Horse Collar Arch

Downstream from the Collar. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

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The cliffs of the Dolores River Canyon are home to a unique arch that developed from a pothole. This round hole, scoured by rocks and sand, has been completely penetrated through into 100-foot plunge pool. The arch resembles a harness collar used on draft horses. However, what makes this rock formation most unique is that it’s horizontal, while most arches are vertical.

Know Before You Go

The arch can be viewed from near the Hanging Flume viewing area from the east side of the river or may be accessed on the west side by crossing the river at R13 Road, about two miles downstream from the viewing area. A short hike from R13 will take you to the top of the arch. A more strenuous hike will take you to the river bottom and to the bottom of the plunge pool. On the east side of the river, the road to the viewing point ends at a turnaround, but there is a faint trail that continues down the cliff.

rock formations