Hondu Arch – San Rafael Swell Hondu Arch is perhaps the largest arch in the San Rafael Swell and for many, if not all of those who have seen the arch, it is from the road far below near Muddy Creek.  On one of my adventures I set out to hike to the rear of the arch and witness it from up close and from behind. My trip first required driving into the somewhat mysterious Mussentuchit Badlands an area located to the west of the “Swell.”   How did it get such an interesting name, well if you speak clearly enough it makes more sense. It is the “must not touch it” badlands...

The San Rafael Swell is located in the east center of Utah and is an area about 46 miles long and about 27 miles wide in the Emery County, Utah. For decades I have been enjoying and exploring the “Swell.” The landscape is similar to the vast areas of Southern Utah but not as far away from my home town of Nephi. Two streams cut through the San Rafael Reef and the interior. While these are not large streams, during good water years and during spring run-off floating the San Rafael River and Muddy Creek is an activity many adventurers plan on. Because of the size and varied landscape of the Swell...