The geography around Moab has been shaped and sculpted by thousands of years of climatic and geophysical change. The last 540 million years of geological evolution have cut some of the most spectacular recreational trails in the world into the sandstone rock formations.
Moab's petrified dunes of sand, or "slickrock," are unique to this part of the world and lure adventurers like a magnet. From wild to mild, the trails come to a head around this quaint little town. Listed below are thirty-three trails surrounding Moab and three famous action spots. Also included are their trailheads' GPS coordinates, difficulty ratings, and what you should expect on the trail.
3-D Trail
Rating: n Trailhead: Lat: 38 44' 4.31" / Lon: 109 47' 4.12"
Getting There: This trail tours Hidden Canyon, Lunar Canyon, and Brink Spring north of Highway 313 and west of Highway 191. The trailhead is about 14 miles north of Moab on Highway 191 near Mile Marker 141.
Description: 3-D winds from canyon bottom to canyon rim to an even higher scenic overlook. The canyons consist of smooth red and white Entrada sandstone layers. The trail travels wash bottoms, two-track dirt roads, some slickrock, and a few loose climbs and rock ledges. Some of the climbs look tougher than the square rating denotes, but few people have had problems negotiating them.
Behind the Rocks Trail
Rating: uu Trailhead: Lat: 38 26' 24" / Lon: 109 25' 44"
Getting There: From Moab, take Highway 191 south about 13 miles to the county road on the right and head west. Follow the county road above Kane Creek Canyon to the top of the Prichett Canyon Trail, and then turn up Hunter Canyon.
Description: The original Jeep Safari Trail has much to offer. Exploring the land behind the rocks is scenic and challenging. Most of the trail is circle- or square-rated, but Nosedive Hill, Upchuck, Phil's Hill, and White Knuckle Hill make the trail a double diamond. The trail goes down White Knuckle Hill, but going back up is one of Moab's toughest challenges. Highlights include Picture Frame Arch and Hunter Canyon. Once through Hunter Canyon, you can continue down Pritchett Canyon.
Chicken Corners Trail
Rating: l Trailhead: Lat: 38 28' 55" / Lon: 109 37' 29"
Getting There: Head out of Moab on Kane Creek Road at the McDonald's on Highway 191. Follow Kane Creek Road for about 11 miles, then take the right toward Hurrah Pass. From there, it's about 9 miles to the end of the trail.
Description: The trail gets its name from earlier days when only the least "chicken" would travel the narrow road. It follows the Colorado River, then goes through Lower Kane Springs Canyon and up over Cane Springs Anticline (the spelling is in dispute), then up over Hurrah Pass and back over the river, ending across from Dead Horse Point. There are petroglyphs along the road, and the Kane Creek crossing can be dry or impassable after a storm. Chicken Corners is a point where the road tips toward the river 400 feet below.
Cliff Hanger Trail
Rating: u Trailhead: Lat: 38 31' 27" / Lon: 109 36' 5"
Getting There: Head out of Moab on Kane Creek Road at the McDonald's on Highway 191. About 1 mile after Kane Creek Road splits away from the Colorado River Gorge is a small trailhead on the right. This is where Cliff Hanger begins.
Description: Cliff Hanger is the only vehicular access onto Amasa Back, a high, isolated area with unusual and spectacular views. The creek crossing at the beginning of the trail can be difficult if the water's high. The trail climbs a rocky plateau with some ledges to surmount, then rounds a point and hangs on the edge of a 1,300-foot cliff! You come back the way you went in, and the climb from the creek to Kane Springs Road can be challenging.