Generated illustration of a natural swimming setting; not a photograph of this location
CreekUT

Moab Swimming Holes And Trails

By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated

Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.

Plan the Grandstaff Canyon hike to Morning Glory Bridge near Moab. Find trailhead details, stream-crossing notes and construction information; swimming is unverified.

Water type
Creek
Access
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
Confirm current trailhead requirements with BLM; campground fees are separate.
Best season
Choose suitable hiking weather and check current BLM notices. Allow time for the return hike and possible road-construction delays
Nearby towns
Moab
Water body
Grandstaff Canyon Stream

Location

Map & Directions

UT
Nearby towns
Moab
Approximate town location
MOAB, UT
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.

Sources & checks

This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.

Swimming rules
Official sources checked . Swimming permission remains unconfirmed.
Approximate town location
The map represents a nearby town, not an entrance or swimming spot.
Record updated
· This is a data update, not a field visit.

Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.

Grandstaff Canyon hiking information

This legacy Moab listing describes Grandstaff Canyon and the hike to Morning Glory Bridge. It is not a verified inventory of three swimming spots.

Route and trailhead

BLM lists two miles one way to the bridge, approximately four miles round trip, with several stream crossings. Allow about four hours. The trailhead is three miles along UT-128 from US-191. The mapped location is the trailhead, not a pool.

Construction and facilities

A March 2026 BLM notice schedules a partial Grandstaff Campground closure through October 31, 2026, while keeping trailhead access and the nearby vault toilet open. Plan for traffic delays and check current updates; a campground restriction is not a canyon-trail closure.

Swimming information

The reviewed sources establish hiking access, not current swimming permission or suitable pool conditions. Contact BLM before planning water activities. No swimming prohibition is inferred merely from the trail description. BLM warns of poison ivy near the pool beneath the bridge.

Reviewed October 5, 2026. This is a desk review, not an onsite assessment.

Getting There

From US-191 north of Moab, follow Utah Highway 128 east for about three miles to Grandstaff Canyon Trailhead. Use designated parking and current signs. The map marks BLM's published trailhead point, not a swimming pool. Morning Glory Bridge is about two miles one way along the hiking trail.

Access Notes

Hiking access is documented; swimming remains unverified. BLM's 2026 construction notice keeps trailhead access and the nearby vault toilet open while scheduling traffic delays and a partial campground closure through October 31.

Plan Your Visit

Parking & Access

Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.

Regulations & Fees

BLM documents a hiking trail with stream crossings, not a verified swimming destination in the sources reviewed. Confirm any intended water activity with the land manager. This is not a finding that swimming is prohibited. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.

Seasonality & Flow

Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.

Nearby Facilities

Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.

Map data retrieved 2026-06-15

Public Parking Lot

Free parking lot

544 N Mivida Dr, Moab, UT 84532

Mill Creek North Fork Trailhead

Hiking area

4.7 (453)

1415 Powerhouse Ln, Moab, UT 84532

Mill Creek Waterfall

Park

4.7 (362)

Powerhouse Lane, Moab, UT 84532

Public restroom

Hidden Valley Trail Head

Hiking area

4.8 (114)

2962 Rim Rock Ln, Moab, UT 84532

Up the Creek Campground

Campground

4.3 (210)

210 E 300 S, Moab, UT 84532

Cozy, urban tent campsite near the town center as well as Arches & Canyonlands National Parks.

Moab KOA Holiday

Campground

4.3 (1947)

3225 S Hwy 191, Moab, UT 84532

Free Wi-Fi

Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown

Campground

4.2 (938)

555 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532

Modest property offering simple cabins with bunk beds, plus a heated outdoor pool & a playground.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moab Swimming Holes And Trails

Is Moab Swimming Holes And Trails free to visit?

Reported fee information: Confirm current trailhead requirements with BLM; campground fees are separate. Verify current pricing with the managing agency before your visit.

Is swimming allowed at Moab Swimming Holes And Trails?

BLM documents a hiking trail with stream crossings, not a verified swimming destination in the sources reviewed. Confirm any intended water activity with the land manager. This is not a finding that swimming is prohibited.

What is known about Moab Swimming Holes And Trails?

Plan the Grandstaff Canyon hike to Morning Glory Bridge near Moab. Find trailhead details, stream-crossing notes and construction information; swimming is unverified.

When is the best time to visit Moab Swimming Holes And Trails?

Seasonal planning notes: Choose suitable hiking weather and check current BLM notices. Allow time for the return hike and possible road-construction delays. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather. Check current conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.

What facilities are available at Moab Swimming Holes And Trails?

Reported facilities at Moab Swimming Holes And Trails include: BLM's March 2026 construction notice states that trailhead access and the nearby vault toilet remain open. Confirm current conditions; this does not establish facilities along the trail. Amenities can change - contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.

Is camping available near Moab Swimming Holes And Trails?

Grandstaff Campground is separate. BLM scheduled a partial closure March 9 through October 31, 2026, with sites 1-10 remaining open; confirm current availability.

Highlights

About four miles round trip to Morning Glory Bridge
Several stream crossings
BLM-published trailhead location
Swimming access not verified

Unique Features

Perennial stream in a sandstone canyon
Morning Glory Natural Bridge hiking destination

Location & Area Map

Safety Information

Important Safety Tips

  • Prepare for stream crossings and changing canyon conditions
  • BLM warns of poison ivy near the pool below the bridge
  • Do not interpret visible pools or a hiking trail as verified swimming access

Cultural & Historical Context

Historical Background

Grandstaff Canyon is the current name used by BLM for this trail destination.

Photography Guide

Photo Opportunities

Label canyon and bridge views as hiking scenery, not as verified swimming pools.

Conservation & Ethics

Protect This Place

Protect stream-side vegetation, stay on the established trail and pack out litter.

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At a Glance

Best Time to Visit
Choose suitable hiking weather and check current BLM notices. Allow time for the return hike and possible road-construction delays.
Difficulty Level
Constructed trail with several stream crossings and a steep section near the side canyon. BLM suggests allowing four hours round trip.
Fee
Confirm current trailhead requirements with BLM; campground fees are separate.
Facilities
BLM's March 2026 construction notice states that trailhead access and the nearby vault toilet remain open. Confirm current conditions; this does not establish facilities along the trail.
Activities
Hiking and creek-side scenery
Phone
435-259-2100 (BLM Moab Field Office)

Safety & Access Notice

This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.

You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.

Camping Information

Grandstaff Campground is separate. BLM scheduled a partial closure March 9 through October 31, 2026, with sites 1-10 remaining open; confirm current availability.

Nearby Attractions

  • Moab - Town

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Safety & Access Notice

This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.

  • Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
  • Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
  • Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
  • Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
  • Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
  • Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.

You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.

J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes

Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.

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