Tag: Grand County

Spring Canyon Bottom Road

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Canyonlands National Park is located in the south eastern corner of the state of Utah
Canyonlands National Park is located in the south eastern corner of the state of Utah

Spring Canyon Bottom Road is a rugged, scenic off-road trail in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, Utah, offering a thrilling descent into the park’s dramatic backcountry. This 12.2-mile one-way route (24.4 miles round-trip) connects Dubinky Well Road, just outside the park, to the Green River and the Hey Joe Canyon trailhead, descending via steep switchbacks into Spring Canyon. Best suited for high-clearance 4WD vehicles and experienced mountain bikers, hiking is possible but rare due to the trail’s length, exposure, and technical terrain. The road traverses a stark desert landscape of sandstone cliffs, sandy washes, and open flats, with sweeping views of the Green River, distant La Sal Mountains, and the canyon’s sheer walls. Rated as easy to moderate (technical rating 2) for 4WD vehicles and bikes when conditions are dry, the trail features tight switchbacks, rocky sections, and potential rockslides, with an elevation drop of about 1,500 feet from 5,500 to 4,000 feet. The journey takes approximately 1-2 hours by vehicle or 3-5 hours by bike, with hiking times varying significantly.

The trail begins at an unmarked junction off Dubinky Well Road, accessed from Highway 313, about 11 miles north of Moab and 1.5 miles past a rest area (38.6650, -109.7800). It enters Canyonlands National Park after 1.5 miles, where park rules and a $30 vehicle entry fee apply (payable at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center or online at recreation.gov). Key features include the dramatic switchbacks descending into Spring Canyon, primitive campsites along the canyon bottom, and access to the Green River and Hey Joe Canyon. Spring and fall are ideal for travel, as summer heat exceeds 100°F, and winter or post-rain conditions increase risks of rockslides and muddy washes. Flash flooding is a concern, and portable toilets are required for camping due to environmental regulations.

Trail Details

  • Length: 12.2 miles one-way (24.4 miles round-trip).
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate for 4WD vehicles and mountain bikes (technical rating 2); strenuous for hikers due to distance, exposure, and uneven terrain.
  • Elevation Change: Approximately 1,500 feet descent; altitude ranges from 5,500 to 4,000 feet.
  • Terrain: Dirt, gravel, sandy washes, slickrock, and tight switchbacks with rocky sections. High-clearance 4WD required; OHVs, ATVs, and UTVs are prohibited in the park.
  • Access: Start at the junction with Dubinky Well Road (38.6650, -109.7800), reached via Highway 313. A park entry fee ($30 per vehicle) is required, and timed entry reservations may apply April 1–October 31, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Features: Scenic switchbacks, views of Spring Canyon and Green River, primitive campsites (backcountry permit required), and access to Hey Joe Canyon trailhead. No dinosaur tracks are noted on this route.
  • Challenges: Tight switchbacks requiring multi-point turns for larger vehicles (e.g., full-size trucks), deep sand, and potential rockslides after rain. No shade, limited cell coverage, and flash flooding risks in washes. Pets are not allowed off roads, and motorcycles must be street-legal.
  • Amenities: No facilities on the trail. Closest amenities are at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center (water March–October, restrooms) or Willow Flat Campground (vault toilets). Bring ample water, sunscreen, and a detailed map (e.g., National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated Canyonlands).

Hiking and Biking Notes

Hiking Spring Canyon Bottom Road is uncommon due to its 24.4-mile round-trip length, lack of shade, and technical terrain, making it a strenuous endeavor best suited for cooler months (March–May or September–November). The route follows the road, with firm footing on dirt and slickrock but no dedicated trail, and hikers must navigate sandy washes and rocky sections. Mountain biking is more popular, offering a challenging ride through varied terrain, though deep sand and steep switchbacks may require dismounting. Cyclists must stay on designated roads to protect the fragile desert ecosystem, including cryptobiotic soil, and yield to vehicles. The trail’s highlight is the descent through the switchbacks, offering breathtaking views of the canyon’s sheer walls and the Green River. Primitive campsites along the canyon bottom require a backcountry permit and portable toilet. Hikers and bikers should carry ample water, navigation tools (GPS or map), and sun protection, as trail markers are minimal, and the remote landscape can be disorienting.

Trail Map

History and Significance

Spring Canyon Bottom Road’s history is tied to the geologic and cultural evolution of Canyonlands National Park, established in 1964 to preserve the region’s dramatic landscape carved by the Green and Colorado rivers. The road’s path through Spring Canyon showcases the Entrada Sandstone, formed 165 million years ago from Jurassic dune fields, and the underlying Paradox Formation, a 300-million-year-old salt bed that caused fracturing and collapse, shaping the canyon’s steep walls and fins. This geologic legacy, driven by uplift and erosion, makes the road a vital access route to the park’s backcountry, offering a glimpse into its ancient past.

Historically, the region around Spring Canyon was inhabited by the Fremont and Ancestral Puebloan peoples until about 700 years ago, with rock art and ruins in nearby areas like the Needles District attesting to their presence. Spanish missionaries encountered Ute and Paiute tribes in 1775, and Mormon settlers briefly established the Elk Mountain Mission in Moab in 1855, abandoning it due to harsh conditions. Spring Canyon Bottom Road likely originated as a ranching or exploration route in the late 19th or early 20th century, used by prospectors and cattlemen navigating the rugged terrain. The area saw uranium prospecting in the 1950s, contributing to the park’s creation, as figures like Bates Wilson, the first superintendent, advocated for its protection after exploring the region’s canyons.

The road’s significance lies in its role as a remote access route to the Green River and Hey Joe Canyon, offering solitude and adventure in a less-visited part of the Island in the Sky District. Its switchbacks and canyon-bottom campsites reflect the park’s “Wild West” character, as described by author Edward Abbey, who called Canyonlands “the most weird, wonderful, magical place on earth.” The road’s proximity to the Green River connects it to the legacy of John Wesley Powell, whose 1869 expedition down the Green and Colorado rivers helped map the region. Today, the National Park Service manages the road to balance recreation with preservation, enforcing strict regulations to protect the delicate desert ecosystem, including requirements for portable toilets and permits for camping. Spring Canyon Bottom Road remains a cherished route for off-roaders and cyclists seeking an immersive experience in Canyonlands’ untamed beauty.

Willow Springs Road

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Willow Springs Road offers a rugged, scenic route into the western edge of Arches National Park, providing a quieter, less-traveled alternative to the park’s main entrance. Stretching approximately 7.9 miles from Highway 191 to its terminus at Balanced Rock on the park’s paved road, this dirt and slickrock trail is a backdoor adventure best suited for high-clearance 4WD vehicles, mountain bikes, or determined hikers. The trail winds through a starkly beautiful desert landscape, flanked by sandstone fins, scattered boulders, and distant views of iconic formations like the Windows Section and La Sal Mountains.

A less popular view of Balancing Rock in Arches National Park
A less popular view of Balancing Rock in Arches National Park

Highlights include dinosaur tracks preserved in the rock, expansive vistas of the park’s backcountry, and a sense of solitude rare in this popular park. The trail is rated as easy to moderate for 4WD vehicles and bikes, with challenges like sandy washes, small rock ledges, and occasional washboard sections. Hikers face a longer, exposed journey, with no shade and minimal elevation gain (approximately 500 feet). The trail takes about 30-45 minutes by vehicle or 2-3 hours by bike, with hiking times varying based on pace and stops.

Starting from Highway 191, about 11.5 miles north of Moab (near milepost 138.6), the trailhead is marked by a sign for Willow Springs Road. The first 3.8 miles traverse UtahRaptor State Park (formerly BLM land), passing dispersed camping areas and the Klonzo Trail System, popular for mountain biking. A large sign marks the Arches National Park boundary, where park rules apply, including a required entrance fee (payable at the main entrance or online at recreation.gov). From here, the road narrows, becoming rougher with sandy and rocky sections, and continues 4 miles to Balanced Rock. A notable stop at 3.5 miles from Highway 191 is the dinosaur track site, where well-marked theropod (raptor-like) and sauropod (brontosaurus-like) footprints, dating back 165 million years, are preserved in the Entrada Sandstone. The trail ends at a paved junction, offering access to park highlights like the Windows Section and Double Arch.

Trail Details

  • Length: 7.9 miles one-way (15.8 miles round-trip if returning to Highway 191).
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate for 4WD vehicles and mountain bikes; moderate for hikers due to distance and exposure.
  • Elevation Gain: Approximately 500 feet, with gentle undulations.
  • Terrain: Dirt, gravel, slickrock, sandy washes, small rock ledges, and washboard sections. High-clearance 4WD required beyond the park boundary; 2WD vehicles can manage the first 3.8 miles to the boundary with caution.
  • Access: From Highway 191, turn east onto Willow Springs Road (38.696712, -109.698675). No pay booth at this entrance; park fees apply upon exiting or via online purchase. Timed entry reservations are required April 1–October 31, 2025.
  • Features: Dinosaur tracks at 3.5 miles, scenic views of sandstone formations, access to Balanced Rock, and a quiet alternative to the main park entrance.
  • Challenges: Deep sand and rocky sections require careful navigation for vehicles; hikers face long exposure with no shade. Flash flooding is possible in washes after heavy rain. OHVs and ATVs are prohibited in the park.
  • Amenities: Porta-potties and a vault toilet near the trailhead in UtahRaptor State Park; picnic table and outhouses near Balanced Rock. No water is available, so bring plenty.

Trail Map

Hiking and Biking Notes

For hikers, the full 7.9-mile one-way trek to Balanced Rock is a long, exposed journey best undertaken in cooler months (March–November preferred). The trail follows the road, offering firm footing on dirt and slickrock but no dedicated path. Mountain bikers find the route rewarding for its mix of hard-packed rock and sandy challenges, with stunning views of the park’s formations. Bikers should expect to dismount in deep sand sections and yield to vehicles. Both hikers and bikers should carry ample water, sunscreen, and navigation tools, as cell coverage is spotty near the park boundary. The dinosaur tracks are a must-see, marked by an interpretive sign and a short walk on slickrock.

History and Significance

Willow Springs Road has long served as a lesser-known gateway to Arches National Park, historically used by locals and adventurers seeking to bypass the main entrance’s crowds and toll booth. Its significance lies in its access to the park’s quieter western backcountry, offering a raw, unfiltered experience of the desert landscape. The road’s path through what is now UtahRaptor State Park (established in 2021) connects to a region rich in geologic and paleontological history. The dinosaur tracks, dating to the Jurassic period, highlight the area’s ancient past, when the region was a muddy floodplain roamed by theropods and sauropods. These well-preserved footprints, discovered along the road, are a testament to the area’s significance as a paleontological treasure trove.

Historically, the road was part of a broader network used by ranchers and early explorers, with remnants like an old shed and corral near Willow Springs Canyon hinting at past human activity. The area around Willow Springs was also a corridor for Native American migration routes, with nearby rock art sites, such as petroglyphs and pictographs, suggesting cultural significance for the Anasazi and other Indigenous groups. The road’s proximity to the Klonzo Trail System and its former status as BLM land made it a hub for dispersed camping until recent changes introduced fees and regulations under UtahRaptor State Park management. Its role as a “secret entrance” has made it a favorite among off-roaders and cyclists, though park regulations now emphasize responsible use to protect the fragile desert ecosystem, including cryptobiotic soil.

Willow Springs Road remains a unique portal to Arches, blending adventure, solitude, and a glimpse into the deep geologic and cultural history of the region, making it a cherished route for those seeking an unconventional park experience.

Shafer Trail

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The Shafer Trail, located in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah, is a renowned backcountry road celebrated for its dramatic scenery and challenging terrain. Spanning approximately 19 miles, the trail descends 1,500 feet through a massive sandstone cliff via a series of tight switchbacks, connecting the mesa top to the canyon floor and linking with the White Rim Road and Potash Road. Its history reflects a rich tapestry of human activity, evolving from ancient pathways to a modern recreational route.

Mesa Light taken from the White Rim Trail and Lathrop Canyon Road. Photograph by James L Rathbun
Mesa Light taken from the White Rim Trail and Lathrop Canyon Road. Photograph by James L Rathbun

Early Use by Native Americans

Long before modern roads, the Shafer Trail began as a route used by Native Americans to access resources on the mesa top and travel to the Colorado River below. These early inhabitants of the region navigated the rugged terrain to gather materials and move between seasonal locations, establishing a path that would later be adapted for other purposes. The trail’s origins as a Native American route highlight its significance as a corridor through the challenging canyon landscape.

Ranching Era and the Shafer Family

In the early 20th century, the trail was adapted by Mormon pioneer settlers, particularly the Shafer family, for whom it is named. Starting in 1916, John “Sog” Shafer used the trail to move cattle between summer pastures on the mesa top and winter grazing grounds on the White Rim sandstone below. Shafer and other ranchers improved the trail, widening and stabilizing it to make it safer for livestock, though it remained narrow and perilous, with animals occasionally slipping to their deaths. These improvements laid the groundwork for later developments, and many trails in the Island in the Sky district bear the names of families who worked them.

Uranium Boom and Road Expansion

The 1950s marked a significant transformation for the Shafer Trail during the uranium boom in the American Southwest. The Atomic Energy Commission widened and extended the trail to accommodate trucks transporting uranium-bearing ore from mines in the Triassic Chinle Formation to processing facilities in Moab. This period saw many backcountry roads in the Moab area, including the Shafer Trail, upgraded to support the mining industry, leaving visible scars across the desert landscape. The trail’s role in uranium transport underscores its importance to the region’s industrial history.

Transition to Recreation

With the establishment of Canyonlands National Park in 1964, the Shafer Trail’s function shifted from ranching and mining to recreation. Ranchers were granted a ten-year extension to continue operations, but by the mid-1970s, the trail was primarily used by visitors seeking adventure. The National Park Service improved the road to make it safer for recreational use, though it remains unpaved and challenging, requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles with low-range gear (4LO). Today, the trail attracts hundreds of visitors annually for its thrilling switchbacks and breathtaking views of Canyonlands’ sculpted pinnacles, buttes, and the Colorado River.

Modern-Day Significance

The Shafer Trail is now an iconic backcountry drive, celebrated for its scenic beauty and historical significance. It offers access to notable sites like the Shafer Canyon Overlook, where visitors can view the trail’s switchbacks and the surrounding canyon landscape, and Thelma and Louise Point, famous for its appearance in the 1991 film’s final scene. The trail also connects to other recreational routes like the White Rim Road and is popular among hikers, mountain bikers, and photographers for its wildflowers, petroglyphs, and dinosaur tracks. Its challenging conditions, including steep drops and sharp rocks, require careful preparation, and it can become impassable during wet or snowy weather.

Conclusion

From a Native American pathway to a cattle trail, a uranium transport route, and now a premier recreational destination, the Shafer Trail encapsulates the evolving human relationship with Canyonlands’ rugged landscape. Named after the Shafer family and shaped by centuries of use, it remains a testament to the region’s cultural, industrial, and natural history, offering visitors an unforgettable journey through one of America’s most striking national parks.

Shafer Trail map