Trail Overview
Poison Spider Mesa forms one of the cliff features that is part of the Moab landscape northwest of town and is rated 6 of 10. The mesa is bordered on the east by Moab Valley and on the south by the Colorado River. Access is via Scenic Byway 279, the "Potash Road," and the trail climbs to the rim along with the sloping rock layers. Poison Spider Mesa can be run as a single out-and-back 14.3-mile trail or may be combined with several other trails (Golden Spike and Gold Bar Rim) to create the Trifecta. Air down at the trailhead, where there is also a restroom. The first mile of the trail will climb the cliff face through a section of switchbacks and several obstacles to climb steps, ledges, and waterfalls. Exiting the switchback section at the top of the mesa, the next mile is across Tie-Rod Flats, which is a rocky section that can be run in 4H. At about 2.4 miles, the next series of obstacles begins with a 10-foot slickrock climb, followed by an obstacle aptly named “The Waterfall,” a winding slickrock set of ledges that run for about 100-meters. It is immediately followed by an additional series of slickrock climbs until reaching the “V-notch.” The trail continues for about 1-mile over slickrock obstacles before entering the section called “High Speed Mesa,” a section of mostly sand track. The “Down and Up Ledges” are the next encountered obstacle, which leads up to the intersection with the Golden Spike trail. Bear right at the intersection to enter the Poison Spider Loop. The 3.5-mile loop offers views of “Little Arch” as well as giant potholes and a large sand hill that must be negotiated. Much of the loop portion is on Navajo Sandstone slickrock, with one stretch of 0.4 miles of bare rock. There are also rock ledges, a sandy wash bottom, and two blow-sand hills. There are several options along the loop to drive out to the rim edge or to jump on one of several other trails and continue to the north. The other option is to complete the loop and return back down the trail, running the obstacles in reverse back to the trailhead. It should be noted that the two primary trails leading north from Poison Spider Mesa are more difficult (Golden Spike rated 7 and Where Eagles Dare rated 8). Round-trip from the trailhead and back will take about 5 hours, depending on the type of vehicle.
Difficulty
Trails are difficult with considerable erosion damage, loose rocks, dirt, and slickrock. Water in excess of 12 inches is possible with mud conditions. Steps not exceeding 36 inches. 4WD, tall tires (33-inches plus) with two traction-adding devices (lockers, limited slips) are required. A winch would be a plus. Enhanced suspension travel and good ground clearance are required. Excellent driving skills are recommended.
