A Lesson on the Ledges: Hiking Utah's Unique Maple Canyon Loop
Maple Canyon Arch in Moroni Utah
Maple Canyon is a place that defies logic. The cliffs and arches here look almost alien, as if they were created by cementing together thousands of large, round river rocks. The closer you get, the stranger and more wonderful it seems. This unique landscape is a world-famous destination for rock climbers, but it also holds an incredible hiking trail: the Maple Canyon Loop. This is the story of that hike, a journey that started with a bit of overconfidence and ended with a steep climb, a set of amazing handmade stairs, and a powerful lesson in gratitude.
Maple Canyon also has a wonderful Slot Canyon. It is Called Maple Box Canyon. If you are looking for a that post, here is that link.
I started this trail making the mistake that I didn’t think I needed my hiking sticks, for I thought I could do it on my own. The trail on the middle fork and to the arch is very simple, but the connector trail from middle fork to the right Fork gets steep and I realized that going down was possibly going to be scary without them. I cursed myself, and I really considered the idea of sitting on my bum and moving down that way. I was so happy when I came to this section and realized that there were predecessors that came before me and with such care created this amazing section of stairs to get me safely down without having to scoot down on my bum making this trail not only even prettier, but so safe. May we be grateful for the many people in our history that have paved the way for us to have the luxuries we have, the freedom we have, the economic stability, and may we not be lazy but search out truth so we can hold on to such blessings we have. Check out these amazing stairs in the videos below.
If you liked this, you might also really enjoy the TINY PLANET version of the video above. I had a hard time choosing which format I liked better so I gave you both!
INFORMATION ABOUT THE MAPLE CANYON LOOP TRAIL
Love that this Canyon has a cool unique Arch.
Whole Loop Trail is about 3 mile loop (but you don't have to do the whole loop)
Elevation gain is about 1300 feet.
Baffling and intriguing how these unique cliffs and formations were created when it is definitely made up of lots of round medium rocks.
Cool caves in cliff walls all over in this canyon.
Hike is moderate. Level 3
I would definitely take hiking sticks to help you have a 4 point system at the top of the loop, and go CLOCKWISE from Middle Fork, to Arch, to Loop, then to Right Fork. This direction will be easier coming down.
Watch for side trails on the right fork if you want to catch mountain rope climbers work their way up these cool cliffs. The round rocks sticking out make for great hand holds and creates a mountain climbers paradise for there are lots of hand holds. This area is packed with prepared areas to rope climb in this canyon.
One of the many prepared rope climbing areas in Maple Canyon, this one is around a cave.
2D Video of Mountain Rock Climbers in Maple Canyon
A pillar on the top of this box shaped mountain.
Trail Sign at Turn off to get to Right Fork - You don't want to go to the road for the Loop.
Sign by the View area to direct you to trail to right fork, otherwise you might end up of a ATV road that heads out a ways.
SCENIC OVERLOOK VIEW AREA at top of LOOP.
Cool Cave and Arches you can see from the View Point area at top of Maple Canyon Loop.
This looks like some Egyptian statues mixed with a fin from Arches National Park bleached white.
MAPLE BOX CANYON TRAIL
As I was driving in Google Maps told me this was Maple Box Canyon (picture below). This was actually to goal, but my sister with me told me there was a better parking area and the real hike just a little further. I did not realize there are at least 2 amazing hikes in this canyon. This below is called Maple BOX Canyon and it is a Lord Of The Rings type SLOT CANYON, and it is about 0.5 miles before Maple Canyon parking lot. Here is a link to that hike if you are interested.
My hike in Maple Canyon was a beautiful surprise. I went expecting a simple walk and found an adventure that challenged me and left me with a deep sense of gratitude. Those stairs, built with care by a predecessor on the trail, were a profound reminder of the many people in our history who have paved the way for us, making our own journeys safer and more beautiful. I hope you get a chance to experience the unique, "alien" landscape of this canyon and feel that same sense of wonder and appreciation.
.png)
Social Plugin