Poison Spider Mesa Trail Moab - Waterfall, V-Notch & Sand Hill Obstacles (Jeep Wrangler 38s)

Poison Spider Mesa off-road trail in Moab, Utah is one of the most popular intermediate to advanced trails in the area. This 8.63 mile one-way trail features technical rock climbs including the famous Waterfall obstacle, V-Notch, Sand Hill, and stunning views of canyon walls and La Sal Mountains. Honest review of obstacles, bypasses, and what to expect on this moderate-to-difficult 4x4 trail.

*LOCATION & TRAIL INFO:*

POISON SPIDER MESA TRAIL
Starting Point: Highway 279 (Potash Road) near Moab, Utah
Ending Point: Gemini Bridges Road (one-way trail)
Distance: 8.63 miles one-way
Difficulty: 5-6/10 (Moderate to Difficult) - technical rock climbs, steep ledges, sand sections
Best Season: Spring and fall (summer extremely hot, winter can have ice on rocks)
Duration: 3-4 hours one-way depending on traffic and skill level
Trail Type: Technical rock crawling, steep climbs, sandy sections, shelf roads
Part of: Moab Trifecta (Poison Spider, Golden Spike, Gold Bar Rim)

*KEY OBSTACLES & FEATURES:*

THE WATERFALL (4:53 in video): Most famous obstacle on trail. Steep technical rock face requiring precise line selection and momentum. Bypass available for less capable vehicles. 38-inch tires and lockers make this manageable. Comments show people asking about tire requirements - 35s minimum recommended, 37-38s preferred.

V-NOTCH: Technical rock section requiring careful approach. Video shows successful line selection. High clearance essential to avoid body damage.

SAND HILL (4:04 in video): Deep sand section that catches people off guard. Momentum required but watch speed. Air down tires essential for sand traction.

STEEP ROCKY CLIMBS (1:30-3:50 in video): Multiple technical ascents throughout trail. Video shows various approaches and line choices. Stock Rubicon capable but challenging.

BYPASSES AVAILABLE: Video discusses bypass options at 5:06. Trail offers alternate routes around hardest obstacles. No shame in taking bypasses - smart wheeling.

*SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS:*

CANYON VIEWS: Spectacular red rock canyon walls throughout trail. Video captures expansive desert landscape views from high points.

LA SAL MOUNTAINS: Distant mountain views visible from trail. Creates dramatic backdrop for photos.

COLORADO RIVER VIEWS: Trail runs parallel to river in sections. Beautiful contrast of water and desert.

*MOAB TRIFECTA CONNECTION:*

Poison Spider Mesa is first trail in the famous Moab Trifecta loop. Video mentions Trifecta at multiple points. Comments show people planning Trifecta trips and using this video for research. Trifecta combines Poison Spider, Golden Spike, and Gold Bar Rim for epic full-day adventure.

*VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS:*

High clearance 4x4 required. 35-inch tires minimum (comments confirm people asking about 35s vs 38s). Front and rear lockers helpful but not mandatory for main line. Rock sliders protect on technical climbs. Skid plates essential for underbody protection. All-terrain or mud-terrain tires for mixed terrain. Recovery gear recommended.

JEEP WRANGLER SETUP (Video):

Blue Jeep Wrangler JL
3.5 inch Metalcloak Lift
38 inch Milestar Patagonia MT-02 Tires
Front and rear lockers
Rock sliders
Skid plates

*DRIVING TIPS:*

Air down tires to 12-15 PSI for maximum traction. Use low range throughout trail. Spotter helpful on Waterfall and steep climbs. Watch for oncoming traffic on narrow sections. Start early to avoid midday heat in summer. Take bypasses if obstacles exceed comfort level. Video shows smart line selection and throttle control on technical sections.

*TRIP PLANNING:*

Budget 4-5 hours for one-way trip including photo stops. Check weather forecast. Download offline maps - cell service spotty. Inform someone of plans. Fuel up in Moab before starting. Bring extra water - Utah desert is unforgiving. Consider running full Trifecta loop for epic day (requires shuttle vehicle or long road connection).

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