Moonflower Canyon Trail
- Alex Cabrero
- Sep 4, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 5
(Moab) This is a kid and dog friendly trail that is a great introduction for some of what you'll find on other trails in Moab. It's an easy 0.6 mile out-and-back trail, but you'll find sand, rocks, little creeks, sagebrush, and thick vegetation to make your way through. At the end, there is a small pool of water you can wade into to cool off during the hot summer months. My dog Timber wasted no time getting into the water.
There is a large parking lot and a restroom at the trailhead. It is very sandy at the start of the trail, so if you have a pup with you, make sure the sand isn't too hot in the summer to walk on. You'll also notice picnic tables near the start of the trail. It's a great place for families to chow down in a beautiful setting. When I visited this trail, the wind was blowing and the find sand was getting in my eyes. The canyon seems to make a perfect funnel for wind to blow through. However, once you get up the canyon a little, it's less sandy and it's not an issue at all.
When you get into the canyon a little bit, you'll see a small creek that flows through it. You'll cross this water several times during your short hike to the end. The trail itself splits into several other trails, but they all lead to the same spot. I think most people avoid the sections that has thick vegetation and tree branches. I scratched myself pretty good going through some of the trees. It would've been easier going more to the right of the creek where there are more rocky slopes, but less vegetation to push through.
There is one section about halfway up where you can see petroglyphs. It's on the rock wall to the left if you're facing the canyon. Unfortunately, you'll see a lot of graffiti and vandalism here as well etched into the rocks. But, when you think about it, aren't petroglyphs kind of graffiti from back then? Makes you think, but definitely don't add to it. There are only so many of these etchings left and once they're ruined, you can't get them back.
The Moonflower Canyon Trail gets its name from a phenomenon that happens at certain times of the year. The flowers along the trail are moonflowers and they bloom under the light of the full moon. This creates a kid of magical experience if you're hiking the trail at night. You might see a lot of photographers and botany enthusiasts hoping to see this bloom if you visit at the right time.
As you make your way along the trail, you'll be surrounded by the the amazing red rock walls Moab is best known for. The towering walls, along with the short canyon, make this a fun introduction to what the Moab area has to offer. It's not uncommon to see black ravens (crows?) flying overhead from rock to rock squawking at your trail mix.
Beside the crows (ravens?), there's a chance you'll see all sorts of desert critters like lizards, rabbits, and other types of birds. I'm sure there are snakes here somewhere, but in the 4-5 times I have hiked this trail, I have never seen one. That's probably why I have gone back :)
The pool of water at the end of the hike is very refreshing. However, there are times I have visited where it was a tad stinky because it's relatively stagnant. I still waded in it barefoot to cool off. Timber went swimming. This is also the end of the trail. You'll see the rock canyon walls surrounding this pool of water and there's no way to continue, unless you're a very good rock climber with gear. I bet some of Moab's rock climbers have attempted this before, but rock climbing is not for me. I would rather eat lunch in this spot. Beware, though, if you're visiting in May, the mosquitoes can be unbearable. The stagnant water here seems to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Even the best bug spray doesn't keep them all away. If you start noticing mosquitoes about halfway up, it might be best to turn back and wait until later in the season.
Once you're done enjoying the pool, just turn around and start heading back. Maybe try a different trail on your way back to get a different experience. They all lead to the same spot and with rock walls on both sides of you, you really can't get lost.
The trail is just off Kane Creek Blvd. about 3 1/2 miles from downtown Moab. Here is the link to it on Google Maps.
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