Hotel Rock Trail

from 2022 Easter Jeep Safari Magazine

In Memoriam

Maurice Brown, Leader

Saturday, 4/9 Big Saturday, 4/16

This trail starts and fi nishes southwest of Blanding, Utah in the vicinity of Comb Ridge on the southern side of the Abajo Mountains. Hotel Rock is located on Little Baullie Mesa. The trail is about 18 miles round trip that includes steep rock climbs, a narrow rock section with a rock wall on one side and a drop off on the other, dirt and rock trail surfaces, some sandy wash bottom, and a nice overlook of Arch Canyon. Approximate mileages: 200 miles, 18 off highway.

Special considerations: Because the trailhead is about 90 miles south of Moab your vehicle must be capable of maintaining a 55 mph road speed over that distance. A fuel stop will be made just outside Blanding at Shirttail Junction at the intersection of US 191 and UT 95.

Scenery: Scenery starts immediately upon departing Moab. It varies from desert views to mountain scenery as one approaches Monticello. It gradually returns to desert scenery at Blanding. Comb Ridge is very visible from UT 95 as the trailhead nears. Hotel Rock is a very intact old Anasazi lookout.

Highlights: Hotel Rock is the highlight of the trip, but there are so many other exciting things to the day. The entire road trip is an experience, and the 4 wheeling is guaranteed to keep everyone’s interest as well.