This short hike is exposed to all elements, so be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and bring snacks and a minimum of 3 L of water per person, plus water for the dogs (if you bring them). This trail is kid and dog friendly. Though we saw several dogs on leash, it is not required. Most people will only hike to the half way point, where you can see the tallest tower, The Titan. Keep going though – the best view is near the end when you get a full panorama view of The Fisher Towers.
From Moab, head North on HWY 191, then head East along the Colorado River (HWY 128). Drive for 21 miles, then look for the brown Fisher Towers sign. Just over and down the hill, you will turn Right onto a dirt road. Compact cars, such as my Sonata, will make it just fine. Drive to the very end of the dirt road until you reach the parking lot and TH. Be aware that after 9am on weekends, the parking lot fills up very quickly, and you may need to park down the road, then walk up to the TH. Here’s a driving map.
The trail begins in the SE corner of the parking lot.
Immediately the trail drops down, then you will hike along a ledge.
Within the first 10 minutes of hiking, you will cut between two large rock walls, with rock steps to help you down. Again, hike back up, continuing to follow the marked trail.
The famous “Corkscrew Summit” – a climber’s paradise with amazing view. To see what it looks like from the top, check out this video.
Our long time friend Lou was visiting, and Ian explained how the climbers get on top of it from the backside.
The highest tower (not 100% visible here), The Titan, which is 900 ft, was first climbed in 1962 by three men from Colorado. Their ascent was described in the “We Climbed Utah’s Skyscraper Rock” published in National Geographic, November 1962. Although the crumbly texture of the Fisher Towers offers less than ideal conditions, rock climbing is now relatively common in this area as a result of improved climbing equipment and techniques.
Hike along the East facing wall, which will drop down, and will need to go down this ladder.
Large dogs will not be able to get down that ladder, even with help from a friend. The easiest way for the dogs to get to the other side, is to actually hike above the ladder (up the hillside), then down this little slot canyon. All of our 8 dogs needed to do this, and hiking through it was more fun and prettier than taking the ladder. This photo was taken on our first trip to Fisher Towers in 2015!
Continuing on the trail, you will hike on this flat ladders, to help you step up. I think it also helps with erosion.
At about 2.2 miles, the trail really opens up and you will have fantastic views of the Fisher Towers behind you. Visitors are sure to be impressed with this trail!
We still love this hike even years after doing it the first time!
If you can find it, there’s a small natural bridge in the area!
Since 1949 the Moab area has been a popular location for movie, commercials, music videos, and brochure photos.
Here are all the movies filmed near Fisher Towers.
1949 Wagon Master
1950 Rio Grande
1951 Battle at Apache Pass
1952 Son of Cochise
1953 Border River
1953 Siege of Red River
1954 Canyon Crossroads
1954 Smoke Signal
1956 Fort Dobbs
1958 Warlock
1959 Ten Who Dared
1960 Gold of Seven Saints
1961 Comancheros
1963 The Greatest Story Ever Told
1963 Cheyenne Autumn
1964 Rio Conchos
1965 Canyonlands U.S.A.
1967 Blue
1967 Fade In
1971 Seeta, the Mountain Lion
1975 Against a Crooked Sky
1984 Choke Canyon
1992 Knights
1992 This Boy’s Life
1995 The Sunchaser
1996 Breakdown Mile
1999 Nurse Betty
(source: DiscoverMoab.com)
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Mary Jane Slot Canyon & Waterfall
