Hiking Stairmaster Trail
Kane Creek
Overview
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Thu 45 | 22 |
Fri 47 | 23 |
Sat 47 | 23 |
Sun 47 | 24 |
Mon 48 | 25 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
|
Thu 45 | 22 |
Fri 47 | 23 |
Sat 47 | 23 |
Sun 47 | 24 |
Mon 48 | 25 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
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.
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
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.
Photos
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" |