elizabethadventuresblogMary Jane Canyon is easily one of my favorite hikes I’ve ever done near Moab. Not only is it breathtaking, it’s such a fun adventure with barely anyone else around! Being able to spend hours walking up a slot canyon and seeing a waterfall at the end is the perfect Utah experience. Not to mention the best way to stay cool in the hot desert!
For some reason Mary Jane Canyon isn’t as busy or popular as some of the other trails nearby, making it a perfect escape from the constant crowds of the nearby national parks. But it is also a more dangerous hike due to the exposure to the elements and flash flood dangers. This guide will help you be prepared and knowledgable about what to expect as well as make an informed decision on when to safely go.
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Things to Know About Hiking Mary Jane Canyon
- Mary Jane Canyon is a slot canyon, which naturally comes with a risk when you enter. Research the dangers of flash flooding, always check the weather not only for Moab but surrounding areas prior to hiking and have a plan should an emergency arise. For more on flash flooding and a useful site to check dangers, read below under “Mary Jane Canyon Flash Flooding Dangers.”
- Your feet will get wet. Depending on the time of year you go, you may have low enough water levels you can hop over the stream and use rocks to stay dry, but honestly it ends up being way more work to stay dry than it’s worth. The water levels were low enough to stay dry when I went, but after 20-30 minutes of slowly finding out the best paths over we just put on our water shoes and walked up the stream. The hike was much quicker and easier from there. If the water levels are higher then you won’t have an option but to get your feet wet. Always pack appropriate water shoes on this hike or just wear them for the start.
- Once you approach and enter Mary Jane Canyon you won’t have anywhere to go but forward or backwards. This means there really isn’t anywhere to go to the bathroom either. You should plan accordingly by going before you start and packing WAG bags to use once you enter the canyon. You should always go at least 100 feet away from any water source, which is going to be too difficult once you enter the canyon.
- Although the Mary Jane Canyon is a great hike because of the water and shade the canyon walls can give, hiking in Moab can be extremely hot and dangerous. The beginning of this trail is extremely exposed to the elements and harsh desert sun. The further into the canyon you go, the more shade you will get as well. But you still need to go prepared with proper gear and clothing. Moab can reach well above 100°F in the summer months. Know the signs of heat stroke and exhaustion. Be sure to drink plenty of water and filter as needed. If you choose to do this hike on anything above 80°F, be sure to start early so you can get to the canyon before the temperatures rise. The hike back out will be hot and uncomfortable.
- Although it would be difficult to get lost in Mary Jane Canyon due to the fact there really isn’t anywhere to go once in the canyon, getting to the canyon could be tricky for some. Hikers will follow Professor Creek to the entrance of the canyon, but it can be easy to get off the official trail. To limit your impact to the area, try to stick to the designated trail and use a predownloaded map to guide you if you need it. I got off trail twice but quickly got back on it thanks to my map and simply looking around. The only reason we got off trail easily in the beginning was because we were constantly looking for areas to cross and remain dry. This caused us to not always cross at the actual trail crossing on accident.
- The road to Mary Jane can have deep tire ruts and mud. If there was recent rain, a low clearance or 2-wheel drive car would not fare well on this road. It is only a short section where it is bad, but cars can easily get stuck in deep mud. It’s best to bring a higher clearance vehicle or a 4×4 if there has been recent rain or mud on the road. If you’re unsure if the road is muddy or dry, simply get out and walk it before driving through sections you can’t tell.
Before You Go
Be sure to know and follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles on trail. It’s so important to help protect these beautiful places we love and enjoy. Make sure you know these principles before going out on a hike.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare: Always check for current weather updates and educate yourself on trail conditions prior to starting a hike. Look for recent reviews or call the local ranger station for up-to-date trail information like closures, recent wildlife and road conditions.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to the trail. Avoid going off trail unless it’s to go to the bathroom. You can capture amazing photos from the trail. Do not cut switchbacks. Stepping off trail can cause years of damage with just one simple step. Camp in existing campsites rather than over vegetation.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash and food scraps. Never toss food items on the ground. It is harmful to the wildlife. Properly dispose of human waste by digging a cat hole at least 6 inches deep and burying human waste. Bring a wag bag to pack it out in fragile alpine terrain. Never leave toilet paper or feminine hygiene products behind because they shouldn’t be disposed of on trail. Bring a bag and pack them out to dispose of properly. Same goes for dog poop. Properly bury it or pack it back out to dispose of. Do not leave dog poop bags on the side of the trail because they are easy to forget, animals can get into them and other hikers don’t want to see them.
- Leave What You Find: Do not take objects like plants off trail with you. Preserve nature by not marking on rocks or harming any natural objects. Never write or carve into rocks. It is illegal and highly finable. Never pick wildflowers. It is illegal in many states.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts: Check and follow all local wildfire regulations. Use existing fire rings and keep fires small. Put fires out properly by dousing will multiple gallons of water. Coals should be cool to the touch before walking away.
- Respect Wildlife: Never touch, feed or approach wildlife. Give a minimum of 25 yards to all wildlife and a minimum of 100 yards for predators and larger wildlife. Wildlife are not like house pets. They can spook easily or feel threatened. Stay in your car if wildlife is near the road. Do not feed them because our food is harmful to their digestive system.
- Be Considerate of Others: Respect other hikers by allowing those that hike faster to pass. Uphill hikers have the right of way, so safely step aside for them to pass, unless they offer to stop first. Limit noise and use headphones. Keep groups under eight. Say hello to a fellow hiker!
Mary Jane Canyon Flash Flooding Dangers
Mary Jane Canyon is a large slot canyon, which means it runs the risk of flash flooding. What is a flash flood? It is when water quickly rises in the canyon, causing a quick moving flood. Flash floods can be deadly and should be taken extremely seriously.
The skies may be perfectly blue and clear everywhere you look around the canyon but the floodwaters could be accumulating miles away. Always check local weather not only for Moab, but surrounding areas. You can use this site to see what the flash flood dangers are for Arches. This will help you gauge if there is any danger for the day. If it says anything other than “not expected” do not go into the canyon.
Not only are Flash Flood dangerous and come on quickly, but this canyon would also be extremely dangerous due to the length in which it goes. Being 9+ miles round trip means you have significant mileage back to your car if one starts.
Mary Jane Canyon Location
The trailhead to the Professor Creak/Mary Jane Canyon trail is located 23 miles from downtown Moab, or roughly 35 minutes. It is located northeast of town along Utah 128E. The road winds along the Colorado River before turning off onto BLM 98. The road dead ends at the trailhead. The road to the canyon can be in bad condition depending on recent weather. It is a dirt road, but near the end of the road water pools, creating large puddles of water as well as deep mud pits. There pits can leave extra-large ruts as well. It can be easy to get stuck in them if it’s muddy. If the road is dry a low clearance car may be able to reach the trailhead by going slowly, but a higher clearance car is best and if it’s muddy, a 4×4.
Best Time of Year to Hike Mary Jane Canyon
The best time to visit Mary Jane Canyon is during shoulder seasons when the temperatures are more favorable for hiking. Summer months, like most tourist destinations, is its busiest season, but also the hottest time of year. Temperatures are often in the 90-100°F range, making it too hot for most hikes. If you do visit in the summer months, be sure to start early and pack plenty of water. Heat stroke can happen quickly in the desert. One thing to note about summer is that is it also monsoon season in Moab. This means an increased change of thunderstorms and large rainstorms as well as flash flooding. Always be aware of the weather forecast and dangers it poses.
Shoulder seasons are spring and fall. Late spring and early fall will also have hot temperatures, but they will be cooling off as the seasons go. Monsoon season is ending for fall, but do be aware that flash flooding can happen anytime. Always check local and nearby weather before hiking.
Winter is another beautiful time of year to visit the Moab area, but maybe not the best if you intend to do a water hike! Temperatures can reach below freezing and snow can fall here. Although you can still do this hike, take note of how cold it could be and know your feet will be getting wet for hours. Hypothermia on trail can be deadly.
Mary Jane Canyon Trail Information
Distance: 9 -/+ miles round trip
Elevation: 541 feet
Trail: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs: On leash
Pass: None
The trek to Mary Jane Canyon takes hiker along side, or through Professor Creek. The trail continually crosses back and forth over the creek almost immediately. The trail can be easy to get off of in the beginning with so much back and forth. Using a downloaded map will help greatly if you think you’re off. You’ll never feel lost though because you follow Professor Creek. The trail is nice and wide and easy to follow if you don’t get off at the crossings, so just know if you’re going through bushes and don’t see the wide trail, you are probably just slightly off.
The trail is extremely exposed to the harsh elements of the desert prior to entering the canyon. There are areas to find shade, but it’s mostly bushes and desert vegetation along the way. As you approach the canyon the beautiful red rock will start to form on either side of Professor Creek. The picturesque tall Mary Jane Canyon walls don’t start to really tower above until roughly 2.5/3 miles into the hike. From there it just keeps getting better!
Mary Jane Canyon continues to narrow the further into the canyon you venture, making the walls seem larger as you go as well. As the canyon narrows, it increasingly becomes more difficult to stay dry. If you haven’t committed to getting your feet wet, you may need to by now, depending on the water levels. There are plenty of large dry ground areas though if you need to take a snack break. I spent plenty of time sitting along the edge while my son dug in the sand and threw rocks in the water.
Mary Jane Canyon ends at a waterfall, where a large boulder has fallen above. When I went, I was able to walk right up to the waterfall. When researching this trail, many reviews talked about the water here becoming up to chest deep to reach the falls. This may be the case depending on the recent weather and its effects on water levels in Mary Jane Canyon. I had made the decision before hiking I did not want to venture into chest deep water and was glad to reach the end with it just above my ankles. Know you may have to decide between not reaching the end or trekking through deep water if the water levels are high.
One thing to note about hiking to Mary Jane Canyon is the length. If you’re like me and use AllTrails to research and use offline maps for hiking, you’ll see if says 7.6 miles. This is not an accurate mileage for the trail. It is at least a 9 mile trek if you wish to reach the waterfall at the end. It’s also not a quick hike as you are navigating through a stream, constantly finding good footing. Give yourself plenty of time for this trail. You’ll want to be able to enjoy the beauty of Mary Jane Canyon without feeling rushed to finish.
What to Bring Hiking to Mary Jane Canyon
The hike to Mary Jane Canyon is unlike any of the other hikes you will do in Moab, therefore it’s important ot pack the appropriate items to be safe on trail. Below are must-have gear items specific for this hike.
Water Shoes
Water shoes are a must for Mary Jane Canyon as you will get your feet wet in the creek. I wore my Chacos and had no real issues with them. Every so often some small rocks would get under my foot but I easily used the stream to get them out. If the water levels are higher you may experience a stronger current. This means more river debris could end up in your shoes and less visibility where you step. In this case a closed toed shoe may be a better option. No matter what shoe you bring, make sure it has a good, durable sole because you will be spending hours walking over rocks. Your feet will be tired if you don’t wear shoes with a solid bottom.
WAG BAG and Toiletries Kit
You should always have a toiletry kit in your backpack with the following items: A trowel, toilet paper or wet wipes, a Kula Cloth and plastic bags to dispose of toilet paper or wipes off trail. Now the added item you should bring on this hike is a WAG BAG. What is a WAG BAG exactly? It is a plastic bag with chemicals inside that will absorb and reduce any smells. They are used to collect poop on trail when you are hiking in a place where you can’t dig a cat hole or where it is not safe to go poop outdoors, like in a canyon with water.
Backpack
Everyone hiking should always have their own backpack and not rely on others to carry their gear. This will make sure you have the proper gear and safety measures for yourself. It’s important to have a backpack for Mary Jane Canyon due to it’s length and dangers. My go-to day hiking backpacks are the Gregory Jade Pack, which has waist straps making it very comfortable for longer hikes. My other backpack I use is the REI Trail 25 pack. It’s slightly smaller and great for day hikes.
Water Filter and Electrolytes
This is something you should always carry in your backpack, but is extremely important on a trail like this. With it being a longer hike with a lot of sun exposure, staying hydrated is key to being safe on trail. The best part about staying hydrated on a trail like Mary Jane Canyon is that there is a constant water source the entire hike. I personally use the Katadyn Water Filter because it effectively filters water faster than any other filter. I also like to pack these CLIF energy chews to help me stay energized and hydrated the entire hike.
Sun Protection
Preventing sun stroke and sunburns is important, so bring and use proper sun protection even on a cloudy day. I always pack sunscreen to reapply throughout the hike as needed. Bring a hat to help keep the sun off your face and neck. Wearing a sun shirt to help protect skin from harmful UV rays will help prevent sunburns and heat stroke. Even on a cloudy day you can get a sunburn so always be prepared.
Always carry the 10 essentials, which you can learn more about here. To learn more about what I hike with go here to see my must-have gear, trail clothes and more!
Mary Jane Canyon Reminders
- Always practice Leave No Trace. Mary Jane Canyon is a delicate environment that hopefully will last generations to come if we help do our part to take care of it. This means packing out all your trash, and others if you see something left in the canyon. Never carve or mark on the rocks as it is illegal and unsightly. It causes permanent damage. Let’s all do our part by treading lightly and taking care of this place.
- Wear proper sun protection like sun shirts, sunscreen and sun hats. This is a long hike with a lot of exposure. Always go with multiple options for sun protection. Getting heat stroke out here can be deadly.
- You will get wet. Pack accordingly knowing even if you hope to not get your feet wet, you most likely will. I packed both my trail runners and my water shoes when I hiked this trail. Honestly, I could have just left my trail runners at home since it’s just easier to get your feet wet.
- Always check the weather forecast for Moab and its surrounding areas. Never enter a slot canyon if there is even a slight chance of flash flooding or rain. An inch of rain can accumulate quickly into a canyon and turn into feet in minutes. Know the dangers and have a plan b or be willing to go a different day if need be. It’s not worth the risk if there is any chance it could flood.
I hope this guide helps you with your adventure to Mary Jane Canyon! It’s truly one of the most amazing trails in Moab, so I hope you’re able to explore it. If you have any further questions or want to share your experience after, please leave a comment below!
Happy Hiking,
Elizabeth
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