Grandstaff Canyon

Grandstaff Canyon

Utah

Grandstaff Canyon cuts through dramatic Navajo sandstone walls near Moab, Utah, offering one of the area’s most accessible desert hiking experiences. The canyon trail follows a perennial stream for approximately 2 miles to Morning Glory Natural Bridge, one of the largest natural rock spans in the region. Hikers can expect multiple creek crossings, shaded riparian areas with cottonwoods and willows, and towering red rock formations.

The Bureau of Land Management oversees this area, and dispersed camping is permitted on adjacent BLM lands outside the canyon proper. The terrain above the canyon features pinyon-juniper woodlands and expansive slickrock domes suitable for primitive camping, though no developed campgrounds exist within the immediate area.

Access begins at a well-marked trailhead along Highway 128, about 3 miles northeast of Moab. The canyon floor can flash flood during storms, so check weather conditions before entering. Spring and fall provide the most comfortable hiking temperatures, while summer months bring intense heat. Water from the creek should be treated before drinking. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.

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