Things to Do in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area
Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area is a wilderness study area located northeast of Moab, Utah, characterized by a unique desert and riparian landscape. Towering Navajo sandstone cliffs define the canyon, which features a perennial stream supporting lush vegetation, including cottonwoods and willows. This striking contrast of arid red rock and vibrant green oasis creates diverse terrain suitable for several sports like mountain biking, hiking, jogging, road cycling, and more. The area's geological formations and water features provide varied environments for…
72
Routes
4.6
(93)
Average rating
3494
People visited
5.0
(1)
98
riders
19.5km
01:27
150m
820m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(8)
488
riders
13.9km
01:16
180m
180m
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
5.0
(6)
344
riders
61.3km
05:55
1,440m
1,440m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.8
(5)
185
riders
30.5km
02:30
460m
460m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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16.9km
04:44
320m
360m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(24)
343
hikers
7.03km
01:58
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
116
hikers
2.51km
00:43
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
12.9km
03:42
300m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(2)
159
riders
65.9km
03:21
410m
410m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
109
riders
103km
05:45
1,810m
1,810m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
76
riders
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
3.0
(1)
37
riders
27.2km
01:18
350m
350m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
57
runners
7.69km
00:57
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
16
runners
20.8km
02:37
500m
500m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
1
runners
13.0km
01:38
210m
200m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
runners
13.9km
01:44
200m
200m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
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13
riders
18.1km
01:04
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
riders
60.8km
03:44
560m
560m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.7
(7)
121
riders
42.3km
02:56
380m
380m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
26
riders
102km
07:06
1,790m
1,790m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Most popular attractions in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area
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Frequently asked questions
What activities are available in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area?
Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and road cycling. The area is known for its unique desert and riparian landscapes, providing diverse environments for exploration. Komoot provides guides for various sports, such as Hiking in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area.
What is the most popular hiking trail in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area?
The most popular hiking route is the Grandstaff Canyon Trail, which leads to the Morning Glory Natural Bridge. This trail is approximately 4.4 miles (7.1 km) round trip and follows a perennial stream through the canyon. It is considered an easy to moderate hike.
What is the Morning Glory Natural Bridge?
The Morning Glory Natural Bridge is a significant natural rock span located at the end of the Grandstaff Canyon Trail. It measures 243 feet (74 meters) long and is the sixth-longest natural rock span in the United States. A shallow pool of water is often found beneath it.
Are there easy or family-friendly hiking options in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area?
The main Grandstaff Canyon Trail to Morning Glory Natural Bridge is considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for many hikers. It is a well-maintained trail with several creek crossings and shady alcoves. Komoot offers a guide for Family-friendly hikes in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area.
Are dogs allowed on trails in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area?
Dogs are generally allowed on the main Grandstaff Canyon Trail, which leads to the Morning Glory Natural Bridge. The trail's well-maintained path and the presence of water make it suitable for walks with dogs. Always ensure dogs are leashed and follow local regulations.
Are there mountain biking trails in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area?
While the main Grandstaff Canyon Trail is designated for hiking, the broader Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area and surrounding Moab region offer mountain biking routes. These trails vary in difficulty from moderate to hard. Komoot provides a guide for MTB Trails in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area.
What road cycling opportunities are available near Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area?
Utah State Highway 128, known as 'River Road,' provides access to the Grandstaff Canyon trailhead and is an excellent route for road cycling. This scenic byway runs alongside the Colorado River, offering picturesque views of the canyon and surrounding red rock country. A Komoot guide for Road Cycling Routes in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area is available.
What makes Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area unique?
Grandstaff Canyon's uniqueness stems from its striking contrast of vibrant riparian life against a dramatic red rock desert backdrop. A perennial stream creates an oasis, fostering diverse plant and animal life rarely seen in arid environments. The iconic Morning Glory Natural Bridge adds a significant natural wonder to the experience.
How popular is Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area on Komoot?
Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area is a popular destination on Komoot, with more than 32,000 visitors sharing their experiences. The routes in the area have an average rating of 4.74 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among outdoor enthusiasts.
What Komoot guides are available for Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area?
Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area, MTB Trails in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area, and Running Trails in Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area. There are also guides for family-friendly hikes and road cycling routes.
Who manages Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area and how can they be contacted?
Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Information can be found on the BLM's website for Utah. The Moab Field Office of the BLM can be reached by phone at +1-435-259-2100.
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