MOAB, UTAH
Morning Glory Arch in Moab, Utah
A Hidden Giant Revealed
Hidden deep in Grandstaff Canyon, Morning Glory Arch is one of Moab’s most astonishing natural wonders. Stretching 243 feet across a narrow canyon grotto, this colossal alcove arch is among the ten largest in the world. Yet despite its size, Morning Glory stays out of sight until the last bend of the trail, suddenly appearing like a secret revealed.
Visitors hike in for the view, but the most unforgettable way to experience Morning Glory Arch is by rappelling from its sandstone rim into the lush grotto below.
How to See Morning Glory Arch
Hike the Grandstaff Canyon Trail
- Distance: ~4.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (some water crossings)
- Highlights: Canyon walls, stream crossings, shady alcoves, and the dramatic reveal of Morning Glory at the turnaround point.
Morning Glory Canyoneering Adventure (The Epic Option)
- Start with a hike into the Medieval Chamber.
- Rappel 100+ feet into a hidden slot canyon.
- Finish with a thrilling rappel from the rim of Morning Glory Arch into the shaded grotto below.
- This route lets you experience Morning Glory in a way few people ever do. And it's available on a guided tour that nearly anyone can do!
Fun Facts about Morning Glory Arch
One of the World's Largest Arches
Morning Glory Arch stretches an incredible
243 feet across, making it one of the ten largest natural arches on the planet. Utah alone boasts six of those giants, and Morning Glory is a crown jewel among them. Standing beneath it, you can’t help but feel dwarfed by the sheer span of stone hanging gracefully overhead—it’s the kind of natural wonder that makes you stop mid-hike, crane your neck back, and just say “wow.”
Is Morning Glory an Arch or a Natural Bridge?
Despite often being called Morning Glory Natural Bridge, geologists insist it’s actually an “alcove arch.” By definition, a bridge must cross a flowing waterway. Morning Glory arches beside a spring-fed stream instead of directly over it. But here’s the twist: when summer rains rush down Medieval Chamber, water
does surge beneath the arch. So maybe it’s both arch and bridge, depending on the day, and that little mystery is part of the fun.
Morning Glory Arch is Tough to Photograph, but Perfect to Rappel
Morning Glory Arch hides in plain sight, sitting just
15 feet away from the canyon wall it once clung to. That narrow gap makes it nearly impossible to capture the whole arch in a single photo. But what frustrates photographers delights canyoneers—because that tight space creates the perfect natural launch point for one of Moab’s most dramatic rappels.
Questions About Morning Glory Arch
HOW TALL IS THE MORNING GLORY ARCH RAPPEL?
The rappel itself descends 110 feet from the cliff directly adjacent to Morning Glory Arch. You will glide down the rope just a few feet away from the massive but slender slab of stone that makes up the arch. Scientifically speaking, natural arches and bridges are measured from the bottom of the arch to the ground below, making Morning Glory Arch measure at 75 feet above the ground.
HOW LONG IS THE HIKE TO MORNING GLORY ARCH?
The hike to Morning Glory Arch from the trailhead at the bottom of Grandstaff Canyon is 2.2 miles. On a canyoneering tour, you will hike roughly a mile before encountering Morning Glory Arch.
IS MORNING GLORY A GOOD HIKE FOR KIDS?
The canyoneering experience itself, or specifically rappelling down a rope over considerable heights can be a big experience for adults and especially for kids. The recommended age for canyoneering is 10 years old. Otherwise the hike up or down Grandstaff Canyon is easy and fun for kids. Canyoneering is a fantastic teambuilding activity.
CAN YOU DRINK THE WATER UNDER MORNING GLORY ARCH?
Clean spring water gurgles out from the fissure at the base of Morning Glory Arch. If you catch water straight from that spot it should be good, clean drinkable water. It's a great idea to refresh and top off your water bottles before the hike down Grandstaff Canyon.
DO I STILL GET TO DO THE WHOLE HIKE IF I DO THE CANYONEERING TOUR OF MORNING GLORY ARCH?
Yes. Your canyoneering hike begins at the top of Grandstaff Canyon and ends at the trailhead parking lot at the bottom of the canyon. You will descend through Medieval Chamber just before dropping over Morning Glory Arch into Grandstaff Canyon.
WHERE IS THE TRAILHEAD TO MORNING GLORY ARCH?
From downtown Moab, head north (Highway 191) toward the Colorado River bridge. Just before crossing the bridge, you will turn right, or east onto highway 128, or River Road as the locals call it. The trailhead for Grandstaff Canyon trail is located about 6 minutes (3.2 miles) from where highway 191 and 128 meet.
IS THERE PARKING AT THE TRAILHEAD TO MORNING GLORY ARCH?
The typical (non-canyoneering) hiking trail that leads to Morning Glory Arch is through one of the branches of Grandstaff Canyon. A small parking lot is available at the Grandstaff Canyon Trailhead. If you are hiking up the Grandstaff Canyon trail, this trailhead parking lot is your starting point.
Guests of the Morning Glory Arch Canyoneering Tour will rappel from the cliff near Morning Glory Arch and then finish their hike out of Grandstaff Canyon at this parking lot where a van will be waiting to return you to Moab and the Moab Adventure Center.
Not finding what you're looking for?
See Morning Glory on a Canyoneering Adventure
You can hike to Morning Glory Arch like most visitors do, or you can take the route less traveled and experience it in the most unforgettable way possible. Our guided Morning Glory Arch Canyoneering Adventure combines two thrilling rappels, hidden slot canyons, and a hike beneath the towering arch itself. It’s the kind of adventure that transforms a scenic landmark into an epic Moab story.
Moab’s most epic descent: Rappel hidden cliffs, hike surreal canyons, and exit beneath a massive natural bridge you’ll never forget.
- Duration: ~5 hours
- Departures: AM & PM
- Season: Mar – Nov
ADULTS 13+
$143
YOUTH 10-12
$118
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