Near Long Amasa Loop
Rock fins abound this trail run.
Near Long Amasa Loop
Amasa Back trailhead on Kane Creek Rd. Get ready for a rugged descent.
Near Long Amasa Loop
Amasa Back faux view point
Near Long Amasa Loop
End of the Road
Near Long Amasa Loop
The mighty Colorado River seen from the Jackson's Trail

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Long Amasa Loop

5.0 (5 Ratings)
An awesome loop around the Amasa Back area.
12.9
mi
Distance
2,091
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Captain Ahab is a <b>very</b> popular downhill mountain biking trail. If you're hoping to avoid the two-wheeled mayhem, try to rxh this early.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
12.86mi
Distance
2,091ft
Elevation Gain
2,091ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
4,953ft
High Point
3,947ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
Starting from the parking lot just down Kane Creek Road from the Amasa Back trailhead, hike up the road to the trailhead, head down the hill on Hymasa Start Segment and cross the stream. Climb the jeep trail for a short ways before forking left onto Captain Ahab Trail. Captain Ahab Trail is the best singletrack I saw in Moab. Awesome views and super rugged terrain made for mouth-dropping (maybe because I couldn't breathe) technical hiking. The Captain Ahab Trail is about 4 miles long and climbs the plateau before rejoining the Amasa Back. The biking crowd is supposed to roll downhill, but hikers can head up it. Just be cautious of downhill mountain bikers. Keep climbing over Cliffhanger past the Jacob's (Jackson's) Ladder Overlook and out to the End of the Road trail. Two quick optional out and backs will add a little mileage before getting serious and heading out to the Pothole Arch Trail. Pothole Arch Trail makes you wonder how a giant batch of cookie dough turned into stone and became an incredible slick rock adventure. A mile out and back brings you to Rockstacker Trail and the downhill begins.Rockstacker travels across some seriously rugged terrain. Be ready for tough downhill scrambles and potential ankle busters. Pay attention and enjoy the views and you descend. The trail ties directly into Jackson's Trail and downhill to the Kane Springs Trailhead. Blaze a half mile back up the road to your car and stroke your ego after one awesome loop.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
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