Long Canyon

This seven mile long, 2,000 foot drop, dirt road connects Utah 313 and the Island-in-the-Sky District of Canyonlands National Park to Utah 279 and the Colorado River gorge, and can be included with a day trip to Canyonlands National Park, Island-in-the-Sky District, and Dead Horse Point State Park.

If you do plan to drive this road, be sure to check conditions with either the Moab Visitor's Center or BLM office, as rock slides can block the trail at any time.

To reach Long Canyon, drive 9 miles north of Moab and follow State Highway 313 west towards Dead Horse Point State Park.

This route will take you past the Indian petroglyphs in Seven Mile Canyon.

At mile marker 6, just before the road curves right at a gravel pit, keep straight (onto a dirt road), heading directly toward the La Sal Mountains.

The first three miles are relatively flat, and easy going.  After about two miles, the La Sal Mountains, Behind the Rocks, and Long Canyon will come into view.

Just prior to the road descent into the canyon is a wonderful photo opportunity.  Watch the left side of the road for signs of recent vehicle pull-offs.

This sandstone pinnacle is a mere 5-6 feet from the edge of the canyon.  What this picture does not show you is that there is a good 50-75 foot abyss to be crossed.  This pinnacle has been featured in several advertisements in recent years, including one for the Ford Explorer.

The 1.5 miles between Pucker Pass and Maverick Buttress are full of steep grades, sandy soil, and narrow one-lane switchbacks.

A herd of bighorn sheep call Long Canyon home.  The BLM has installed two fiberglass rainwater catchments in Long Canyon.  One is located just below Maverick Buttress, and the sheep can sometimes be seen in this vicinity.

Camping in the area is prohibited.  The bighorns use Long Canyon for lambing from April 1 to July 15 and October 15 to December 31, and should not be disturbed.

Descending vehicles should always give the right-of-way to persons approaching from the opposite direction.  It is easier to stop and then proceed downward, then to stop, and obtain traction in the loose, sandy soil when going up.

Vehicles should never park in the narrow, one-lane inclines.

After Maverick Buttress, the canyon widens and straightens out for 3.5 miles of good, dirt road.

The trail ends at Utah 279 immediately downriver from Jug Handle Arch, and approximately one mile before the highway pavement ends at the potash plant.

Turn left (north) to return to US 191 and Moab.

This trail should not be attempted in the opposite direction without a 4-wheel drive vehicle.