Stairmaster Trail | Kane Creek

Hiking Stairmaster Trail - Kane Creek Hiking Stairmaster Trail

Kane Creek

Overview

RATING: Moderate Hike
MAPS: MOAB, UT;

Mon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.

50 | 26

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 42. West northwest wind around 5 mph.

42 | 23

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 46.

46 | 21

Thu

Sunny, with a high near 49.

49 | 25

Fri

Mostly sunny, with a high near 50.

50 | 27

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Any, hot in summer.
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None.

Mon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.

50 | 26

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 42. West northwest wind around 5 mph.

42 | 23

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 46.

46 | 21

Thu

Sunny, with a high near 49.

49 | 25

Fri

Mostly sunny, with a high near 50.

50 | 27

View Full Weather Details
Arches in the distance from near the top.

Arches in the distance from near the top.

If you are hoping someone ironically named the Stairmaster trail, prepare to be disappointed. This trail lives up to its name, gaining over 900 feet in the first mile. Feel the burn! The reward from the top, once you catch your breath, is excellent views of the Moab valley, La Sal Mountains, and even Arches National Park in the distance.

This is a good winter outing or other cooler times of the year. The elevation gain will generate some heat! If doing this hike in the summer, get an early start.

La Sal Mountains shrouded in clouds.

La Sal Mountains shrouded in clouds.

Getting There

From downtown Moab, head to south to Kane Creek Blvd. Turn right on Kane Creek Blvd. (This is currently where the McDonald's and Burger King are.)

  • Reset odometer as you turn onto Kane Creek Blvd. ( 12S 626362mE 4269376mN / N38° 33' 50" W109° 32' 59" )
  • 2.6 miles - Moab Rim Trailhead and Pit Toilet on the left. This is the Stairmaster Trailhead as well. ( 12S 623455mE 4268771mN / N38° 33' 32" W109° 34' 59" )
Moab Valley and La Sal Mountains

Moab Valley and La Sal Mountains

Route

From the trailhead, either hike up the Moab Rim Jeep Trail, or the Stairmaster Trail that parallels it. For my money, the Stairmaster is a bit better. After 0.8 miles, the jeep road and hiking trail merge near the top of the mesa. There are many great vantage points for taking in the amazing views of Moab, the La Sal Mountains, and even Arches National Park off in the far distance to the northeast.

This a good destination, but if you have more energy, consider continuing on the Moab Rim Trail and making a loop. The Moab Rim Trail meanders to a junction. Go right at the junction. The trail descends, crosses the head of Moonflower Canyon, then ascends up and over a dome. At the next junction go left, descending to a wash, then go left again to complete the loop.

There is much to see and many areas to wander on the mesa top.


Maps

Route / 5.49 miles / Elevation Range 3,991 - 4,901 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead

12S 623474mE 4268774mN

N38° 33' 32" W109° 34' 58"

Stairmaster

12S 623495mE 4268833mN

N38° 33' 34" W109° 34' 57"

End of Stairmaster

12S 624456mE 4269615mN

N38° 33' 59" W109° 34' 17"

Loop Junction

12S 624482mE 4268655mN

N38° 33' 27" W109° 34' 17"

Moonflower Canyon

12S 624129mE 4268338mN

N38° 33' 17" W109° 34' 31"

Loop Return

12S 624917mE 4267645mN

N38° 32' 54" W109° 33' 59"

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