Description
Buttes and Towers is a scenic 11-mile cliff-lined trail with a few challenges for stock-type vehicles. It's an ideal trail for someone looking to get their feet wet in Moab or has a vehicle without lockers. It is bumpy and rocky for the first half; there are countless rocky ledges to climb up and down. The later sections, after Waypoint 10, are where the soft sand begins. The route is easily accessible and can be completed by stock high clearance 4x4 vehicles equipped with durable off-road tires. The trail has a couple of rocky sections where spotting may be necessary for low clearance vehicles. There can be stray boulders at various times that can require careful navigation. Watch your speed and look for oncoming traffic.
There is a maze of roads and trails in this area. This route will utilize a few of them and bypass others. Unless on
Sevenmile Rim all of the roads will be roughly the same technical rating as this one.
Do not stray off the designated route. Stay the trail, and please follow the trail markers closely.
Waypoints
1. Trailhead
(0 mi)
The trail branches off of Cotter Mine Road toward the massive rock cliffs. You will drive up a dirt trail to the slab rocks below Courthouse Rock.
2. Scenic and First Rock Ledge
(0.65 mi)
The first rock ledge you'll encounter is an introduction to what is to come along this route. Slow and steady, one tire at a time, then congratulate everyone while soaking in the views. You will soon circle uphill and around to the backside of this giant rock wall.
3. MM Intersection - Turn Right
(0.9 mi)
After the ascent below Courthouse Rock, turn right to travel along the backside. Staying straight continues to Waypoint 12 on this route. The junction has wooden signs pointing the way. This is your first glimpse of the Courthouse Pasture area and all its splendor.
4. No Vehicles, Hike and Bike
(1.8 mi)
Once you cross over the small creek, stay straight. The trail to the right is closed to all vehicles. Hike and bike only.
5. Intersection - Stay Left
(2.34 mi)
At the fork, stay to the left to continue around Pasture Butte. To shorten the route, turn right to reach Waypoint 9 on this route.
6. Pasture Butte
(2.69 mi)
As you approach Pasture Butte, you will have to drive along a narrow off chamber ledge. It's wide enough for all vehicles and only about a 15° angle. This section of the route is fun and very scenic.
7. Around the Butte
(3.18 mi)
Turn right, driving around the point of the butte to the south. You will need to follow the white lines painted on the rock and watch for blind holes and ledges.
8. Narrow Ledge and Rocks
(3.48 mi)
This obstacle is a blind ledge squeeze point. You must hug the rocks to avoid dropping off the 8-inch ledge on the drivers' side. Then navigate through the off-camber squeeze. Full-width vehicles may want to utilize a spotter.
9. Mill Canyon Hike and Bike - Hard Left
(4.36 mi)
This tight turn to the left can be tricky for full-size trucks or SUVs—plan for a three-point turn in most vehicles. The drop-down is pretty steep, and the rocks at the bottom of the hill mess with your steering. The trail to the right is closed to vehicles; hiking or biking leads you to Mill Canyon.
10. Stay Straight
(5.65 mi)
Stay straight at the intersection. The trail to the right is a short connector trail leading to
Sevenmile Rim Trail at WP 24.
Note: The official Easter Jeep Safari Buttes and Towers route exits out this way and onto
Sevenmile Rim.
11. Turn Left
(6.04 mi)
Turn left at the tree. You will return to this point at the end of the route, Waypoint 18. Staying straight leads to Wipe Out Hill.
12. Hard Right - Right Uranium Arch
(7.91 mi)
At the large intersection, there are multiple turns. The hard right will continue the Buttes and Towers route. The soft right leads to Uranium Arch and
Sevenmile Rim Trail.. Turning left will lead back to Waypoint 03 of this route.
13. Stay Left
(8.92 mi)
At the fork, stay to the left. To the right, will shortcut to Waypoint 17 on this route.
14. Stay Right
(9.51 mi)
At the large sandy intersection, stay to the right.
15. Sevenmile Rim
(9.88 mi)
Two junctions are close to each other. First, turn right, and 2nd, stay straight at the following intersection. This section overlaps with
Sevenmile Rim Trail. at Waypoint 20 for a very short distance.
16. Stay Right
(10.2 mi)
This section can get a little confusing. Stay to the right, away from the slab rock and the butte. Following the track closely will help preserve the delicate vegetation in the area.
17. Wipe Out Hill Trailhead - Stay Left
(10.55 mi)
At the intersection, stay to the right. To the left leads to Wipe Out Hill. It's a short but challenging way to exit the area. You will need a capable 4x4 and rock crawling experience to leave that way safely.
18. Trail End
(11.07 mi)
The trail ends back at the tree and Waypoint 11 of this route. The most common exit is to travel to Waypoint 10 and connect it with
Sevenmile Rim Trail. at Waypoint 24. Sevenmile can be taken out to Mill Canyon Road.