Poison Spider Mesa Trailhead

The Poison Spider Mesa offers some of the most scenic routes in the Moab area. The mesa is bordered by the Moab valley to the east and the Colorado River to the south with iconic views of the Behind the Rocks area and the Las Sal Mountains. The unapparelled scenery and challenging terrain make it one of the most popular areas to recreate. 

The trailhead is the primary access for the Poison Spider Mesa Route, an approximately 16-mile four-wheel drive and mountain bike loop trail. The Golden Spike Route is also accessed from the trailhead as it links to the Gemini Bridges Road. 

Additionally, this serves at the trailhead for the 1.2-mile Longbow Arch hiking tail, the 1.3-mile Poison Spider Bench hiking trail, and the Poison Spider Dinosaur Track site. The dinosaur track site is visible from the trailhead and is a short five minute hike for a close-up view. There are tracks from at least 10 different carnivorous dinosaurs. These trails require hiking and scrambling over rough terrain.

Parking

Please keep in mind that several user groups begin their adventures at this trailhead — the parking area is for vehicles sized to fit in a single spot. Trailer parking and staging areas can be found along Potash Road before and after this parking lot — providing a relatively short drive to the trailhead. 

Do not park trailers in or along the side of this parking lot and the road leading to it (including along the entrance). Parking in these areas not only prevents others who are using the area from access; it creates a safety hazard. 

Maps

The BLM has created two georeferenced PDF maps that cover this area: the Poison Spider Mesa Map and the Poison Spider Designated Routes Map. You can download these maps while you have cell coverage and plot your location using a 3rd party app even when you are outside of cell coverage.  

Stay on designated routes

Within the Moab area, all vehicles and bikes must stay on marked, designated routes. Please do your part to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Visit treadlightly.org to learn more.