Portal Trail
The Portal Trail is the sister trail to the Moab Rim Trail which is just across the Colorado River. It is a hiking and biking only trail that follows a slickrock bench up from the Colorado River to an expansive view of the Moab Valley and the surrounding landscape. Most bikers only come down this trail which is an alternate and very difficult exit for the Magnificent Seven Trail System. There is a short section of the trail near the top which is very narrow and exposed. Bikers must dismount and walk this section as 3 cyclists have lost their lives here. Not for the faint of heart!
From JayCee Park, follow the hiking trail up the Colorado towards the river “”portal.”” Please register at the visitor box. From the visitor box, the trail begins its climb to the viewpoint. After several switchbacks, the trail follows a cairned route up “”ramps”” of Kayenta sandstone to the overlook. Be cautious around the overlook as there are no safety fences. This trail is frequently used by mountain bike riders.
There is no fee for hiking the Portal Trail, however please leave the place nicer than when you arrived by picking up any little you may find and by staying precisely on the trail provided. This trail sees a lot of use and needs some help from you to stay nice! Thank you!
Note: During late afternoons in the summer, this trail is largely in the shade of higher cliffs.
Explore Nearby
- Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Utah
- Dead Horse Point Mesa Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Utah
- Dead Horse Point State Park — Dark Sky Site in Utah
- Utahraptor State Park — State Park in Utah
- Dead Horse Point State Park — State Park in Utah
Nearby Discoveries
12 places to explore within 30 miles
Moab Rim Trail
1.1 miles awayWilliams Bottom Camping Area
1.6 miles away · 4.3 ★Moab Field Office (BLM)
2.2 miles away · 3.5 ★Sand Flats Recreation Area
3.8 miles away · 4.8 ★Slickrock National Recreation Trail
4.2 miles away · 4.8 ★
Old Spanish National Historic Trail
4.3 miles away