So you’ve picked Gemini Bridges as the destination for your next off-roading adventure but aren’t sure about what’s the best route for you to get there. Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. In this post, I’ll cover the two different routes to help you decide.
The Gemini Bridges off-road trail is a 13-mile point-to-point trail that is quite popular among mountain/dirt bikers, ATV/OHV riders, and 4×4 drivers alike. You can expect heavy traffic on this trail during the peak season.
Best time to visit: Early Spring or Late Fall.
Accessibility: Even though the trail is open all year round, rain and snow can make parts of the trail extremely challenging to navigate. Be wise!
Below are the two different routes you can take to get to the majestic twin arches. Please note that both these routes offer a view of the bridges from only the top. If you wish to see the bridges from the bottom, check out the Bull Canyon trail. Getting back to the routes, you can choose to do each one of these as an out-and-back trail, which means you’ll go from point A to point B and then back to point A. I wouldn’t recommend the out-and-back option, especially for Route #2. The recommended option is to go point-to-point and then continue driving to complete the loop. If you choose this option, I would recommend starting with Route #2.
- Route #1: A relatively easier route to get to the bridges. You drive uphill for about 13 miles on a state highway to get to Gemini Bridges Rd, which is mostly dirt and gravel. This section of the road is fairly easy to navigate, with just a few rocks along the way. You can do this in your personal vehicle.
- From Moab, drive up north on U.S. Highway 191 (US-191 N) for about 11 miles.
- From US-191 N, turn left to head southwest on Utah State Route 313 (UT-313 W) toward Moab Canyon Pathway.
- Continue on UT-313 W for about 13 miles and then turn left on Gemini Bridges Rd.
- Continue on Gemini Bridges Rd for about 5.5 miles. Follow signs to stay on Gemini Bridges Rd.
- After about 5.5 miles, turn right to get to the Gemini Bridges Area. Continue straight for about 470 feet to reach the parking area.
- From the parking area, follow signs for the Gemini Bridges hiking trail (300 yards) to get to Gemini Bridges.
- Route #2: A moderately challenging but highly rewarding route to get to the bridges. It follows the Gemini Bridges Rd all the way to the bridges. For the first 2 miles, the road climbs quickly up to an elevation of about 500 feet (152 meters) and must be navigated carefully as the road is very narrow, with a sheer drop on one side and vertical cliffs on the other. You need good tires and genuine driving skills to navigate this route as it is a rocky dirt and gravel road, with some slickrock. A 4WD or AWD is not required but is highly recommended.
- From Moab, drive up north on U.S. Highway 191 (US-191 N) for about 9.8 miles.
- From US-191 N, turn left to head southwest toward Moab Canyon Pathway.
- Continue for about 0.1 miles and then turn left onto the Gemini Bridges Rd.
- Continue on Gemini Bridges Rd for about 7.5 miles. Follow signs to stay on the Gemini Bridges Rd.
- After about 7.5 miles, turn left to get to the parking area.
- From the parking area, follow signs for the Gemini Bridges hiking trail (300 yards) to get to Gemini Bridges.
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