Moab, UT: Morning Glory Arch

-Mapped by Steffan Fay

Trail Facts

• Distance: 3.6

Waypoints

Creek Crossing

Location: 38.5995178222656, -109.524589538574

Use caution while crossing Negro Bill Creek in high water. ©Steffan Fay

Morning Glory Arch

Location: 38.5957069396973, -109.510406494141

The arch from upcanyon. ©Steffan Fay

MGA001

Location: 38.6098403930664, -109.534202575684

Hike E between Navajo sandstone walls of Negro Bill Canyon, named after one of Moab’s first nonnative settlers, William Granstaff, who came to the Spanish Valley in 1877 and grazed his cattle in the canyon

MGA002

Location: 38.6033706665039, -109.528099060059

Follow perennial, clear-running stream lined with prickly pear patches

MGA003

Location: 38.6019287109375, -109.525802612305

Trail winds alongside pools surrounded by juniper trees

MGA004

Location: 38.5994987487793, -109.524299621582

Cross watery terraces of Negro Bill Canyon Creek; don’t tread on black crust (cryptobiotic organisms that help stabilize soil and protect germinating seeds)

MGA005

Location: 38.5972213745117, -109.52320098877

Turn L to continue following main canyon through willow stands; right fork has camping and picnic spots

MGA006

Location: 38.5975799560547, -109.513496398926

Head R up side drainage of Negro Bill; canyon walls narrow and cottonwoods overtake sandstone benches

MGA007

Location: 38.5962104797363, -109.510398864746

First views of Morning Glory Arch; continue S on winding trail accompanied by the sounds of rushing water echoing from the crimson-streaked canyon walls

MGA008

Location: 38.5936889648438, -109.508796691895

Morning Glory Natural Bridge. This 243-ft. arch, 6th longest natural rock span in the U.S., is unique because it was carved at the base of a waterfall, rather than across an open stream. Retrace route to car. Caution: Poison ivy grows near pools under bridge