Poison Spider Trail: Difficult, Legendary, and Fun

Bronco Nation will be taking the community on several trails during Moab Bronco Safari 2023. Another one we will be headed out on is Poison Spider. 

This trail is rated as difficult and is given a 6 out of 10 rating by the Red Rock 4 Wheelers. As a comparison, the trails we use for Bronco Off-Roadeo are a 4 rating. Because of this increased difficulty level, we’re going to ask that participants have front and rear lockers and at least a 33” tire –– 35”s are recommended. 

This route is a fun filled combination of challenging obstacles and incredible scenery. It is the gateway to the even more difficult Golden Spike and some will describe it as the first part of the Trifecta (Poison Spider, Golden Spike, and Gold Bar Rim).

Poison Spider has a 5 mile loop combined with a 5 mile out and back, making this a total of 15 miles. The trail got its name from a legend that a little girl died from a spider bite back in the late 1800s. I’m going to reinforce the word “legend.” I find it interesting that the grave is right next to the road, that the road doesn’t really lead anywhere and very doubtfully even existed in the 1800s, and that a family would willingly bury a small child far away from any homestead or church cemetery. 

The “legend” I heard was that a local guide wanted to spice up a story and give an answer to the “why” of Poison Spider Mesa and added a “grave site” several years ago. Regardless, the site is there, easily and conveniently visited, and true or not, contributes to the trail and Mesa name.

The trail begins near the river and climbs quickly up to the Poison Spider Mesa. Along the way, expect steep rocky switchbacks, tall off-camber ledges, a bumpy area called Tie Rod flats, a narrow canyon, and a dry waterfall, which are all encountered in just the first two miles. 

Later, around mile 3, an optional trip through the infamous Wedgy leads to dramatic climbs up slickrock domes to a planned stop and short hike at Little Arch with views of Moab Rim and the Potash road below. 

The loop then heads towards Pig Rock and through a sandy section that includes a large sand hill climb. Once the loop is completed, we’ll head back the way we came down to the trail head.

There is limited trailer parking and primitive toilets at the trail head. 

Still Time to Join In!

Ready to run these iconic trails with your Bronco Nation friends and guides? Book a spot to stay, get your MBS tickets, and come join us!