[taatmk]

Lots of spectatcular scenery along Onion Creek. Its a very nice, fairly moderate trail of hard dirt that leaves Utah State Hwy 129 about 30 miles north of Moab, Utah. You cross the creek many times, making it difficult to not get muddy. In fact, I counted some 35 creek crossings, guaranteeing to get your Cherokee muddy. Its a dark red color dirt.


Many features such as the Totem Pole and Stinking Springs. The creek gets its name from the water coming out of these springs, giving it an "onion" like smell.

Watch for the Totem Pole on your right, a 300-foot tall spire of rock. You will also pass by Stinking Spring, a natural spring that does not smell very good at all.


When you reach Fisher Valley, there is a backcountry farm there, as well as two possible exits. You can climb the very difficult Rose Garden Hill or head along the Kokopelli Tail, it too somewhat challenging. We opted to return the way we came...

 

[SkipW]

Sweet. Looks like a nice drive and great scenery.

 

[ua_who]

I love that area. Beautiful, and little known so there's usually few people.

Gone camping there a few times. Although it's been 15+ years at this point.

The TH looks right at home.

 

[TedB]

That is truly beautiful scenery and makes me wish we could get down that way again. Thanks for the great photos. - Ted
:wink:

 

[monkeyboy]

Can see Top of the World there in your first photo... up above the Fisher Towers. did you do that?

 

[taatmk]

Can see Top of the World there in your first photo... up above the Fisher Towers. did you do that?

We did not. Although that was my preference. The "better half" wanted to see another route.
Was literally a "coin flip" between "Top of the World" and "Gemini Bridges." Both trails being of entirely differing character. The coin toss went to the latter. I will post pics when I get a chance.

 

[monkeyboy]

Well, that is a no lose situation as far as scenery goes. Gemini is far easier as far as offroading goes... a great beginner type trail. Perhaps you let the "better half" try her hand at driving on that one? :grin:

 

[Paddy]

Was just there the week past and while showing my gal the Slickrock Area we did the Gilligan 3 hour cruise out Sand Flats Rd. Up and over thru the snowy mix out to 129. After a command decision turned right on 129 and went past the Onion Creek area and kept on going til I had to take the 70 back to Moab, lol. Anyway beautiful country and wish I'd had this info then. Was going to try the AD1 Latitude on the Gemini Bridges road but had to return home prematurely. Thanks for sharing, there will be a return to the red rock. The below shot is somewhere on Sand Flats Rd. taken just before she cut loose.

 

[O|||||||O]

Lots of spectatcular scenery along Onion Creek. Its a very nice, fairly moderate trail of hard dirt that leaves Utah State Hwy 129 about 30 miles north of Moab, Utah. You cross the creek many times, making it difficult to not get muddy. In fact, I counted some 35 creek crossings, guaranteeing to get your Cherokee muddy. Its a dark red color dirt.


Many features such as the Totem Pole and Stinking Springs. The creek gets its name from the water coming out of these springs, giving it an "onion" like smell.

Watch for the Totem Pole on your right, a 300-foot tall spire of rock. You will also pass by Stinking Spring, a natural spring that does not smell very good at all.


When you reach Fisher Valley, there is a backcountry farm there, as well as two possible exits. You can climb the very difficult Rose Garden Hill or head along the Kokopelli Tail, it too somewhat challenging. We opted to return the way we came...

FYI, ADII would be sufficient for the Kokopelli trail road (Onion Creek rd and hideout rd - two names one rd) out of Fisher Valley if one is very careful and protect the tires. There is a few other named roads required to make the big loop. 4lo is required in my opinion due to the steepness in a few places. If anybody wants to make the big loop thru Castle Valley I would be happy to lay the route out for anybody.


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[BigM]

Those pictures are awesome. In your opinion, could a Latitude with AD1 handle the trails? I'm not looking to go great gonzo, I would just like to know if my Cherokee would be up to it. The scenery is spectacular.

 

[taatmk]

@BigM
Onion Creek, up to Fisher Valley, in my opinion, would be very doable with AD1. As you can tell from the pictures, its fairly straight forward without any major obstacles. There is a sizable elevation gain of about 200 feet before Fisher Valley. But it can be accomplished without 4 wheel low. I would not take an AD1 beyond Fisher Valley though. I'd return the way you came at that point.


Beautiful scenery. A side note. There is a gorgeous spot for lunch just before the hill climb up to Fisher Valley. Shade from cottonwood trees and the creek running by. Very nice.

 

[O|||||||O]

Those pictures are awesome. In your opinion, could a Latitude with AD1 handle the trails? I'm not looking to go great gonzo, I would just like to know if my Cherokee would be up to it. The scenery is spectacular.

Two wheel drive SUV would have no problem up to Fisher Valley as long as there is no rain. ADI, heck ya, Go for it.


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[fastwally]

I am in Burlington, Co tonight, 1k miles out and headed for Moab, Utah. Going to do a few things in the mountains and try to be in Moab the 7th or 8th. Would be very interested in routes or maps of the area for modest stuff.(I have my wife with me 0 Is there anything in the park worth doing?
Any recommendations for motels in the area with a decent price.

Tks........Walt

 

[taatmk]

@fastwally
Holiday Inn Express is always a safe bet on a good quality motel. But it can be pricey. We usually stay in a locally owned one on the north end of town called AArchway Inn.
http://www.aarchwayinn.com/page.cfm


Low budget, but still nice is the Super 8. They recently replaced all carpets in their rooms with pergo wood floors. An interesting idea.

 

[fastwally]

@fastwally
Holiday Inn Express is always a safe bet on a good quality motel. But it can be pricey. We usually stay in a locally owned one on the north end of town called AArchway Inn.
http://www.aarchwayinn.com/page.cfm


Low budget, but still nice is the Super 8. They recently replaced all carpets in their rooms with pergo wood floors. An interesting idea.

Tks for the suggestions, I'll check them out.

 

[Utah KL TH]

taatmk, great photos. Thanks for posting. As soon as I get out to Utah I will really want to plug into your experiences.