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A tough trail out on an initial steep, rocky descent for great views, as you run along the dry river bed.


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Map Key

5.7

Miles

9.2

KM

90%

Runnable

5,686' 1,733 m

High

4,214' 1,284 m

Low

80' 24 m

Up

1,531' 467 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

54%

Max Grade (28°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Cave · Views

Runner Notes

Bring water, there is no natural water available. There is zero shade, and the trail is completely exposed. Be sure to save energy for the final climb back to the car.

Description

The first steep, 1.5-mile descent is a wild, rocky, and sometimes hard-to-follow trail. After dropping approximately 1000 feet, the trail flattens out as you run along a winding path through a field with grand views as the canyon widens for about a mile. The trail then takes you into a dry, sandy/loose gravel river bed which you'll follow until you meet up with the Moses & Zeus Trail. The trail ends near the Taylor Campground (complete with a bathroom). At this point, you can either turn back or take the short and well-worth it Moses & Zeus Trail, which offers amazing views of the spires.

The majority of the run takes place in the river bed as you meander through the canyon. If you are doing an out and back, the climb back to the car is challenging but manageable. There are points when you'll be scrabbling on the rocks, as most of the elevation change is within the first two miles of the trail. This trail has spectacular views of the canyon and Moses & Zeus spires, and is a rewarding 13-mile round-trip trek (if you include the Moses & Zeus Trail).

Flora & Fauna

Cactus, rabbits, lizards, and desert plant-life.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kelly Brown

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 4 votes

#7013

Overall
  4.8 from 4 votes
5 Star
75%
4 Star
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3 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#215

in Utah

#7,013

Overall
11 Views Last Month
2,550 Since Feb 19, 2016
Difficult Difficult

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Photos

The Alcove Springs Trail flattens out after the initial descent before running through the creekbed.
Dec 13, 2016 near Moab, UT
The Alcove Spring Trail affords visitors scenic views of the canyon before they descend nearly 1000 feet to its floor.
Dec 13, 2016 near Moab, UT
Upper Trail Canyon
Mar 24, 2020 near Moab, UT
Look for the salamander-shaped rock when running in the riverbed on the Alcove Spring Trail.
Dec 13, 2016 near Moab, UT
The initial section of the Alcove Spring Trail sees some serious elevation change!
Dec 13, 2016 near Moab, UT
The alcove and the ascent from the bottom of Trail Canyon
Mar 24, 2020 near Moab, UT

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