Poison Spider Mesa Trail — Potash Road to Little Arch and the Poison Spider Overlook
Slickrock steps above the Colorado River.
Poison Spider Mesa wastes no time. You leave the pavement off Potash Road, climb a few hundred feet, and the trail turns to bare Wingate and Kayenta sandstone. The first obstacle is Wipe-Out Hill, a steep, rounded slickrock pitch with a lot of side slope and a drop that makes you pay attention. Next come the Waterfall ledge, the Golden Spike, and a boulder section that tests tire pressure and line choice. Past the technical stuff the track runs across the mesa top to Little Arch and the rim overlooks. From there the Colorado River sits far below and the Moab Rim stretches out to the south. On the way you cross a set of dinosaur tracks near the start of the route.
This is a real 4×4 trail, not a high-clearance scenic drive. A short-wheelbase rig with decent tires, a locker or good traction control, and a competent driver can walk it. A spotter helps on Wipe-Out Hill and the ledges. Aired-down tires grip slickrock better, so do that. Long wheelbases and tow rigs will drag. Go in spring or fall, because summer heat bakes the rock and winter ice can show up on shaded pitches. Skip it if rain is in the forecast, since wet slickrock is hazardous. The trail is on BLM land with no permit, but camp only in designated Potash Road sites or established dispersed areas nearby. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | 3-5 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4900 ft |
| Best season | March-May, September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Short-wheelbase 4x4 with good tires and low range; lockers helpful |
| Nearest town | Moab, Utah |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management, Moab Field Office |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | BLM Moab Field Office |
| Verified | |
| 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 Tacoma run Poison Spider Mesa?
It's possible with low range, decent all-terrain tires, and a good spotter, but this is a Difficult rated trail with steep ledges and climbs. Stock vehicles risk body and sidewall damage on the Waterfall and Wipe-Out Hill, and lockers or a locking rear help a lot. A short wheelbase makes the ledges much easier.
Is Poison Spider Mesa doable in winter?
It's technically open year-round, but snow and ice on slickrock ledges make Waterfall and Wipe-Out Hill dangerous, and shaded sections can stay icy long after the weather clears. Best conditions are March to May and September to November. Summer is passable but hot, with little shade and no water on route.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to drive Poison Spider Mesa?
No permit or trail fee is required for day use on this BLM Moab Field Office route. Your vehicle needs to be street legal or properly registered as an OHV in Utah. Stay on the marked route and the slickrock, and check with the BLM Moab Field Office for current closures.
What's the hardest part of the trail?
The Waterfall ledge and Wipe-Out Hill are the crux sections. Both are steep, off-camber slickrock obstacles where tire placement matters and a spotter is worth having. Wet or icy rock makes them far harder, and there's no easy bailout once you're committed.
Where can I camp and what should I know about cell service?
Skip the slickrock for camping and use the BLM campgrounds along Potash Road (Hwy 279) near the trailhead, such as Williams Bottom, Gold Bar, or Jaycee Park. Cell service is spotty on the mesa, so tell someone your route and return time. Carry all your water, since there's none on the trail, and plan on 3-5 hours for the 14 miles.
Trail track
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