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Hike through Grandstaff Canyon

Moab, Utah

4.3/5
based on 8 reviews

Details

Distance

4.34 miles

Elevation Gain

1335 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Tyler McFall

Escape the crowds at Arches and get amazing views of one the larges natural bridges in the U.S.

The Grandstaff Canyon trail is 2.4 miles to Morning Glory Bridge and can take anywhere between 3-5 hours round trip. Grandstaff Canyon is nestled right along the Colorado River in Moab, UT. This easy hike takes you to the 6th longest natural bridge in the United States, Morning Glory Bridge. Breathtaking views of this bridge can be seen at the end of trail where you are stand right below it.

This easy trail takes you to amazing views of one of the largest natural bridges in the United States. It is just outside of Arches National Park, yet you won't run into many crowds.

Bring shoes that can get wet since you will be crossing the water a couple of times. And keep an eye out for poison ivy; there's a lot of it on this trail.

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Features

Chillin
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
River
Scenic
Wildlife

Hike through Grandstaff Canyon Reviews

This hike is often fairly crowded but if you have not been in a desert canyon it does not get much easier to access. There are bathrooms at the trailhead and a nice arch at the end for you to sometimes catch people rappelling from.

It was great! Went in January and only saw 4 other people. Two awesome rappels and a few miles of hiking. We really took our time and played at both rappel spots and we took about 5 hours.

Like everyone else, I definitely think this trail is pretty crowded. However, it is still a super nice trail. It's nice for a trail run too, if you're looking for a mild, flat run!

Great trail close to Moab. It has recently been renamed "Grandstaff Canyon" (which was Bill's last name). Morning Glory Arch is spectacular. Do not expect solitude on this trail - it's a popular one! As others have mentioned, be careful on the numerous water crossings (or wear water shoes).

Did this hike while visiting the parks in Moab! Enjoyed having the trail to ourselves despite a holiday weekend!

This is an easy hike but do not underestimate the stream crossings and remember, only one foot on a rock at a time! Morning Glory Bridge is a nice reward at the end of this hike. We saw two men rappelling from it when we arrived and that was actually the highlight of the hike!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camping at Granstaff Campground

Camp Goose Island Campground

Ride the Slick Rock Mountain Bike Trail

Trail Run Moab's Slickrock Trail

Camp at Sand Flats Recreation Area in Moab

Rappel the Granstaff Canyon