Grandstaff Canyon Trail: Dog-Friendly Moab Hike to Natural Bridge
The Grandstaff Canyon trail is one of the few hikes near Moab where you can bring dogs and stay entirely outside the national parks.
Looking for a dog-friendly water hike near Moab? The Grandstaff Canyon Trail is a moderate 4.4-mile out-and-back hike featuring creek crossings, light scrambling, and Morning Glory Natural Bridge.Â
No National Park Pass needed for this one. The Grandstaff Canyon trail is one of my top hikes outside Arches and Canyonlands.
While many hikers start early, a late afternoon hike offers fewer crowds and a surprising amount of shade. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire trail and would recommend it to intermediate hikers who want a diverse hiking experience.
➡️ Find more off-the-beaten-path trails and National Park hikes in my Utah Adventure Guide.
Grandstaff Canyon Trail Overview
- Location: Moab, Utah
- Distance: 4.4 mi
- Elevation gain: 400 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail type: Out & back
- Water crossings: Yes
- Dogs allowed: Yes
- Time needed: 2-4 hours
- Best time: Spring, fall, late afternoons
The creek flows year-round, so be prepared for many water crossings. Grandstaff Canyon is a fantastic alternative to the massive crowds in Arches and Canyonlands.
➡️ If you still want to visit Arches National Park, use my hiking guide to find lesser-known trails and experience some solitude in this busy park.
➡️ Hike in the Maze District of Canyonlands or in Horseshoe Canyon for a quieter Canyonlands National Park experience.
Grandstaff Canyon Trail Map
Interactive map of Grandstaff Canyon Trail:
Is The Grandstaff Canyon Trail Worth It?
Yes! Grandstaff Canyon offers a completely different experience from Moab’s exposed slickrock hikes, with shade, water, towering canyon walls, creek crossings, and one of Utah’s larger natural bridges.
➡️ If you want a longer, more challenging trail with water that’s also dog-friendly, check out nearby Mary Jane Slot Canyon. It really does feel like a mini version of the Zion National Park Narrows.
Getting to the Trailhead
Grandstaff Canyon Trail is located just outside Moab, Utah, along Highway 128 and the Colorado River. The trail sits on BLM land and is not part of Arches or Canyonlands National Parks, making it one of the best dog-friendly hikes near Moab without a park entry fee.
Google Map pin: Grandstaff Trailhead
Parking
The parking area at Grandstaff Canyon has room for just under 30 vehicles. It can fill up on a nice day. Try hiking in the late afternoon or early evening.
What the Grandstaff Canyon Trail Is Actually Like
Be prepared for a wide variety of hiking in Grandstaff Canyon.
Sandy Trail Sections
There is a considerable amount of sand hiking in the canyon. Because of this, I opted to wear trail runners instead of sandals. Wet sandals mean sand sticks to your feet and can rub. Maybe if the trail were a couple of miles long, I’d wear sandals, but I’d treat it as a decent hike.
Water Crossings
You’ll come across many water crossings on the Grandstaff Canyon trail. I’ve done this trail in mid-April and late October. Both times, I didn’t get my feet wet. Obviously, April had much more water, but my trekking poles helped me balance on the stepping rocks.
Light Scrambling
When you get closer to Morning Glory Bridge, there is some light scrambling. What do I mean by that? A few sections require you to use your hands to get onto the flatter slickrock. On the way back down, you can sit down and lower yourself. Nothing crazy here, just a few feet of elevation.
➡️ Try hiking to the Goblin’s Lair in Goblin Valley State Park if you’re looking for some fun scrambling sections into a hidden chamber.
How Difficult Is The Grandstaff Canyon Trail?
The Grandstaff Canyon trail is a true moderate hike. The distance is manageable for most intermediate hikers, and the elevation gain is minimal. It’s not very technically difficult, and the trail is generally easy to follow.
Who will enjoy it:
- Intermediate hikers
- Families with older children
- People wanting more variety than slickrock trails
- Dog owners
- People who want to hike outside the National Parks
My Experience Hiking The Grandstaff Canyon Trail
In mid-April, the cactus flowers were blooming, and the weather was warm. Versus in late October, the cottonwoods were dropping their yellow foliage, and the temperatures were still very comfortable.
Do expect some sun on this trail. While the high canyon walls can create luxurious shade, there are sections out in the open.
There is a lot to look at while you hike, and I loved the ever-changing scenery. Take time to notice the reflections on the water and the textures of the rocks.
Mid-April was definitely more popular than October. Depending on the year, cooler temps can arrive early or linger late into spring. I’ve also been hiking in Moab when it’s been 70º F in February. You never really know what you can expect.
Reaching Morning Glory Natural Bridge
Morning Glory Bridge isn’t very noticeable at first. It sits close to the canyon wall, and the best way to admire it is to walk underneath and look up.
There might be a small pool of water under the bridge, depending on the time of year. You can see the bridge’s reflection in the shallow puddle.
Sitting on one of the rocks near the bridge is an excellent spot for a snack break. I recommend walking underneath the bridge and viewing it from every angle you can reach. You’ll get a better idea of its impressive scale.
➡️ Check out the Colonnade Arch hike if you want to have a remote arch all to yourself. It is a bit of an adventure to get there, but well worth the effort.
Watch Out for Poison Ivy
There is poison ivy growing around the bridge and along the trail. Avoid brushing up against bushes as much as you can. Leaves of three, leave it be. Especially look before you find a spot to squat and pee.
What to Bring
- Hiking poles
- Water
- Grippy shoes
- Sun protection
- Snacks
- Layers for shoulder seasons
➡️ See my day hike packing list for more on what to bring.
Best Time to Hike Grandstaff Canyon Trail
Spring
The weather is warm, and flowers are blooming. Water levels will be at their highest with the mountain snow melt adding to the stream.
Summer
Absolutely avoid the midday summer heat. You can try for early morning or early evening. The sun doesn’t set until after 8 pm most of the summer.
Fall
Cottonwood trees turn yellow, and temperatures can be cooler. Water levels are lower.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pit toilet at trailhead
- Small parking area
- Water crossings are unavoidable for some hikers
- Trekking poles help
- Poison ivy grows near the bridge
- Afternoon hikes can be quieter
- Bring plenty of water
- Avoid midday summer sun
Dog Info: Grandstaff Canyon Trail
Grandstaff Canyon trail is one of the best dog-friendly hikes near Moab because of its creek access and shaded canyon environment. Dogs must stay on leash, but they’ll appreciate the water crossings and shaded stretches, especially in warmer months.
A few things to know:
- Expect sandy paws after water crossings
- Some scrambling sections may require helping your dog
- Poison ivy grows near the bridge area (keep dogs from brushing against the vegetation)
- Bring extra water, even though there is a creek
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Grandstaff Canyon Trail FAQs
Is Grandstaff Canyon Trail dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are allowed on leash. This is one of the few hikes near Moab where dogs can enjoy water, shade, and a canyon environment. Just be cautious of poison ivy near the bridge and bring extra water for your dog.
Do you need a National Park pass for Grandstaff Canyon?
No. Grandstaff Canyon is located on BLM land outside Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, so no park pass or entry fee is required.
Can you swim in Grandstaff Canyon?
There is usually water in the creek, especially in spring, but it is not a designated swimming hole. Most water sections are shallow crossings or small pools rather than swimming holes.
When is the best time to hike Grandstaff Canyon?
Spring and fall are ideal. Spring has higher water levels and blooming desert flowers, while fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Late afternoons are also great for shade and lighter traffic.
How long does it take to hike Grandstaff Canyon?
Most hikers take 2 to 4 hours, depending on pace, time spent at Morning Glory Bridge, and water conditions.
Is the trail crowded?
It can be, especially in the morning and on weekends due to its popularity and proximity to Moab. For fewer crowds, try hiking late afternoon or early evening.
