Poison Spider, Portal


(Little Arch)

Poison Spider Mesa linked up with the Portal Trail is one of my favorite Moab rides. I highly recommend it! It starts by climbing a beat up, rocky, technical, double track created out of sandstone. The trail is well marked with paddle markers. Along the way, you'll be entertained by 4wds attempting what can be gnarly maneuvers on the slick rock. After a couple of miles you'll be up on the top of the mesa where you'll wind around on slickrock and sandy trails. The views are absolutely spectacular. One of the biggest contrasts in nature is presented with the La Sal mtns (alpine) stretching above the desert slickrock. Make sure to walk the 20 or yards down to Little Arch. After you get back on the bike, you'll get to the top where views of the Moab Valley and Colorado await. Next is the literally deadly downhill (3 people have died). This is a true cliff hanger. There are plenty of hike a bike sections but way more rideable parts that make it one of the funnest downhill sections Moab has to offer. You'll finally end back on the road when the trail ends up in a campground. Pedal back to the trailhead. Good work and most of all, Good Fun!

Ride Type: Loop utilizing rocky double track, sand road, slick rock, and extreme technical singletrack, a bit of road.
Distance: 11.36 mi 
Elevation Gain: 2004 ft
Time: 2-3.5 hrs
Season: Spring & Fall to avoid extreme heat
Recommended Map: Moab West by Latitude 40 (includes Amasa Back, Poison Spider Mesa, Gemini Bridges, Hurrah Pass, Jackson's, Sovereign and many more) 

 


Getting There: From downtown Moab, head north on Main st (hwy 191). At about 4 miles, hang a left on Potash rd (big excavation project on left). Travel about 10 miles hugging the Colorado river until you see the sign for "Poison Spider Mesa". Turn right up the dirt rd that leads to the parking lot (bathrooms). Start the ride by continuing up the rocky rd.


(scroll over map with mouse to see full size)








(3 people have died on the Portal Trail. Be careful. Walking is cool if it keeps you alive)
Website Builder