Discover Ephedras Grotto: Moab's Hidden Canyoneering Gem

Getting There from Moab

From downtown Moab, head north on US-191 for about 9 miles. Turn left onto UT-313 towards Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. Continue for 13 miles, then turn right onto a dirt road signed for Gemini Bridges Road. Follow Gemini Bridges Road to the trailhead parking area near the mouth of Culvert Canyon. This road can be rough, so high clearance is recommended. The trailhead is not signed, so using GPS coordinates or a reliable map is strongly advised.

Route Information

• Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate

• Length: Approximately 2.5 miles roundtrip

• Duration: 2 to 4 hours

• Rappels: Two rappels, the longest around 100 feet

• Anchors: Fixed and natural anchors in place

Recommended Gear

• Canyoneering harness

• Helmet

• 100-foot rope

• Personal anchor system

• Rappel device with friction options

• Webbing for backup

• Closed-toe approach shoes or sticky rubber canyoneering shoes

• Ample water and snacks

• Map or GPS device

• Light gloves for rappelling

Canyoneering Route Description

From the trailhead, hike west into Culvert Canyon, a shallow sandy wash bordered by red sandstone fins. Follow cairns as the trail ascends gradually out of the wash, curving left to gain a slickrock bench. Stay oriented by keeping the canyon wall on your right. After about 30 minutes, you reach the head of the technical section marked by bolts above a clean drop.

The first rappel is roughly 50 feet and lands on a sloped ledge with loose rock. From here, scramble down a short gully, then continue hiking along a bench that wraps around to the upper rim of the grotto. You will pass through a narrow gap in the rock before reaching the second rappel station.

The second rappel is the highlight of the route. This 100-foot drop begins on open slickrock and quickly transitions into a vertical chute that lowers you into a shaded grotto below. Cool and sheltered, this alcove holds pockets of water in early spring and after storms. The rappel is usually anchored from bolts and backed up with natural features.

Once in the grotto, follow the drainage downstream, which gradually widens. Watch for desert wildflowers and cryptobiotic soil along the way. The canyon opens into a broad wash that leads to the Gemini Bridges jeep road. Turn left and follow the road or adjacent footpath back toward the parking area.

Safety Tips

• Always inspect anchors and be prepared to back them up.

• Avoid this route during or after heavy rain, as the rock becomes slick and dangerous.

• Bring sun protection. While parts of the canyon are shaded, the approach and exit are fully exposed.

• Do not underestimate the navigation. There are many informal trails in this area that can lead to confusion without a GPS track or physical map.

• Cell service is unreliable. Carry an emergency beacon or satellite communicator if traveling alone.

Ephedra’s Grotto is a rewarding, efficient outing perfect for those looking to experience the vertical beauty of canyon country without committing to a full day. Whether as an introduction to Moab canyoneering or a scenic warm-up for longer adventures, it delivers big on scenery and flow.

Find answers to common questions about our canyoneering tours at Ephedras Grotto. Learn about safety measures, gear requirements, booking policies, and more.