MJ Destinations: Gold Bar Rim – Moab, Utah

Gold Bar Rim is a cliff rim that stands 1200 ft above highway 191’s path in Moab Canyon. The cliffs slope downward to the southwest, the rim has a 360 view. The trail is rated a 6 and is suggested that you have lockers front and rear as well as a winch (just in case) with a minimum of 35” tires. The trail climbs the cliff in stages, angling up to Little Canyon, then working its way across Gold Bar Canyon to follow the slope of the Wingate Sandstone layer up to the rim. The La Sal Mountains, the Book Cliffs and parts of the Colorado river are part of the spectacular views on the slope.

Most of the miles on this trail are typical Moab terrain, sand punctured by some surface rocks, quite a lot of slick rock near Gold Bar Rim area. Many people just think of this trail as the exit route for Golden Spike, but the route is completely different going up than coming down and short enough to do both ways within a half day.

The most difficult four wheeling is in crossing Gold Bar Canyon and the ascending rim. The waterfall is the most difficult part of the trail, so remember you have to go down and back up, so make sure you have the proper equipment to safely make this obstacle and carry a strap or have a winch just in case you need it! I wouldn’t advise a stock vehicle, there are many signs that tell you to not proceed if you do not have the proper equipment.

A scenic, beautiful and fun trail that about 17.5 miles round trip. We stopped a lot and enjoyed the views, taking about 4 hours to run the trail. Enjoy!