If you’re looking for a short but rewarding hike in the Blue Mountains, the Dargans Arch hike is a must-visit. This 1.8 km (1.1 mi) trail leads to a stunning natural rock formation near Dargan, close to Bell in Blue Mountains National Park. The hike is relatively easy, making it perfect for beginners and those looking for a quick adventure.
Dargans Arch Hike Overview
- When: 15 March 2025
- Where: Blue Mountains National Park
- Weather: Very hot autumn day. Low of 68°F (20°C) and a high of 87.8°F (31°C)
- Departure: From the trail head on Sandham Rd, Bell , finishing at the trail head.
- Length: 1.1 miles, 1.8 km
- Elevation gain: 337 ft, 103 m
- Duration: 41 minutes moving time
Getting to Dargans Arch
We started our hike by meeting at Bell train station, where our group of 16 gathered before driving to the Dargans Arch trailhead on Sandham Road. While a section of Sandham Road is unsealed, it’s accessible with a regular vehicle—no 4WD required.
Hiking to Dargans Arch
The trail begins as a wide fire trail with a gentle descent. The first 500 meters (1,640 feet) are easy to navigate, making for a pleasant start.
As we continued, the path narrowed and became less distinct, but we pressed on until Dargans Arch came into view. The natural rock bridge is an incredible sight, and after taking in the views (and plenty of photos!), we carefully followed a rocky, zigzagging route up to the top of the arch.
The arch itself is wide and safe to cross, offering a unique vantage point. From there, we scrambled down into the gully below, crossing an unnamed creek to reach the base of the arch.
How Was Dargans Arch Formed?
Dargans Arch was formed when the roof of a limestone cave collapsed, creating this impressive rock formation. Standing beneath it, I was reminded of why I love returning to this incredible spot—it never fails to amaze!
Returning from the Hike
After exploring the area, we retraced our steps back to the trailhead and our waiting cars.
My final Thoughts
This 1.8 km (1.1 mi) return hike, with a 103-meter (337-foot) ascent, is a great short hike in the Blue Mountains and was the perfect warm-up for our next adventure—Kamarah Creek Canyon. You can read all about that hike [here].
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path hike, great for beginners with a slight elevation gain, in the Blue Mountains, Dargans Arch is definitely worth a visit! Happy hiking!
If you’re hiked to Dargans Arch or have any questions, I’d love to hear from you.