I strongly encourage you to only visit during the Winter months when climbers are indoors and the waterfalls are flowing.

Liability waiver and parking fee. Visit http://muirvalley.org to sign your liability waiver and pay your parking fee using the donation page. There is also a cash box on site if you prefer to pay old school.

No pets. Cats, rats, pigs, and dogs can stay home for this one. If you want to hike arches with your pets, visit the National Forest where they are both welcome and furry playmates are plentiful.

CAUTION - Poisonous Snakes. Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes can be found in the area. Should you encounter one, stop and slowly back away. Always give venomous snakes a wide berth. Know Before You Go => University of Kentucky Venomous Snake Guide

CAUTION - Black Bears. Ursus Americanus - a.k.a. the American black bear is growing in population throughout much of Kentucky. Know Before You Go => US Forest Service Black Bear Safety Tips