Summary: The 8 rated Cliff Hanger trail lives up to it’s name. You will be hanging on a cliff, negotiating some formidable ledges with Jackson Hole several hundred feet below getting your attention.
Location: Take Kane Creek Road turning off Highway 191 in Moab near McDonald’s. The Cliff Hanger trail spurs to the right about one and one-quarter miles after Kane Creek Road leaves the Colorado River Gorge and enters Kane Creek Canyon. The turn off should be around 5 miles from McDonald’s.
Scenery: Splendid panoramic views of the Colorado River and beyond entertain those that successfully negotiate the trail. But the most unique views are of Jackson Hole, where the river flowed in millennia past with the ‘cliff hanger’ portion of trail hanging several hundred feet above.
The Trail: The trail begins with a crossing of Kane Creek which can be impassible just after a rain. It can also contain quick sand. Check carefully before driving in. The climb up out of the creek and the obstacles just after are difficult. The ledge obstacles along the cliff hanging section are the most attention-getting. This trail is approx. 4.5 miles one way, and usually takes over 4 hours to run.
Even at the trail head one can only begin to see what is in store for them.
Once you reach this point you will begin to understand how this trail got it's name.
As you reach the trails end you will be greeted with a breathtaking view. There is no better place to enjoy lunch but please be careful. It is a long way down!
