Secret Spire Trail

by The Flatlander for

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Summary: The 2 1/2 rated Secret Spire trail provides some mild 4-wheeling on the "Island " area between the Colorado and Green rivers nearer the Green River Gorge

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MUCH reduced trail map from Guide to Moab Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails by Charles A. Wells.
This map covers the most interesting northern part of the Jeep Safari Trail.

Location: Leave Moab going North on Highway 191 and turn west on Highway 313. Follow 313 to the Dubinky Well road which exits to the northwest. The trail head is just this side of the Dubinky Well about 7 miles from Highway 313. From there the trail covers the area between Spring Canyon and Hell Roaring Canyon with some views down the deep steep walled Spring Canyon.

Scenery: A unique singular sandstone spire gives the trail it's name. Several arches can be seen from the trail.

The Trail: The steep walled canyons the trail provides access to are impressive and interesting.  But most of the trail is on sandy dirt and is not too difficult.

4X4NOW Same Day
Jeep Safari Trail Report
Tuesday, April 18, 2000

It was windy and warm as we lined up for the Secret Spire but the weather would deteriorate badly.  The sky darkened as trail leader Rena Calkins lead us out.  Later the skies filled with dust and obliterated the scenery.  It was difficult to see even a few vehicles ahead.  Then after a sudden, dramatic temperature drop it began to rain.

The warm wind gave way to ice cold rain as we approached the Spire the trail is named after.

The Secret Spire, cold and wet

The driving rain discouraged most from making the short walk out to admire the spire close up.  As I walked out i noticed the windblown rain had extra bite as pieces of sleet began to mix in.  But I did manage to get a few shots of the Secret Spire.  In nicer weather Safari participants would explore the area and take turns having their pictures taken under the Spire.  The Secret Spire is near the edge of Spring Canyon which should also furnish some interesting views.  We would see this section of Spring Canyon from the opposite side alter in the day.

Secret Spire close up from a different angle

The head of Spring Canyon.  Watch out that first step is a big one

After a brief stop at the Secret Spire we doubled back on the trail to a turn off near Tombstone Rock that would take us to the head of Spring Canyon.  This was our lunch stop and we there before noon because of the short stay at the spire.  This also would have been fun area to explore under better weather conditions.  From here it is a short drive to Dellenbaugh Tunnel but our group did not make the trip.  Directions to the 100' long water carved tunnel can be found in Guide to Moab Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails by Charles A. Wells.

From here the Safari trail departs from the map in the Wells book and takes a long loop of back trails back around to the south side of the Spring Canyon opposite the Secret Spire.

The loop was a combination of slickrock and sand.

A light tug got this small tired stock Cherokee off high center

The photo at the left includes the Secret Spire along the top rim of Spring Canyon but is difficult to pick out.  It is even a little difficult to find with the naked eye at the site.  But Spring Canyon's steep colorful side slopes make for remarkable views.  I felt it was worth the long bumpy trip even with the bad weather.

We then doubled back a ways and wound around on more back roads until we came out on the gravel road that lead back to Hwy 313.

Our trail took a right on Hwy 313 and then after several miles of black top, took the turn into Long Canyon.

By now the skies were clearing and we were in for some scenic treats.

Driving through rock formations in the upper part of Long Canyon

Driving under a massive fallen rock in the upper part of Long Canyon

Long Canyon is not really a 4WD trail but it is steep and low range is a necessity to keep from burning up the brakes.  On a sunny day, as this one had finally become, the views are well worth the trip.  The Safari trail ends where the Long Canyon Road joins the asphalt of SR 279 on the banks of the Colorado River.

View down long Canyon with the La Sal Mountains in the background

34th Annual Easter Jeep Safari (2000)
33rd Annual Easter Jeep Safari (1999)
32nd Annual Easter Jeep Safari (1998)
31st Annual Easter Jeep Safari (1997)
30th Annual Easter Jeep Safari (1996)
Moab, Utah, 4WD Trails Map with Links to all 30 Trails
Trail Difficulty Ratings

Utah Trail Guidebooks, Trail Maps, and Trail Videos

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