Grandstaff Canyon | Moab

Hiking Grandstaff Canyon - Moab Hiking Grandstaff Canyon

Moab

Overview

RATING: Easy/Moderate Hike
MAPS: Moab, UT

Mon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. North wind 0 to 5 mph. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

41 | 26

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 37. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.

37 | 19

Wed

Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.

39 | 20

Thu

Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

40 | 22

Fri

Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

43 | 24

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Any
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: No drinkable water. Bring all you need.
FLASHFLOOD: Low

Mon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. North wind 0 to 5 mph. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

41 | 26

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 37. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.

37 | 19

Wed

Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.

39 | 20

Thu

Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

40 | 22

Fri

Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

43 | 24

View Full Weather Details
Morning Glory Arch

Morning Glory Arch

Grandstaff Canyon is one of the most popular hikes around Moab. It is the standard route to Morning Glory Arch and offers a good, family friendly hike. The canyon has a year-round stream in the canyon bottom, so can be tolerable in even the hottest times of the year. The flip side is that most of the stream crossing have enough rocks to keep your feet dry, so this one can also be done in the dead of winter.

Stream in Grandstaff Canyon

Stream in Grandstaff Canyon

High Walls in Grandstaff Canyon

High Walls in Grandstaff Canyon

Getting There

Heading north out of Moab about a mile, and turn right on Highway 128. Go up Highway 128 about 3 miles to the obvious and signed Grandstaff trailhead on the right. The trailhead has a large paved parking area and outhouse.

Avoid! Grandstaff Canyon

Avoid! Grandstaff Canyon

Stream in Grandstaff Canyon Moab

Stream in Grandstaff Canyon Moab

Route

Warning: There is much poison ivy along the trail. It is easily avoidable, but something to keep an eye out for. An informational sign at the trailhead has a picture for easy identification.


Follow the well-established trail up Grandstaff Canyon. The trail stays on the east side of the stream for 20 or so minutes before beginning quite a few crossings. Most of the crossing have strategically placed rocks in the stream; you are unlikely to get your feet wet.

Shortly after the first crossing, a side canyon comes in on the right and is not the Morning Glory Arch side canyon. Keep going up Grandstaff Canyon. At about 45 minutes, the canyon comes to a pretty distinct Y. The main trail has a faint side trail leaving here on the left, with the main trail dropping to the stream, crossing the stream, and heading up the right side canyon to Morning Glory Arch. Expect about 60 or so minutes from the trailhead to Morning Glory Arch.

Note: Morning Glory Arch, with a span of 243 feet, is impressive. So much so, it is the 7th largest arch in the world. Be careful, this route is frequented by canyoneers, and they often drop ropes from the top of the arch without warning hikers below. Also beware, there is much poison ivy near the base of the arch, around the pool.

A less traveled diversion

If you're motivated, or looking for a less traveled diversion, you can take the faint left-hand trail mentioned above before heading up the Morning Glory Arch side canyon. This faint trail continues up Grandstaff Canyon, and is less traveled than the lower sections of the canyon.

The canyon is less impressive above the junction to Morning Glory Arch, but still pretty and worth the hike. The trail in this section stays more on benches, away from the water, so can be hot in summer. Return the way you came as energy dictates.


Maps

Morning Glory Out and Back / 4.47 miles / Elevation Range 3,966 - 4,309 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead

12S 627646mE 4274512mN

N38° 36' 36" W109° 32' 02"

Junction

12S 629330mE 4273189mN

N38° 35' 52" W109° 30' 53"

Morning Glory

12S 629857mE 4272752mN

N38° 35' 38" W109° 30' 32"

Comments

Want to make a comment? Login and let yourself be heard.