Explore Onion Creek Canyon Near Moab, Utah
A Scenic three Mile Drive in Utah's Colorado River Recreation Area
Aug 4, 2009
The entrance to popular Arches National Park lies just 5 miles north of Moab, Utah, on Highway 191. A short distance beyond the entrance to Arches, Highway 191 links to Highway 313, which leads southwest to Dead Horse Point State Park and on to Canyonlands National Park. With so many spectacularly scenic options, tourists are apt to bypass another nearby area worth seeing, the Colorado River Recreation Area along Highway 128.
Utah's Highway 128 and the Colorado River Recreation Area
Just north of the city of Moab, and before the entrance to Arches National Park, Highway 191 intersects with Highway 128. After having visited the area's two national parks and the state park, most tourists continue north on 191 to Interstate 70. Highway 128, however, offers an alternative route to the Interstate that is more scenic.
Highway 128 parallels the Colorado River northeast for about 35 miles through the Colorado River Recreation Area, then turns back northwest to join Interstate 70. Arches National Park lies on the far side of the river for the first 10 miles of this route, and the entire 35 mile section along the Colorado is marked by stunning sandstone bluffs, trees and views of the river.
Frequent pullouts accommodate the photographer, and generous (and often empty) riverfront campgrounds offer tempting overnight respite. About 22 miles into the drive, a signed gravel road to the right leads 2 miles to Fisher Towers Recreation Site, with a small campground, viewpoint and trailhead to the base of Fisher Towers. These spectacular sandstone columns are well worth the short side trip. One mile before this turnoff, Onion Creek Road also turns right from the highway.
Onion Creek Road to Fisher Valley, Utah
Onion Creek Road turns east from Highway 128 just before mile marker 21. The road is hard gravel, narrow and winding, but is passable in a regular car with decent clearance in good weather. The first 3 miles are incredibly scenic and beautiful, as the road passes through a canyon reminiscent of Capitol Reef National Park.
At 3.2 miles, the road reaches a wide area at the creek's level, which is a good spot to park and explore the area on foot. This is also a good place to turn around unless one is particularly adventurous and is driving a four wheel drive vehicle. The road continues 10 miles to Fisher Valley where it accesses the Kokopelli Trail and some serious four wheel territory.
Before reaching the turnaround, the road fords Onion Creek 15 times. In dry summer periods, these fords can be crossed with a normal-clearance sedan, since the creek base is hard rock and the water shallow. During or following rainstorms, however, these fords may not be passable. Drivers should take these fords slowly, applying the same caution required for the road in general. Driving is not permitted anywhere off the main road.
The photographic opportunities are endless along Onion Creek. The towering cliffs of Cutler sandstone change with every cloud and different angle of the sun, and the combination of shadow, light and varying rock color are phenomenal. Much of the sandstone has eroded into strange shapes, balanced rocks and towering spires, including one known as "The Totem Pole".
Camping Along Onion Creek Road in Utah
Limited dispersed camping is permitted at designated spots along the drive, but this is a primitive area and there are no facilities or potable water. Campers at these sites are required to have and to use a portable toilet, bring their own firewood, use the fire ring provided and to carry out all trash. At the information sign center near the beginning of the road, there are 2 individual fee campsites with a toilet and a reservable group site, also with a toilet.
Recreational Opportunities are Abundant Around Moab
National and state parks, biking and off-road trails and the Colorado river await visitors to Moab, Utah. Nearby highway 128 leads to less well-known, but equally scenic opportunities like Onion Creek., for tourists willing to do some exploring.
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