Poison Spider 3.5

This trail is one of the Moab classics, with both rock crawling and great scenery.  Be prepared for a lot of company as this is a popular trail.

There are rim overlooks where you get a great view of Moab and a rock that looks like a pig with piglets.  Also an arch and a cave.  The trail is rated a solid 3.5 if you take all the go arounds, and extra credits can raise the difficulty quite a bit.  Something for everyone.

If you do the traditional Poison Spider route, do the loop in a clockwise direction for best views.  The higher leg of the loop has better scenery.  If you are adventurous, see the end of this narrative for our suggested alternative.

There is a GPS - gpx track file at the bottom of the page.
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Overlook
Many obstacles are unavoidable.  Make sure you are equipped before you start up the trail.
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Ledge on a waterfall
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Ledge going up a hill
Pig Rock looks like a mother pig with suckling piglets.  Strange formations along the way.
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Pig Rock
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Strange formations
Two of the extra credits that are available.
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Optional climb
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"Oil Change" or "Wedgie"
There is a pullout area where you can stop and walk to Little Arch and a nearby cave.  Go through the fence gate and follow the path down the slickrock.  Turn right for the arch or left for the cave.
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Little Arch
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Cave near Little Arch
wThe traditional version of this trail climbs up onto Poison Spider Mesa, then turns right and makes a loop back to this right turn spot.  Golden Spike 4.5 continues straight.

​When beginning this trail, we like to continue straight on Golden Spike and enter the Poison Spider loop at the north end.  This allows us to do "Launch Pad" on Golden Spike.  This is a VERY steep climb but hey, this is slickrock!  When you take the connection and reach the traditional loop stay on the upper leg for best views.

The connection between Golden Spike and the traditional Poison Spider loop is included in this track.  You will need to download Golden Spike 4.5 for a track  to this connection.
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Launch Pad is in the hole
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Launch Pad through the windshield
Page updated 2017
poison_spider_3.5.gpx
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File Type: gpx
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