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Grandstaff Hiking Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.5 (80)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southeastern Utah
  4. …Moab
  5. Grandstaff Canyon WSA
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“A splendid canyon jaunt culminating with the sixth longest natural rock span in the U.S. ”

Nicholas Shannon
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Map Key

4.1

Miles

6.5

KM

Out and Back

4,295' 1,309 m

High

3,998' 1,219 m

Low

314' 96 m

Up

314' 96 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views

Hiking and running only.

Overview

The Grandstaff Hiking Trail features a perennial stream in its scenic canyon. Morning Glory Natural Bridge, which has a span of 243 feet, is the sixth longest natural rock span in the United States.

Need to Know

Responsible Recreation:
It is important to stay on the trail. Our trails are surrounded by living soil called Biocrust. Off-trail travel damages the deserts delicate ecosystem for decades after. Find out more about our soil from local non-profit: sciencemoab.org/radio/

Portable toilet systems are required in Grand County. Be prepared to carry human waste out on the trail. Human waste takes over a year to decompose in the desert. This keeps it clean for everyone hiking after you. Buy one at any of our local gear shops before your hike.

Temperatures can reach upwards of 100 degrees on the trail. Exposure to the sun is extreme. Always hike with enough water and electrolytes for the length of your hike and the temperature of the season. It is important to have more water than you might expect.

Always let someone know where you are and when you expect to be back. Cell service is limited. Always stay found. If lost, stay where you are.

Description

From the parking area next to Utah 128, follow the trail up the left side of the stream. Keep going upstream for about 1.5 miles.

Morning Glory Natural Bridge is located at the end of the second side canyon on the right. The trail forks just below this canyon. Follow the trail to the right, cross the stream and ascend a steep slope. Morning Glory Bridge is located at the end of the trail about 0.5 miles up the canyon from the stream.

Flora & Fauna

Do NOT touch the poison ivy that grows below the pool under the bridge! Poison ivy plants have dark green, shiny leaves with serrated edges in clusters of three.

Contacts

Land Manager: BLM Utah - Moab Field Office

Shared By:

Nicholas Shannon
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 80 votes

#1

in Grandstaff Canyon WSA

#40

Overall
  4.5 from 80 votes
5 Star
64%
4 Star
26%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Grandstaff Canyon WSA

#8

in Utah

#40

Overall
118 Views Last Month
44,088 Since Mar 19, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
9%
9%
71%
6%
5%
0%
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Photos

Morning Glory Arch is a nice treat after a hike in Grandstaff Canyon.
Nov 30, 2015 near Moab, UT
Morning Glory Bridge
Nov 28, 2017 near Moab, UT
Creek along the trail
Nov 28, 2017 near Moab, UT
Great canyon to explore if you're looking for a short adventure.
Nov 30, 2015 near Moab, UT
Sandy canyon singletrack trail in Grandstaff Canyon.
Apr 4, 2015 near Moab, UT
The Arch.
Mar 2, 2021 near Moab, UT

2 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 31 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 1, 2024
Bill Cessnun
13 creek crossings 5mi — 2h 25m
Oct 13, 2023
Moriah Stramel
May 28, 2023
Allie Petersen
Feb 9, 2023
Alex Puffer
sign posted at trailhead stated that a flash flood washed out portions of the trail. I found this to be true. You'll get your feet wet with the wat…
Nov 24, 2022
Tarita Fisher Boersma
With Bill, Claire, David, Mesa and Maeby. Thanksgiving 2022! 4.8mi — 2h 32m
May 7, 2022
Charles Barton
Nov 10, 2021
C H
Nov 5, 2021
Lora Staugler
3.4mi

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