elizabethadventuresblogThe Grandstaff Canyon Trail to Morning Glory is the perfect hiking trail for those looking for a beautiful hike near Moab. It’s close to town, family friendly, short and filled with fun adventure. The trail has wonderful views the entire way, with the crowning glory, Morning Glory Arch, at the end.
Althought this trail is one of the most beautiful and fun trails near Moab, it also has dangers every hiker should know about. Hopefully this guide teaches you what dangers to look out for as well as what to pack to be prepared.
This post contains affiliate links, which can earn me a commission should you click a link and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Thank you in advance for your support!
Things to Know About The Grandstaff Canyon Trail to Morning Glory Arch
- The Grandstaff Canyon trail has Poison Ivy throughout the canyon you need to be aware of and on the lookout for. There is a photo of it at the trailhead you can take a photo of to identify later, but the photo wasn’t the best quality, so I saved my own. I only saw Poison Ivy once and it was when we accidentally got off trail slightly. If you stick to the trail you hopefully won’t see any. Be sure to keep dogs and animals close by so they don’t accidentally stumble upon it.
- Flash flooding can happen on the Grandstaff Canyon Trail. Know what a flash flood is and why they are dangerous before doing any hikes in the desert. Always check the weather not only for Moab but for surrounding areas for any chance of rain. You can check out the chances of flash flooding in various areas of Utah, here. If there is any chance of rain, do not do this hike. Flash floods can be deadly.
- The Grandstaff Canyon experienced a damaging flash flood in June of 2024. The trail is easy to follow overall and well maintained, but you will see signs of this flash flood with debris and damaged vegetation. The trail will hopefully continue to improve as time goes by, and continued maintenance occurs.
- There are often trail volunteers on trail here. They are paid trail stewards who are there to help answer any questions you may have and discuss practicing leave no trace principles. The steward was on trail when I did this hike and stationed at the end, at Morning Glory Arch. She was very kind and fun to talk to and was offering out stickers as well.
- Your feet may get wet on the Grandstaff Canyon Trail depending on the water levels. There are roughly 11 stream crossings. Many people will make it without getting their feet wet. I was able to do it without getting wet as the water levels were low at the time. It did take more effort and probably added some time to the hike trying to navigate the crossings and stay dry. If you just get your feet wet from the beginning, you can make the trek a little quicker. When the water levels are higher you will need to get your feet wet to cross.
- If you’re lucky, you may get to spot adventurers canyoneering along this trail. Morning Glory Arch is a popular spot for people to canyoneer from. People will come from above and rappel down to its base before hiking out along the trail. If a group is coming down, be prepared for it to take a while depending on the group size. When I was at the arch, a group was coming down for at least 30 minutes. If you’re hoping to get pictures of the arch without others in photos, be patient while they finish.
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!
Grandstaff Canyon Trail Location
The trailhead to the Grandstaff Canyon Trail is located 5.6 miles from downtown Moab, or roughly 10 minutes. It’s proximity to town makes it a must-see but also a busy trail at times. It is located northeast of town along Utah 128E. The road winds along the Colorado River before reaching the parking lot on the right.
Best Time of Year to Go Hike The Grandstaff Canyon Trail to Morning Glory Arch
The best time to visit the Grandstaff 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 chance 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 Moab! This is the least visit season, but if you’re lucky you may get some snow, which contrasts beautifully with the vibrant red rocks of Moab.
Grandstaff Canyon Trail to Morning Glory Arch Trail Information
Distance: 4.3 miles round trip
Elevation: 383 feet
Trail: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs: On leash
Pass: None
The Grandstaff Canyon Trail starts on the left side of the parking lot, just past the vaulted toilet. There are signs with trail information here as well as a photo of poison ivy if you need to see what it looks like. The first half of the trail is mostly flat as it winds back and forth across the stream. The trail is sandy, although it is mostly well compacted except for a few stretches.
The elevation begins when the trail veers to the left after crossing the stream. The trail is uphill from there until you near Morning Glory Arch. You’ll cross the stream one last time and have a steep climb to up the rocks before the trail flattens again. This area has amazing views at the top of Morning Glory Arch and The Grandstaff Canyon Trail below.
The trail turns back to sand as you approach Morning Glory Arch. The arch sits in a little alcove type area that is well shaded thanks to the tall canyon walls. There is a crack in the wall where water streams out and pools under the arch. This area is the perfect halfway point on this hike to sit and enjoy a snack and stay cool before the hike back out.
What to Bring
The hike to Grandstaff Canyon Trail is unlike most other desert hikes you will do in Moab, therefore it’s important to 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 Granstaff Canyon Trail as you will may have to get your feet wet in the creek. When I did this hike the water levels were low so I never had to wear my water shoes, but if the water is high you will get wet. I personally use Chaco sandals for hikes like this.
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 Granstaff Canyon Trail. 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. Staying hydrated is key to being safe on trail. The best part about staying hydrated on a trail like Grandstaff Canyon Trail 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
Grandstaff Canyon Trail Reminders
- Always practice Leave No Trace. This means taking care of the trail by packing out all your trash, and especially dog pop bags. Never mark of carve on rocks and do your best to stay on the designated trail. Help keep this trail beautiful for generations to come.
- 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 in 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.
- Know what poison ivy looks like and be constantly be on the lookout for it on or around the trail. If you have dogs or children, be extra cautious and keep them close by you. You can always opt for long pants on this hike if you are concerned. I never saw any on the trail itself, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
I hope this guide helps you with your adventure to Grandstaff Canyon Tail and Morning Glory Arch! It is truly a special hike anyone visiting Moab should add to their list. Be sure to check out my “Six Must-See Beautiful Moab Arches” guide if you want to check off some other epic arches near Moab. If you have any further questions or want to share your experience after, please leave a comment below!
Happy Hiking,
Elizabeth
Like it? Pin it!
Other Utah Guides
Zebra Slot Canyon: A Beautiful Utah Hidden Gem
