Porcupine Rim Trail

Rick Wolcott, Leader Big Saturday 4/16

The trail begins at the spring fed water tank on the Sand Flats Road about 9 ½ miles from Moab. It quickly drops down to a ledge above Negro Bill Canyon. It follows the narrow terraces above the upper slopes of the canyon. It then drops into a small drainage and begins the rocky ascent to the top of the rim and some of the best scenic vistas we have to off er. Lunch usually is planned for “Picture Rock”, a slab of rock that juts out over Castle Valley. The trip then retraces the route back to Sand Flats Road. Be advised that the majority of this trail is continuously bumpy. Approximate mileages: 32 miles total, 6 miles of 4 wheeling.

Scenery: There are canyon’s edge views into Rill and Negro Bill Canyons. Along Porcupine Rim elevations are as high as 6800 feet, 1500 feet below is Castle Valley with its prominent buttes: Castle Rock, Priest and Nuns, Parriot Mesa, and Round Mountain. The La Sal Mountains to the southeast make a great backdrop for pictures.

Road Surface: Although there is some slickrock, most encounters are with bedrock poking up in knobs and ledges that may spill your soda pop on the carpet. Because of the elevation the trail may have some snow or residual mud at Easter.

Highlights: There are some off camber ledges near the head of Negro Bill Canyon that can test your vehicle’s articulation. As the rim is approached the rocks protruding from the roadbed get larger and more frequent. Between the fi rst and second overlooks are some large rock ledges that could hold up traffi c going each direction, particularly on the return trip. “Picture Rock” can cause the driver some anxious moments getting into position, but the picture can be spectacular.

To be used:

Monday 4/11 and Big Saturday 4/16

James & Nancy Walden Monday 4/11

Associate Leaders:

Andy Bunn, James Cook, Thomas Keithley, Michael Payne.