Moab Utah - Bull Canyon Trail

 
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Last updated 09/06/2015

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Introduction
Few OHV experiences can rival the fun of riding an ATV in Utah’s Moab backcountry. An endless variety of undulating and challenging terrain combined with spectacular scenery provide an unforgettable experience.

It’s easy to find your way around the small town of Moab. Main St (Hwy 191) runs north and south all the way through town. Center St and Main St, where Moab Information Center is located, marks the center of town. If you need lodging or camping, it is a good idea to call well in advance.

There are several places in Moab to rent ATV’s. Check www.discovermoab.com/autorental.htm for latest information or just drive down Main St. You should check Utah’s OHV Laws (http://stateparks.utah.gov/stateparks/ohv) or call 800-648-7433.

Using your GPS for each trail
I have included Way Points for the trail. Also, in the description below, I have included complete instructions on the trail. I would print or copy the instructions off if you plan on using these Way Points.

Bull Canyon Trail

Highlights: A fun place to ride with many undulations and narrow, twisting turns. Explore several interesting side canyons. Tremendous view from the bottom of Gemini Bridges. Important: Park at turn-around area (WP4) and hike short distance to arches. This trail is an easy mix of narrow, rocky wash bottoms and sandy hills. As you approach the ends of side canyons, the routes become more difficult. The first side canyon described splits and ends on narrow shelf roads where it is very difficult to turn around.

Getting There: From Moab, take Hwy 191 north about 7.5 miles and turn left into large parking area. If you reach Highway 313, you’ve gone too far. Unload here. Cross railroad tracks and bear left. Follow Gemini Bridges Road south across high shelf then through canyon. You’ll reach a major “T” intersection about 5 miles from parking area. Right at “T” goes to Bull Canyon.

  1. Staging (mile 0) – Turn right at major “T” and climb short hill.
  2. WP1 (miles 0.5) – Bear left at major fork.
  3. WP2 (miles 2.1/0.0) – Make hard right downhill at start of Bull Canyon. Follow narrow, winding wash into widening canyon.
  4. WP3 (miles 1.7) – Bear right for Gemini Bridges. Canyon narrows again with a few small challenges. Left here is first side canyon.
  5. WP4 (miles 2.2) – Park at sandy loop and hike to arches just around the corner. Do not ride any farther. When finished, turn around and return to WP3.
  6. WP3 (miles 2.7/0.0) – Make hard right to reach side canyon (optional). Trail splits after 1.1 miles. Right goes uphill 0.7 miles along narrow ledge road with good views. Left goes downhill and ends in another mile on a very narrow shelf. Turn around before end. Return to start of Bull Canyon.
  7. WP2 (miles 7.3/0.0) – At start of Bull Canyon, turn right downhill.
  8. WP5 (miles 0.1) – Bear left.
  9. WP6 (miles 0.4) – Trail ends at area of small sand dunes that look down into gaping Day Canyon. Return to WP5.
  10. WP5 (miles 0.7/0.0) – Turn left to explore another side canyon. This one has no special features, but it’s fun to ride.
  11. (miles 2.3) – Road fades away as you approach end of canyon. Turn around and return to WP5.
  12. WP5 (miles 4.6/0.0) – Left uphill to return to start.
  13. WP2 (miles 0.1) – Go straight uphill past entrance to Bull Canyon. (If you are interested in the difficult side trip through Little Canyon, watch for a road on the right about 0.3 miles north of WP2.
  14. WP1 (miles 1.7) – Bear right.
  15. Staging (mile 2.2) – Back to start. Bear left to return to staging area in about 5 miles. Straight goes to Gold Bar Rim