Fisher Towers Trail

Fisher Towers is a collection of dark red sandstone spires rising up to 900 feet from the desert floor east of Moab, creating one of the most dramatic and otherworldly landscapes in the American West. The towers are composed of Cutler Formation sandstone capped with harder Moenkopi mudstone, creating bizarre eroded shapes that look like melting castles or alien structures.

The Fisher Towers Trail is 4. 4 miles round trip (out and back) with about 670 feet of elevation gain. The trail winds at the base of the towers, crosses ridges between them, and passes through narrow gaps in the rock.

The terrain is varied -- red dirt, slickrock sections, and some narrow ridge-walks with exposure on both sides. Most of the trail is moderate difficulty, with the ridge sections being the most challenging.

Families can customize the hike length by turning around at any point. The first mile passes the most impressive towers and provides excellent viewpoints. The full trail ends at a viewpoint overlooking Onion Creek and the Colorado River far below, with the La Sal Mountains as a backdrop.

The drive to Fisher Towers is half the experience. Highway 128 (the Colorado River Scenic Byway) follows the Colorado River northeast from Moab through a red rock canyon with towering walls, castle-like formations, and the river flowing alongside the road. The turnoff to Fisher Towers is a 2-mile dirt road (passable by regular cars) from Hwy 128.

Fisher Towers is BLM land -- free to visit, no permits required, no reservations needed. A small campground at the trailhead has first-come-first-served sites. The towers are popular with rock climbers (Titan Tower is one of the classic desert tower climbs), and watching climbers on the towers adds excitement for kids.

Best visiting times are spring and fall for comfortable temperatures, and late afternoon for the best light on the towers. Summer mornings before 9 AM are workable. The trail has minimal shade.