username
X
password
register
for free!
help
ArticlesGuidesRoutes
 
Photosets
 
 Comments
triplogs   photosets   labels comments more
Grandstaff Canyon - 5 members in 6 triplogs have rated this an average 4.2 ( 1 to 5 best )
6 triplogs
login for filter options
Dec 28 2023
avatar

 Guides 12
 Routes 192
 Photos 863
 Triplogs 356

42 male
 Joined Nov 30 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Grandstaff CanyonSoutheast, UT
Southeast, UT
Hiking avatar Dec 28 2023
ShatteredArmTriplogs 356
Hiking7.20 Miles 1,100 AEG
Hiking7.20 Miles   2 Hrs   35 Mns   2.98 mph
1,100 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
Frigid morning in Moab, decided to start with Grandstaff Canyon; ice hadn't even started to melt by the time I got to the empty TH. Everything was frozen and there were a couple of ice patches to work around on the trail, but it was pretty. The first rays of sunlight that reached the ground hit a frosty tree, which made it look like it had glitter in it. Never seen anything like that before.

Morning Glory arch was pretty cool. Someone on a google review complained about how disappointingly small it was - it went half way up the canyon and is like 200 feet across, what in the world were they expecting?! But I digress.

Saw the first other human about a quarter mile after heading back down.

Decided to follow a trail up a side fork on the way back, which led into a pretty cool box canyon before petering out at a huge alcove. Was worth the detour, maybe.

Started seeing more hikers in the lower half.

After getting back to the parking lot, I headed to Island in the Sky via Potash Road, which was a lot of fun, especially after Thelma and Louise point. Some day I need to drive the White Rim road (partially closed last time I checked).

Did a little hike to the Upheaval Dome overlooks while I was there. Originally wanted to do the syncline loop, but it was much longer than I expected... Saw 3.7 on the map, but turns out that was only the northern leg.
_____________________
 
Oct 07 2021
avatar

 Routes 181
 Photos 901
 Triplogs 259

50 female
 Joined Mar 09 2010
 Chandler, AZ
Grandstaff CanyonSoutheast, UT
Southeast, UT
Hiking avatar Oct 07 2021
azlaurieTriplogs 259
Hiking5.09 Miles 1,124 AEG
Hiking5.09 Miles   3 Hrs   28 Mns   1.55 mph
1,124 ft AEG      11 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
dswitzer3
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
_____________________
♥ Timing is Everything ♥
 
May 07 2021
avatar

 Routes 386
 Photos 49
 Triplogs 792

43 female
 Joined Jun 23 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Grandstaff CanyonSoutheast, UT
Southeast, UT
Hiking avatar May 07 2021
emilystardustTriplogs 792
Hiking6.06 Miles 598 AEG
Hiking6.06 Miles   2 Hrs   49 Mns   2.51 mph
598 ft AEG      24 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
_____________________
 
Apr 25 2021
avatar

 Guides 27
 Routes 518
 Photos 5,861
 Triplogs 883

72 female
 Joined Jan 21 2006
 Eagar AZ
Grandstaff CanyonSoutheast, UT
Southeast, UT
Hiking avatar Apr 25 2021
azbackpackrTriplogs 883
Hiking6.06 Miles 603 AEG
Hiking6.06 Miles   3 Hrs   53 Mns   1.56 mph
603 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Best to start this hike very early. I was the first one in the parking lot before 7 a.m., and saw only 4 trailrunners on the way up to the big natural bridge at the end of the trail. On my way back I must have seen 150 to 200 people hiking in. When I reached the parking lot, which was of course full, even though it was only 11 a.m. I also saw that people had parked up and down the highway. This is how it is around Moab this year. Extremely crowded. I find myself staying home a lot. I do have plans for many trips, mostly paddling rivers here in Utah, and also in Colorado and Oregon.

It's a gorgeous canyon. The babbling brook, the singing birds and the interesting cliffs seemed great when I had the place to myself. On the way back I simply said a friendly hello to everyone, and stepped out of their way, since nearly everyone seemed to be in large groups.

Lots of flowers, plus the little fish. I can't remember the names of these flowers, so feel free to label them. Fishies, too.

This hike's name has been changed by the BLM to Grandstaff Canyon, named after William Grandstaff who had a cabin in the canyon from 1877 to 1881, and ran cattle in the area. He was half African-American and half Native American. He later moved to Glenwood, Colorado.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Some nice flowers, despite the drought.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Negro Bill Canyon Medium flow Medium flow
_____________________
There is a point of no return unremarked at the time in most lives. Graham Greene The Comedians
A clean house is a sign of a misspent life.
  1 archive
Mar 02 2017
avatar

 Guides 6
 Routes 183
 Photos 5,612
 Triplogs 1,647

male
 Joined Mar 12 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Grandstaff CanyonSoutheast, UT
Southeast, UT
Hiking avatar Mar 02 2017
John9LTriplogs 1,647
Hiking4.79 Miles 450 AEG
Hiking4.79 Miles   1 Hour   51 Mns   2.85 mph
450 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
clairebear
We spent most of the day driving to Moab and had a couple of hours to hike. We picked this canyon because of it's length and arch at the end. We started hiking around 4pm and made good time in. The trail is in great condition as it gently climbs a picturesque canyon. We arrived at Morning Glory Arch and took a variety of pics. From there we cruised back to the TH. This was the perfect way to start off our long weekend in Moab. Our plan is Arches on Friday followed by Canyonlands on Saturday.
_____________________
  2 archives
Apr 19 2016
avatar

 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Grandstaff CanyonSoutheast, UT
Southeast, UT
Hiking avatar Apr 19 2016
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,660
Hiking4.60 Miles 520 AEG
Hiking4.60 Miles
520 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
got the idea for this hike from one of my climbing partners
nice little canyon hike along a clear running stream
nine crossings
slightly overcast and very green along the water
very enjoyable hike on blm land just off the colorado river
well worth exploring if you're in the area
_____________________
hazhole
 
average hiking speed 2.29 mph

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.

helpcommentissue

end of page marker