Fisher Towers Trail Hiking Guide
The Fisher Towers are a cluster of tall red rock spires up a side road off the Colorado River corridor east of Moab, and this trail winds around their base and climbs to a ridge with nearly 360-degree views. It gains close to 1,000 feet over a little more than 4 miles and includes a ladder partway, and it's on BLM land, so dogs can come.
The Trail in Numbers
AllTrails lists the out-and-back at 4.4 miles with 958 feet of gain and calls it moderate. The BLM's own page describes the trail as winding 2.2 miles around the base of the towers and climbing to nearly 360-degree views, which matches the AllTrails total once you add the return. AllTrails' description singles out the variety of wind- and rain-sculpted rock along the whole length as the main appeal.
Towers, the Titan and the Ladder
The route passes a long series of eroded towers, and AllTrails notes that the last big one, the Titan, comes after about 1.5 miles. Past it the path turns southwest onto a long ridge that ends with the view back over the whole group. Around the same 1.5-mile mark is a small ladder that AllTrails says can be hard to get past with a large dog. The BLM notes the towers are popular with experienced climbers, so you may see ropes on the walls.
Getting There
From the junction of US-191 and Highway 128 just north of Moab, the BLM says to drive east 22 miles along the Colorado River, turn right at the campground sign and follow a gravel road 2.2 miles to the trailhead. There's no day-use fee listed on the BLM's page for the trail; the only fee it lists is for the campground.
Camping at the Trailhead
The trailhead has a tiny BLM campground with five tent-only sites, no trailers or RVs, at $20 a night on a first-come, first-served basis. There are toilets but no water and no hookups, and the stay limit is 14 nights in any 30 days. The BLM points out the views over Castle Rock, Castle Valley and the Book Cliffs, and the night skies, as the reasons to stay.
Dogs, Heat and Winter
Dogs are allowed on leash according to AllTrails, and nothing on the BLM's page prohibits them, but the ladder and exposed rock make it a cool-season outing for most dogs. Southeast Utah summers often top 100 degrees, so summer hikes should start at first light with plenty of water. In winter, AllTrails recommends microspikes.
Hiking tips for Fisher Towers Trail
- Allow a solid half day; nearly 1,000 feet of climbing hides in the 4.4 miles.
- Turn around at the end of the ridge past the Titan; that viewpoint is the reason for the hike.
- Bring all your water; the trailhead campground has none.
- Check whether your dog can manage the small ladder about 1.5 miles in before committing.
- Arrive early if you hope to camp; there are only five sites and no reservations.
Nearby trails to explore
- Grandstaff Canyon Trail to Morning Glory Natural Bridge
- Corona Arch Trail
- Devils Garden Primitive Loop (Arches)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Fisher Towers is a long drive up the river road that's better shared. Use TrailMates to find Moab hikers heading out Highway 128. Download the TrailMates app to connect.