Broken Bow Arch via Willow Gulch

Broken Bow Arch is remote and it does take considerable time to get to the access.  It is over one hour down Hole in the Rock road  from route 12 and 13 miles from the very end of Hole in the Rock road.  Conditions vary on Hole in the Rock from a smooth grade to severe washboarding.  The access road for Willow Gulch can be reach with an average passenger car but the trailhead requires high clearance vehicle.  If in a passenger car, park along the access road side to a point that cannot be traveled without high clearance. The trailhead from the Hole in the Rock road is 1.1 miles.  So the route may be longer depending on the start point.

From the trailhead, the route quickley drops down into Willow Gulch along steep sandy path, at points with deep sand. Once in the gulch, the route is easy to follow until an obvious intersection with another gulch and the split of Willow Gulch.  Going left or right will lead to the same location however, the left side is easier as it exits the gulch for a bit of easy travel.  Choosing one side on the way in and the other on the way will provide a full experience.

Willow gulch slowly fills with water and by the time the arch is in view, it is a running stream with small fish and crayfish.  Early morning provides a reflection of the archin the water.  Past mid morning and there is too much glare for this effect.

There is several footpatch to the opposite side of the arch for a different view.  Keep low in the gulch then climb to the left once past the arch.  Return the way you came.