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An underrated trail that heads past prominent rock formations in the Castle Valley.


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Map Key

3.8

Miles

6.2

KM

Point to Point

5,147' 1,569 m

High

4,358' 1,328 m

Low

874' 266 m

Up

124' 38 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Description

The Sylvester Trail is in the Onion Creek area of Moab and follows open desert through Professor Valley drainage. The trail passes several unique rock formations on the right which dominate the skyline.

From the parking area, follow the trail which is relatively flat and easy. The trail will cross a dry wash several times before it begins to ascend a bench on the right. The trail weaves along this bench gradually ascending. The rock formations include the "Preacher," "The Nuns", "Rectory" and Castleton Tower. Once the trail passes the foot of Castleton Tower, it will begin to descend slightly.

When you reach a dirt 4x4 road, the Sylvester Trail ends and you return the way you came. It is possible to reach the La Sal Loop Road from here by crossing this dirt road and follow the trail to a second dirt road where you can turn right and follow out to the loop road.

I recommend this hike during the early morning. There is no protection from the sun so spring or fall may be the best time of year for this one.

Contacts

Shared By:

John Maurizi

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 4 votes

#24342

Overall
  3.5 from 4 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
25%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#739

in Utah

#24,342

Overall
11 Views Last Month
1,776 Since Jun 5, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate

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25%
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Photos

Sylvester Trail at sunrise
Jun 27, 2018 near Moab, UT
Castleton Tower on the left
Jun 27, 2018 near Moab, UT
Sylevster Trail with the Preacher and Nuns formation in the distance
Jun 27, 2018 near Moab, UT
View from the Sylvester Trail
Jun 27, 2018 near Moab, UT
Sylvester Trailhead
Jun 27, 2018 near Moab, UT

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 61 days ago
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Check-Ins

Oct 18, 2023
Kerith Aronow
Apr 25, 2020
Andrew Borchman
Very sandy and exposed. Given the options in the area, not a favorite for us. 7mi — 3h 05m
Mar 27, 2020
Sara Wells
Nov 18, 2018
Christian Davis
Aug 1, 2018
Lynn Lester
7.2mi
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