Poison Spider Mesa
Moab's most notorious slickrock challenge
Poison Spider Mesa serves up a brutal combination of exposed slickrock ledges, off-camber climbs, and wheel-lifting obstacles that separate the pretenders from the real rock crawlers. The trail climbs relentlessly up sandstone shelves with serious exposure — one wrong move sends you tumbling toward the Colorado River 1,000 feet below. The infamous “Golden Crack” section requires precise wheel placement and nerves of steel, while the mesa-top traverse offers stunning views across Moab’s red rock playground to the La Sal Mountains.
This is expert-level wheeling that demands a built rig with skid plates, rock sliders, and experienced spotters. Stock vehicles will get destroyed here — period. Lockers, low gears, and good tires are mandatory, plus recovery gear because you will need it. Spring and fall offer the best grip on slickrock; summer heat makes metal too hot to touch and winter ice makes this impossible. The payoff is earning your stripes on one of Moab’s most notorious trails and accessing primo camping spots above the river.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5200 ft |
| Best season | March-May, September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with armor |
| 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
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
What vehicle modifications are required for Poison Spider Mesa?
You need heavy skid plates, rock sliders, and preferably front/rear bumpers with recovery points. A stock vehicle will get damaged on the exposed rock ledges.
Is Poison Spider Mesa open during winter months?
The trail is technically open year-round, but snow and ice on slickrock make it extremely dangerous. Stick to March-May and September-November for safest conditions.
Do I need permits to run Poison Spider Mesa?
No permits required since it's on BLM land, but you must stay on designated routes. Going off-trail results in hefty fines and trail closures.
What's the hardest obstacle on this trail?
The infamous 'Little Arch' section has near-vertical slickrock climbs with major exposure - one mistake sends you rolling hundreds of feet down to the Colorado River.
Can I camp along Poison Spider Mesa?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed on BLM land, but most spots are on exposed slickrock with no shade or wind protection. Plan accordingly for harsh desert conditions.