Negro Bill Canyon and Morning Glory Arch - 4.4 Miles Round-Trip

The Negro Bill Canyon Trail follows tributaries of the Colorado River into a labyrinth of adjacent canyons, tracing one to a grand cul de sac where Morning Glory Arch - technically a natural land bridge - spans 243' across the terminal canyon walls.

Perennial water and a lush riparian corridor distinguish this trail from others in the Arches-Moab area. Cottonwood and willow form a partial canopy over the trail, which is heavily lined with horsetail, cacti, grasses, ivy and brush . These shaded canyons and meandering streams are a welcome reprieve from the open desert and summer heat.

The trail begins in Negro Bill Canyon, but departs down a side canyon for Morning Glory Arch after 1.85 miles. It's important to keep track of side canyons, as the second side canyon on your right is the turnoff for reaching it. While side canyons are quite obvious, it's easy to lose track and bypass the correct one.

The trail drops from the parking area along uneven rock to the creek. You'll follow the creek closely, crossing it the first time after 1.15 miles (4,080'), then many more after that.

The trail rises above the canyon floor as you come upon the first side canyon (to the right) at 1.4 miles (4,100'). Inviting, well-defined foot trails lead in, but this is not the correct canyon.

Those with time and good navigation skills may wish to explore this compelling vicinity and look for deer, coyote, mountain lion and bighorn sheep.

Travel intensifies up the canyon with frequent stream crossings. A sign that stands only 8 inches tall directs you off the main trail across the stream at 1.85 miles (4,165'). Anticipate this important but easy to miss trail marker.

Through the brush you'll see the second side canyon on your right, and path to Morning Glory Arch.

The side canyon resembles Negro Bill Canyon, but the stream flowing through it is noticeably lethargic. A well-cut path runs along the east canyon wall (rock slabs are cairn marked), then slides through a tangle of brush to the streamside and canyon terminus (2.3 miles : 4,297'). The courtyard-like cul de sac is pocked with several nooks well-suited for a lengthy respite.

Morning Glory Arch, spanning 243', is thought to be the 6th longest land bridge in the United States.

Negro Bill Canyon was named for William Granstaf, a black rancher and prospector who lived in the area in the late 1800s. After a heated dispute in 1979 between locals, the BLM and Federal Government, the canyon was officially designated a Wilderness Study Area. This designation essentially ended a campaign by Grand County residents to open the canyon to uses that were deemed harmful to the environment. The controversy was known as the 'Sagebrush Rebellion'.