The Alcove Spring Trail runs 5.7 miles through Trail Canyon to the Taylor Canyon intersection in Canyonlands National Park. Its namesake comes from a spring that originates under a large alcove .5 miles from the trailhead. The trail drops 800’ from the Island Mesa, then moderates on the canyon floor into a wash that leads all the way to Taylor Canyon. The hike is highlighted by the Zeus and Moses spires, wide canyon berths and a diverse collection of wildflowers.

Wingate sandstone is the dominant rock layer in the vertical cliffs of Island in the Sky

Most species of lupine are toxic to domestic cattle and horses, with alkaloids that can also cause birth defects if consumed during gestation

Mariposa Lily range in color from white to deep orange; Mariposa is the Spanish word for butterfly

Heading east up Taylor Canyon wash toward the Zeus and Moses Spires

Female Leopard Lizards are larger than males

Scorpionweed is of the genus Phacelia from the Greek 'phakelos', which means 'shallow rounded teeth'

Prince's Plume is a perennial herb in the mustard family; it can grow 10' tall and is often associated with soils containing selenium

While over six miles from Alcove Spring Trailhead, the Zeus and Moses Spires can also be accessed from Taylor Canyon Road, less than a mile walk

The primrose has dark red stems that help neutralize ultraviolet light

Travel moderates considerably on the Trail Canyon floor

During dry periods, some prickly pear pads can turn purple to protect the plant from ultraviolet light

The main trail skirts the base of Alcove Spring, which is accessible by rugged social trails

Penstemon is derived from the Greek pente, or 'five', and stemon, a reference to stamen

Native Americans used the tough, fibrous leaves of yucca to make sandals and baskets

Prickly Pear stamens are tactile-sensitive and curl in when insects forage within the flower

A second alcove and spring far off the trail come in to view around a bend approximately 1.6 miles from the trailhead