Description
The trail is comprised of slick rock, sand, and dirt with plenty of waterfalls and hill climbs. Even though most obstacles have a bypass, there are still several obstacles that you have to run. Expect 6 ft+ waterfalls, steeper than 50-degree inclines, and plenty of drops that you drag off. It is recommended that you have a lift and lockers before trying this trail. However, it can be run in a stock Jeep with very careful line placement.
Note: The .gpx track available here is of the hardest lines possible on the trail. Stop at each obstacle and pick your route. When in doubt, follow the white tracks painted on the road surface.
Waypoints
1. Trailhead
(0 mi)
There is plenty of parking area to air down before taking on the trail. Travel straight up the trail. This follows a shelf road with easy switchbacks.
There are also dinosaur tracks to the east of the bathrooms. There is a sign with more information.
2. Switchback Ledge
(0.7 mi)
Continue uphill at the first obstacle. There are multiple lines to choose from here. Looking back, you can see the elevation you have climbed and the river below.
3. Obstacle with Bypass
(0.9 mi)
Continue straight to take on the obstacle, or take the route to the left/southeast to bypass.
4. 3-5 Foot Ledge with Bypass
(1.1 mi)
This is a double-step obstacle with a bypass on the right/north.
5. Smooth Dirt Section
(1.5 mi)
Continue straight on the main trail.
6. Spur
(1.9 mi)
Continue straight on the main trail.
7. Prelaunch Pad
(2 mi)
This is the first big optional big obstacle. The bypass is on the right/east.
8. Required Waterfalls and S-Turn
(2.3 mi)
Continue uphill. This is a series of sections that you must climb. This is also the most difficult part of the trail without a bypass.
9. V-Notch with Bypass
(2.7 mi)
The bypass goes up and around to the left/northwest.
10. Obstacle with Bypass
(2.9 mi)
Continue following the trail around. Just before you turn the corner, a ledge can be bypassed to the left/northwest. The next and immediate obstacle has a hard or easy line.
11. Obstacle with Bypass
(3 mi)
Continue straight to take on the ledges, or follow the trail to the left/west for the bypass.
12. High Speed Mesa
(3.3 mi)
The easy part of this trail, High Speed Mesa gives you a change to take it out of 4wd and open it up.
13. Mesa Trailhead
(3.4 mi)
Continue straight on the main trail.
14. Grave Site (Fake)
( mi)
A popular attraction, the fake grave of Mary Jane was rumored to be the reason for the trail getting its name. As the story goes, a little girl got bitten by a poisonous spider costing her her life.
15. End High Speed Mesa
(4.7 mi)
The end of High Speed Mesa is greeted with several very steep drops.
16. Steep Obstacle with Bypass
(4.8 mi)
The bypass is to the left/west that wraps around these steep obstacles. There is plenty of space here to play on the slickrock obstacles or lunch down below at the Sand Bowl.
17. Sand Bowl
(4.8 mi)
The trail continues to the north. This is fun play area to kick up the sand.
18. Golden Spike Trailhead
(5 mi)
Continue right/northeast.
19. Begin Loop
(5.2 mi)
Run the loop counter-clockwise, stay right/east.
20. Big Hill
(5.3 mi)
The trail goes uphill.
21. Obstacle with Bypass
(5.4 mi)
Continue straight for the steep obstacle, or the bypass is on the left/north.
22. Obstacle with Bypass
(5.6 mi)
There is a bypass before the hill on the right/south. There are two options for this hill; straight up, or making the turn along the slope for off-camber fun.
23. Little Arch
(5.6 mi)
A large parking area on top of this slick rock, Little Arch is off to the Northeast Corner. It's a very short hike to the arch and if you are daring you can walk out on it. (FYI, there is no recovery if you fall from the arch.)
24. Big Hill
(5.7 mi)
Follow the marks uphill.
25. Big Hole
(5.9 mi)
As you come up the hill, mind the big hole.
26. Barnes Overlook Trailhead
(6.3 mi)
Continue the main trail straight.
27. Hill with Options
(6.6 mi)
The main trail veers right/northeast here. This slickrock in front of you is optional.
28. To The Overlook
(7.2 mi)
Continue the main trail southeast.
29. Sand Dunes
(8.1 mi)
Continue straight down the dunes. Notice the stormy skies and the views you can have from on top of Poison Spider Mesa
30. End
(8.8 mi)
Continue on to finish the loop and end back at Waypoint 19. From here, you can return back down Poison Spider or try your luck on Golden Spike.