Lost Arch Inn & Lisa Dawn Trails

Heading into the Turtle Mountains, Lost Arch Inn Road and Lisa Dawn Trail lead to the Lost Arch Inn.  Where once a miner's cabin stood,  the “Inn” is now an improved BLM campsite with impressive views of the steep walls of the Turtle Mountains. Bordering the Turtle Mountains Wilderness to the west, the road provides easy access to many hiking trails where spring cacti floral displays are bountiful, and quiet patience will reveal the local wildlife.  The Lost Arch itself is a natural arch found only when hiking into the wilderness, and legend suggests the arch is a landmark for a nearby gold mine.  The Lisa Dawn Mine vertical shaft is located only 75 feet north of the Lost Arch Inn campsite, and iron mine grates protect curious explorers. In 1962, the 100 lb "Needles Meteorite" was discovered next to the Lisa Dawn Trail and was quickly removed, and today, there remains no evidence of its landing site.

This is an easy path, but the uneven rocky road will require a high clearance vehicle needing only two-wheel drive.

The Lost Arch Inn campsite is located at the westernmost section of the trail, tucked up against the steep wall of Turtle Mountain, where a covered table and metal fire ring with a grill are provided.