Onion Creek Road
Creek-bed road through Fisher Towers country
Onion Creek Road might sound mundane, but this 16-mile journey through Fisher Towers country turns your vehicle into an amphibious explorer. The route follows the actual creek bed through a narrow canyon carved into the Chinle Formation, crossing the flowing water thirteen times as it winds toward the Colorado River. The road passes directly beneath Fisher Towers—those iconic sandstone spires that define Moab’s eastern skyline—while the creek provides a cooling soundtrack to red rock walls that glow like embers in afternoon light.
Most stock high-clearance vehicles handle this easily when water levels are normal, though spring snowmelt can make crossings deeper and more challenging. Late spring through fall offer the best conditions, but avoid during flash flood season. No permits needed, and the dispersed camping opportunities along the route are legendary among overlanders. What you get is a gentle introduction to Utah’s water-carved landscape plus some of the most photogenic camp spots in red rock country—all while staying cool in summer heat that elsewhere turns Moab into a furnace.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 16 mi / 25.7 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4600 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Moab, Utah |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Subaru Outback make it through Onion Creek?
Yes, any stock high-clearance 2WD vehicle can handle this trail. The creek crossings are shallow and the rocky sections aren't technical.
Is Onion Creek Road passable in winter?
Not recommended from November through April due to ice formation in the creek crossings and potential flash flood conditions. Best season is May through October.
Do I need permits or pay fees for Onion Creek Road?
No permits or fees required. It's managed by BLM as a public route with free access and dispersed camping allowed.
How deep are the water crossings?
The thirteen creek crossings are typically 6-12 inches deep during normal conditions. Check weather upstream before entering as flash floods can make crossings dangerous.
Can I camp along Onion Creek Road?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed throughout the area. Popular spots are along the creek before the crossings begin, but expect zero cell service for emergencies.