Rango Arch Out and Back
Map of Rango Arch Out and Back, Red River Gorge
Elevation Profile of Rango Arch Out and Back, Red River Gorge
Overview. This was a random bonus hike thanks to Red River Underground’s latest video being top of mind. I had altered my plans and had some time to kill before sunset, so this arch filled the timeslot beautifully. It’s a difficult scramble with serious consequences if mismanaged, so definitely not for newbs and generally not for solo hiking. Read the details below.
Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 3.33 miles
Elevation Gain | 384 feet
Overall Difficulty | Difficult Class 3/4 Scramble
GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 37.852856, -83.641878
Turn to Overlook #5 | 37.837434, -83.637795
Turn to Rango Arch Descent | 37.836561, -83.638667
Rango Arch | 37.836242, -83.639014
Red River Gorge Area Map
Parking. Limited parking is available at the top of KY-77 at a roadside lot. Please park to maximize space for others. This lot is frequently full over the weekends in the warmer months with dispersed campers taking advantage of the many campsites along these unmarked trails.
Trail Navigation. The trail atop Tarr Ridge East is an old, heavily trafficked user trail (formerly Jennifer’s Trail) that is officially unmarked and unmaintained, but has received relatively recent work including substantial chainsaw cutting, trimming of underbrush, and what almost appears to be some drainage work on the spur to Overlook #5 (Jennifer’s Overlook). To reach Rango Arch, follow the main trail out past all the overlook spurs to reach the waypoint above. Turn right (southwest) and keep your eyes right (north) to find the uniquely crooked tree. Descend very steeply from here and reach a class 3/4 scramble that on my visit had a log as a very sketchy ladder. I didn’t use the log on the way down - opting instead to max-extend my hiking poles to balance while using a narrow palm hold. It is best to clear the sand off this spot to avoid slipping out. After the scramble, continue around the rock to find a sawed rhododendron. Step up and left here to reach Rango Arch. Do NOT descend from here, as that path leads down to KY-715 and is a long, steep, and slick piece of trail. To get back up after checking out the arch, I used the highest branch of the log that I could comfortably step to, placed my foot there, and pinned my knee against the log to shift my body lean forward. If you don’t do this, you will fall backwards and put yourself in a world of hurt…or on to the next world. I planted my palms on the rock and lifted myself up to finish the scramble. From there, it’s just retracing your steps to return to the trailhead. Keep in mind that I’m 6’3”, so this will certainly be more challenging without the advantage of height and long limbs.
CAUTION - Class 3/4 Scramble. The path to Rango Arch is serious business and should only be attempted by very capable hikers. The soil is steep and crumbling in places. The scramble is on sandy rock with a narrow ledge that on this day had a tree with chopped limbs as a ladder of sorts. I used hiking poles extended to the max on the way down instead of the tree ladder. On the way back up, I used the tree ladder (must lean uphill to avoid falling backwards) for a high step before palming my way up on the rock ledge. A misstep here has serious consequences, so take extreme care.
LEAVE NO TRACE - Carving. This arch has clearly seen a lot of visitation over the years with plenty of rock carvings to prove it. If you see someone carving, please report it to the land manager and local law enforcement. And to whomever carved that one rock down there, that’s pretty neat, but next time - buy your own rock on your own property and carve that one instead.
CAUTION - Deadly Drops. Long falls from high places are the #1 non-health related cause of death for hikers in Kentucky. Keep your distance from the edges of cliffs to avoid a deadly fall. Young children should be kept close.
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
Unofficial trailhead off Nada Tunnel Road (KY-77)
Crooked tree marks the turn
Sketching log “ladder”
Do NOT go down this wide, steep, slick path
Carving is illegal; but this is better than the initials J-A-C-K-A-S-S
Bone dry back view of Rango Arch
The wet side of the rock
Looking through the forest over Wolfpen Hollow