Fisher Towers Recreation Area Near Moab, Utah
Sandstone Formations on the Colorado River are Close to Arches Park
Aug 5, 2009
The Moab area is a photographer's delight, with two national parks and spectacular Dead Horse Point State Park all an easy drive from the city. Nearby Highway 128 offers an alternative route to Interstate 70, and traverses the Colorado River Recreation Area, a stunningly scenic area as well.
The Colorado River Recreation Area on Utah Highway 128
Highway 191 exits the north side of Moab toward Arches National Park and state Highway 313, which leads to Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park. Most tourists to the area visit these popular parks, and then continue north out of the area on Highway 191 to Interstate 70. Those who choose Highway 128 instead, are rewarded with a more scenic and interesting route.
Highway 128 turns east from Highway 191 less than 4 miles north of Moab, entering the Colorado River Recreation Area. The scenic highway follows the Colorado River 35 miles northeast through corridors of sandstone bluffs and colorful open land. For the first few miles, Arches National Park borders the opposite side of the river, and there are numerous pullouts along the route to accommodate photographers. In addition, there are a number of riverfront campgrounds, many with available campsites, even during the height of summer vacation. Some 22 miles from the entrance, a spur to the right leads to Fisher Towers.
Fisher Towers Recreation Area on Utah Highway 128
Less than a mile beyond Mile Point 21, a road on the right is signed for Fisher Towers Recreation Area. The two-mile road is hard-packed dirt and gravel, and easily driven in any car. The approach to the tower formations is particularly scenic, with views of Onion Creek canyon to the south.
The road ends at a spacious parking lot, where there are interpretive signs, a short walking trail to a "photo area", a trailhead to the towers and a small campground. Dominating the site are the tower formations, one of Utah's more spectacular (of many spectacular) features.
The towers were formed through erosion of 225 million year old floodplain deposits. The colorful red rock consists of Organ Rock Tongue from the Cutler sandstone formation, which is found throughout the Highway 128 drive.
The Trails at BLM's Fisher Towers Recreation Area
In addition to the photo area, there are two trails from the parking lot. The shorter one, 1.5 miles in length, leads to a closer view of the dominant formation, the Titan. The second trail is 2.2 miles long and winds around the base of the towers, ending on a ridge with sweeping views of the surrounding Richardson Amphitheater, other area sandstone formations and the Colorado river.
The main trail crosses rock, alternatively climbing and descending, and requires good sturdy shoes. Hikers should also carry plenty of water and dress in layered clothing, since the walk takes 3 or 4 hours and the area's weather is quite changeable.
Campsites at Fisher Towers Recreation Area
There are 5 campsites at Fisher Towers, and like other campgrounds along Highway 128, available sites are not unusual. Each site has a table and fire ring, and they share a rest room. There is no potable water here, and the nearest drinkable water is 24 miles downriver at Lion's Park Springs on Highway 128.
This is a BLM fee area, with a nightly fee of $12 per campsite. Each campsite is limited to 2 vehicles, 2 tents and 6 persons. The fee is halved for Golden Age or Golden Access card holders, but not for those with Golden Eagle passes. Campers must bring their own firewood, since collecting or cutting area wood is prohibited. The views from the campsites, both toward the Fisher Towers and north along the Colorado river, are glorious. Sunset lights the tower formations, providing a beautiful photographic opportunity.
Getting to the Fisher Towers Recreation Area
From Moab, drive north on Highway 191 for approximately 3 miles. Turn right (east) on Highway 128 and drive about 1 mile past mile marker 21, where you turn right onto the signed 2 mile dirt road to the site.
The recreation area is also accessible from the north. From Interstate 70, turn south toward Cisco at Exit 214, if coming from Colorado, or Exit 204, if driving east. Follow signs to Highway 128 and look for the left turn into the Fisher Towers site just before mile marker 21.
The Parks and Recreation Areas Near Moab, Utah
Moab, Utah is located in the heart of some of Utah's most spectacular scenery. Although the two nearby national parks draw the most visitors, less well-known sites like Fisher Towers Recreation Area, are equally worth visiting.
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