Grandstaff Canyon Trail to Morning Glory Natural Bridge Hiking Guide
Grandstaff Canyon is Moab's creek hike: a constructed trail up a clear, year-round stream between high sandstone walls, crossing the water several times on the way to Morning Glory Natural Bridge. The trailhead is just 3 miles up Highway 128 from US-191, it's a National Recreation Trail, and it's very popular with dog owners.
Distance and the Route
AllTrails maps the out-and-back at 4.5 miles with 374 feet of gain, rated moderate. The Bureau of Land Management gives 2 miles to the bridge and suggests allowing four hours round trip for the creek crossings and time at the end. From the parking area beside Highway 128, follow the trail up the left side of the stream for about 1.5 miles. The bridge sits at the end of the second side canyon on the right.
The Last Half Mile
Just below that side canyon the trail forks. Take the right branch, cross the stream and climb a steep slope; Morning Glory Bridge is at the end of the trail about half a mile up the side canyon. The span is 243 feet, which the BLM says makes it the sixth-longest natural rock span in the country. AllTrails describes a few spots of light scrambling and some wading along the way.
Watch for Poison Ivy
The BLM's main warning is about the poison ivy that grows below the pool under the bridge. It has dark green, shiny leaves with serrated edges in clusters of three. Long pants help, and so does keeping kids and dogs out of the greenery around the pool. The same water that makes the canyon green is why the plant thrives here.
Water, Wading and Flash Floods
The stream runs all year and the trail crosses it several times, so wear shoes you don't mind getting wet. Shade from the canyon walls and water make it more comfortable than open slickrock hikes, but this is still a desert canyon. Late-summer monsoon storms in southeast Utah often cause flash floods, so check the forecast and stay out of the canyon if storms are building upstream.
Parking, Fees and Dogs
The trailhead is 3 miles up Highway 128 from US-191, with a paved lot, restrooms and interpretive signs. The BLM's trailhead page lists no fee to hike. It's a hiking-only trail, and nearly all of it lies inside the Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area. Dogs are welcome, and the BLM's National Recreation Trail nomination says the canyon is very popular with dog owners, with waste bags and bins at the trailhead; pack the waste out with you.
Hiking tips for Grandstaff Canyon Trail to Morning Glory Natural Bridge
- Wear shoes or sandals with grip that can get wet; you'll cross the stream several times.
- Take the right-hand fork and cross the creek just below the second side canyon to reach the bridge.
- Keep clear of the three-leaf poison ivy around the pool beneath the bridge.
- Skip the hike if thunderstorms are forecast; desert canyons flash-flood fast.
- Bag your dog's waste at the trailhead dispenser and carry it out.
Nearby trails to explore
- Fisher Towers Trail
- Corona Arch Trail
- Delicate Arch Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Grandstaff is the easiest way to get your dog and your friends into a Moab canyon. Use TrailMates to find Moab hikers heading up to Morning Glory Bridge. Download the TrailMates app to connect.