Route Editor
Route Scout
safari between green & colorado rivers by Steph_and_Blake Warning The side-road to the Secret Spire is strictly for high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles. If you're not certain about your clearance and/or your driving ability, go in and out from the eastern turnoff as it's less technical and there are plenty of places to turn around or pull over. Overview This is a short, semi-technical drive to an interesting spire that appears to be growing out of an orb of sandstone. This guide is just to explain the driving portion of the trek as there are no warning signs at either end of the route. Drive From the southwestern end of the signed side-road, the track heads east over easy sand. Within a short distance the road becomes rocky, narrow, and rounds a bend to the left with a steep drop-off. Once around the bend, the track proceeds over slickrock. Someone has painted white dashes across the slickrock as a guide. It would be helpful at this point to have a partner walk ahead to determine which way to go as the white dashes may not be overly apparent from your rig. Once over the slickrock there is a climb with some moderate, 6 - 10 inch benches to ascend, but nothing overly technical. In fact, this might be a good practice stretch for both the driver and the spotter. Once through the ascent, the route alternates between slickrock and sand. About 0.6 miles in you'll come to an obvious widening of the "road". Pull over, park, and hike over to the spire. Once back in your vehicle the completion of the side-road is a rather easy. Hike You'll see the spire from what is obviously a "parking area" in the middle of the 1.1-mile side road. The hike to the spire is less than 50 yards over sand and easily-traversed slickrock. There is no trail, just try not to disturb the cryptobiotic soil. If desired, you can walk right up to the base of the spire, but be aware that there is a treacherous drop-off on the south side of the base. Water Sources None in the immediate area. Bring in all you need. Camping Camping is limited to a few designated locations along the way out to the side-road to the spire. Synopsis This is simply a fun reason to get out of your vehicle while exploring the back-country west of Moab. Could make for some great photography and affords grand views into Spring Canyon. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
