Grandstaff Canyon National Recreation Trail

Grandstaff Canyon trail winds between towering red rock walls in Arches National Park.

Grandstaff Canyon rewards steady movement with a shaded canyon and a year-round stream. The central destination is Morning Glory Natural Bridge, a 243-foot span at the canyon’s end. You’ll navigate several stream crossings and occasional slick rock from past flood activity, so keep your footing light. Watch for monsoon-season flash floods and poison ivy below the Bridge; stay hydrated and deliberate with each step.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 4.5
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 100

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 4.5
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 100
Estimated Time: 4 hours round-trip
Trail Surface: Primarily packed dirt with several stream crossings; some sections may be slippery due to past flood damage
Trail Features: Morning Glory Natural Bridge, 243-foot span
riparian oasis with year-round stream
cottonwood shade throughout canyon
Trail Highlights: Morning Glory Natural Bridge at the canyon end; a shaded oasis along the year-round stream that contrasts with surrounding desert

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Grandstaff Canyon Trailhead, 3 miles east of Highway 191 on Utah Scenic Byway 128, Moab, UT
Parking Lot Size: Limited; parking lot at trailhead
Parking Fill Time: Busy on peak days; expect crowded parking by mid-morning
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Not required; trailhead accessible by road

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permit required for day use
Fees: No fee for day use
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Winter snow and ice may be present; mud after rain

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Year-round stream; filter before drinking; carry at least 3 liters per person

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Flash floods during monsoon season
Slippery rocks when wet
Poison ivy under Morning Glory Natural Bridge
Stream-crossing hazards
Hazard Details: Monsoon flash floods can occur; rocks become slick when wet; poison ivy grows below the bridge; crossings demand balance and caution
Cell Service: Limited or unreliable; assume no cell service in canyon country
Crowd Level: Moderate to heavy
Peak Crowd Times: Spring and Fall weekends
Best Season: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-October)
Best Time To Visit: Arrive early morning or late afternoon; Spring and Fall offer the most comfortable temperatures.
Tips Advice: Carry at least 3 liters of water per person.
Wear waterproof footwear for stream crossings.
Bring trekking poles for stability on crossings and uneven terrain.
Start early to beat heat and crowds.
Be aware of poison ivy below Morning Glory Natural Bridge.

More details

Park Area: Arches National Park, Utah
Trail Markers: Well-worn path; map recommended
Shade Level: Significant shade from canyon walls and riparian vegetation
Emergency Contacts: Dial 911 for emergencies; contact Arches National Park rangers or Grandstaff Canyon trailhead staff
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Winter snow and ice may be present
Mud Season: Post-rainstorms can make sandstone slippery
Bug Season: Mosquitoes can be present
Insider Tips: Wear waterproof shoes for frequent crossings.
Arrive early or late to dodge heat and crowds.
Keep kids away from slippery ledges and riparian edges.
Use trekking poles to stabilize across wet rocks.
Family Friendly Notes: Generally suitable for families due to moderate difficulty and shaded canyon; caution around poison ivy and stream crossings
Nearby Facilities: Grandstaff Campground across the highway; vault toilet at trailhead; Moab facilities nearby
Review Summary: Hikers praise the shaded canyon and the riparian setting, noting a worthwhile payoff at Morning Glory Natural Bridge. Expect wet feet from stream crossings and some erosion, with crowds peaking in busy seasons.