Fisher Towers Trail: A Hidden Gem Near Moab

As a non-climber, Fisher Towers wasn’t on my radar before heading out on my recent Moab trip. My brother suggested I go check it out, and I’m so glad he did. This place is sweet!

Forty or so minutes east of Moab, the drive on the Colorado River Scenic Byway to Fisher Towers is gorgeous and worth it. As you get further away from Moab, you’ll start to see the jagged, pole-like red sandstone in the distance. That’s the Fisher Towers Recreation Area.

While not a big hiking area by any means – there’s the main trail and a small loop – it packs a punch. You’re in for a treat if you plan to hike around Fisher Towers. Take a look at some photos for inspiration, and find pertinent trail information below.

Hiking Around the Fisher Towers Recreation Area Trail in Utah

One minute Fisher Towers Trail Details:

Location: Trailhead/parking area
Distance: 4.4 miles round trip (AllTrails Link)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 800 feet (Info on AllTrails is incorrect)
Time on Trail: 2-4 hours
Are dogs allowed? Yes
Accessible to all vehicles
Are Drones allowed? Yes. Be conscious of those around you.
It can get very crowded during peak season. No parking along the road
Campground: First-come, first-served. It has pit toilet bathrooms

the red rugged landscapes of the desert south west — The landscape outside of Moab Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

red rocks looking out to the colorado river in utah — Looking at the Colorado River from Fisher Towers Recreation Area. Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

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My Experience Hiking Around Fisher Towers

On our first full day around Moab, my dad and I headed out from our campsite at Goose Island. It was about 35 minutes of stunning scenery as we followed the Colorado River upstream to reach Fisher Towers.

Once in the parking lot, we got our hiking and camera gear ready and headed out onto the trail. Forty minutes earlier, a group of climbers had departed, so we kept an eye out for them.

a hiker on the trail near moab surrounded by red rock — A hiker on the Fisher Towers trail. Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

While there’s about 800 feet of gain along the trail, it rises and falls throughout. The first part drops into a small watershed before climbing out. After 3/4’s of a mile, you get much closer to the actual Fisher Towers. Here, you can fully grasp their size.

As we weaved around the towers and the desert landscape, we finally saw the climbers making their way up. As we passed, they were halfway up. By the time we returned, two had reached the summit.

At the 1.5-mile mark, there’s a six-foot ladder that helps you into a small canyon. Take this down. You’ll immediately start hiking up the other side (a tiny bit of hand/feet action will be needed). From there, you’ll work your way below another giant tower structure.

a hiker on the ladder section of the fisher towers trail — A hiker climbing up the ladder on the Fisher Towers Trail. Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

My dad and I did about 2 of the 2.2 miles, calling it quits at a nice overlook with views of the desert landscape and towers.

We didn’t expect much to change with the view, and we had more plans for the day.

climbers on the top of fishers tower in moab — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Way back

Our way back turned out to be much slower because two of the climbers had reached the top and had told us they were jumping off (when we chatted with them in the parking lot earlier in the day). So, we wanted to watch it happen.

Unfortunately, they didn’t seem to have any pep in their step. After 25 minutes, they were still up there, so we continued back to the trailhead.

Quick thoughts on hiking around Fisher Towers

Perfect for any hiker. The ladder may give some people a hard time, but it’s not overly difficult or dangerous.
Otherwise, the trail is in phenomenal shape. Nothing is too steep.
No water on the trail or at the trailhead.
Little to no shade outside of the towers.
Dog-friendly outside of the ladder section

More photos from Fisher Towers

What else is around Fisher Towers Recreation Area?

Looking to spend more time in the area?

There are plenty of dirt roads in all sorts of directions going deep into the high desert. If you are planning to do off-roading, make sure you bring proper equipment, have a 4×4, and have enough water for the dry climate.

Additionally, between Moab and Fisher Towers, there are half a dozen or more campgrounds along the Colorado River. In the summer, these can get warm. But during the shoulder seasons, they’d be perfect.

Lastly, Arches National Park is about 55 minutes away. Canyonlands is closer to 90 minutes.

Suggested Hiking Gear for Exploring Utah

Lodging Options Around Moab

Comfort Suites Moab near Arches National Park
Hyatt Place Moab
voco Moab by IHG
Wingate by Wyndham Moab (I’ve stayed here. Nice. No complaints. Does the job.)

a camper van is parked at a campground near moab — A Roadsurfer camper van parked at a campsite along the Colorado River near Moab. Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Final Thoughts on Hiking the Fisher Towers Trail

This is a beautiful place to come hike and enjoy time in the Utah desert around Moab. I’m thoroughly convinced you’ll love your trip to Fisher Towers, and you’ll walk away with a greater appreciation for the natural landscape and protecting our public lands.

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

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Hiking Guide to the Fisher Towers Trail Near Moab