Boxcar Bridge
San Juan County, Utah
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Nearby Towns: Moab
Nearby Trails: Flat Iron Mesa, Canyon Rim Overlooks
Season: Year Round
Trail Length: 34.3 miles
Elevation: 5,559 to 6,223 feet

The start of the trail features fairly easy route finding but the second, more challenging half is a route through a network of trails. The route described here is one way of seeing the major points in the area, especially the Boxcar natural bridge itself.

The trail can be run in either direction, but it seems to be a bit more fun if you start at Highway 191. The turn off is at a wide, easy dirt road just south of La Sal Junction.

Very soon after the start of the easy trail is a left turn where you can go a very short distance to view Looking Glass Arch and Looking Glass Rock. The hike up to the arch is fairly easy, where you can stand in it and have a great view of the area.

The trail continues in a southwest direction and then turns northwest. The right turn to join the network of trails may be difficult to find without a GPS. Note that if you get to a big intersection at Eightmile Rock that you have gone too far.

Once you are in the network of trails you are headed northeast toward the edge of the bluff. You can get fairly close to the edge at Hatch Wash. The Flat Iron Mesa trail is directly across the wash, and you will come fairly close to the overlook featured on that trail.

Take the trails that will allow you to follow the curve of the edge of the mesa in a northwest direction. The last bit of the trail is probably the most fun. Keep an eye out for the natural feature named Boxcar Bridge high on a bluff. You can no longer see it once you have passed it.

Work your way along the trail and through a wash where you cross the end of Trout Water Canyon. After this, the trail is easy to find and you soon end up on a wide, gravel road.

The gravel road is part of the Canyon Rim Overlooks trail. Turn left to head out to the highway or turn right to head to the Anticline and Canyonlands Overlooks.

Information last updated on May 27th, 2010.

Member Reports

• May 19, 2010: ran by Andrew, Mark U., Robert and Roger

Driving Directions

Drive south from Moab about 20 miles until just past the La Sal Junction intersection. You will see Looking Glass Road on the right, an easy dirt road also known as County Road 131.

Meeting Places

Meet at McDonald's on Kane Creek Road and Main Street in Moab, or at the Hole-in-the-Rock Home & Gift Shop if there is anyone staying south of town.