Poison Spider Mesa Trail
Slickrock spine with serious exposure
You’ll know you’re committed when your front bumper disappears over the edge and all you see through the windshield is blue sky and the Colorado River 800 feet below. The Poison Spider Mesa Trail doesn’t ease you into Moab’s slickrock world – it drops you straight into 14 miles of technical sandstone navigation that separate drivers from passengers real quick. This Behind the Rocks classic starts just outside Moab and climbs through a maze of fins, ledges, and exposure that’ll have your spotter earning their keep.
The trail demands a 4WD with low range and drivers who understand that slickrock isn’t forgiving to the unprepared. You’ll tackle steep sandstone climbs where momentum and line choice matter more than horsepower, thread narrow passages between towering fins, and navigate sections where the trail simply disappears into smooth rock marked only by occasional cairns. The infamous “Little Arch” section tests your nerves as much as your rig – you’re driving across slickrock shelves with serious exposure, and there’s no guard rail between you and a very long tumble. Stock rigs can handle it with careful driving, but experienced hands behind the wheel are non-negotiable. The BLM manages this area and requires no permits, but cell service vanishes once you leave the pavement, so come prepared with offline maps and recovery gear.
March through May and September through November offer the best conditions – summer heat turns the slickrock into a furnace that’ll cook you and your cooling system. The trail gains 800 feet over its length, topping out around 4,800 feet with sweeping views across the Colorado River valley and the La Sal Mountains. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the area, and you’ll find some of Utah’s finest sunset spots scattered along the mesa top. The route takes most rigs a half day to complete properly, but smart wheelers budget extra time for the technical sections and photo stops.
What you get for your effort is a masterclass in reading slickrock terrain and some of the most dramatic river valley views in the Southwest. This isn’t a trail you conquer – it’s one that teaches you respect for both the rock and your rig’s limits. You’ll leave understanding why Moab built its reputation on trails like this, and you’ll have earned every bit of bragging rights that comes with completing one of Utah’s premier technical routes. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4800 ft |
| Best season | March-May, September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with low range |
| Nearest town | Moab, Utah |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle Poison Spider Mesa without a lift?
A stock 4Runner or Wrangler with low range can complete this trail, but you'll want decent all-terrain tires — street tires on slickrock are a gamble. Skid plates are worth having given the exposed rock shelves. Lifted rigs have more margin for error on the steeper pitches, but factory clearance isn't a dealbreaker here.
What months is Poison Spider Mesa actually driveable?
March through May and September through November are the sweet spots — temperatures are manageable and the rock isn't baking you alive. Summer heat in Moab regularly hits triple digits, which turns a half-day trail into a miserable, overheating exercise. Snow or ice on slickrock in winter makes this trail genuinely dangerous and it's not worth the risk.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to run Poison Spider Mesa?
No permit required and no fee to drive the trail — it's BLM land, open to the public. If you're camping overnight, standard BLM dispersed camping rules apply: pack it in, pack it out, no campfires during fire restrictions. Check current BLM fire restrictions before you go, especially in fall.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The crux is the initial climb out — steep, polished sandstone with little room to correct a bad line, and exposure on one side that gets your attention fast. Momentum and tire placement matter more than raw power here. If your spotter or your own comfort level says no, the bailout back to the trailhead is easier than committing to a bad line mid-climb.
Is there water available on the trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
There is no water on the trail — carry everything you need for the day, minimum two liters per person in shoulder season, more in summer. The trailhead is roughly 5 miles from Moab, so fuel up in town before you head out; the trail itself is a half-day run and you won't need a full tank, but don't arrive on fumes.
Trail track
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