Utah Trails

Golden Spike

4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Moab, Utah (Grand County)

Last Updated: 10/21/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Desert

Iconic

Rock

Scenic

Easly one of the most famous off-road trails in the United States, if not the world. Golden Spike, home of the famous Golden Crack obstacle, is at the top of people's favorite trails in Moab, Utah. Full of amazing scenery, challenging obstacles, and even better stories, this trail is the perfect receipt to make any 4x4 trip legendary. You can easily say that this trail is one of those trails that offers it all. The trail has slickrock, fins, sand, narrow scenic canyons, waterfalls, ledges, long steep hills, amazing overlooks & viewpoints, wild obstacles, and sometimes standing water. If you are lucky, you might even see Golden Eagles soaring high above or catch a glimpse of a natural arch. So whether this is your first time in Moab or you are a seasoned vet, if you haven't done Golden Spike yet, this trail needs to be put at the top of your list to see why most people call this the best trail in Moab.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

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Josh Noesser

Official Crew

Trail Navigation

Golden Spike comprises a combination of trail surfaces from dirt to sand to slick rock; this trail will provide you with a wide variety to keep things interesting. The trail does have moments of reprieve on the sections south of Golden Crack, as where from Golden Crack to the Gold Bar Rim Trailhead is one obstacle after another. There are seven named obstacles along the route: Launch Pad, Skyline Drive, Zuki Hill, Golden Crack, Golden Stairs, Double-Whammy, and Body Snatcher. Best suited for lightly to heavily modified vehicles. Golden Spike also connects to Where Eagles Dare and Rusty Nail. Getting there: According to how you think about time on the trail, the good or the bad news is that the trail is out in the middle of other trails, meaning there is no fast way to either trailhead. You can come in from Poison Spider or, on the other side Gemini Bridges. Either way, you will spend an hour or two getting to the trail and need that hour or two to get off the trail.

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

The trail splits off Poison Spider Mesa and heads off to the north. You will notice that the trail marker is painted into the ground to help guide you on the right path.

2. Start of Fins (0.53 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 2: Start of Fins

You will ride along the old petrified sand dunes for the first section of the trail, aka Fins or Slickrock. This is a fantastic experience and an excellent opportunity to space out the group and watch your friends ride these ancient petrified waves.

3. Launching Pad with Bypass (0.89 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 3: Launching Pad with Bypass

The first named obstacle of the trail is called the Launching Pad. This steep climb up the slickrock will likely get the heart racing. But the secret is all you need to do is air down low, engage 4wd, and keep it on the rubber tracks. You do that and most vehicles can make it up with little to no issues. Bypass is to the left. But note: the trail gets much harder. If this is too uncomfortable, it would be best to turn around.

4. Blind Drop (1.19 mi)

Not far past Launching Pad, you will make a hard right turn down a blind drop. To be safe, get out and see the tracks down the slick rock. The drop isn't bad compared to others, but you don't want to approach it if you are not on the right line. So take your time and be safe.

5. Poison Spider Cutoff - Turn Left (1.4 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 5: Poison Spider Cutoff - Turn Left

You will want to stay to the left or west at this spot. This little trail on the east is the trail over to the loop on Poison Spider Mesa.

6. Skyline Drive Bypass - Continue Straight for Obstacle (1.45 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 6: Skyline Drive Bypass - Continue Straight for Obstacle

Continue straight and up to take on Skyline Drive or turn left to take the bypass.

7. Skyline Drive (1.5 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 7: Skyline Drive

Skyline Drive is the second named obstacle on the trail and is well worth it. You drive up one of these sizeable petrified sand dunes, which is amazing for those that like long steep climbs and descents. The hills are long and require low gears going up and back down. Also, make sure you stay on the rubber tracks, as getting off the standard line could make things bad really quick.

8. Where Eagles Dare Trailhead - Continue Straight (1.76 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 8: Where Eagles Dare Trailhead - Continue Straight

At this point, you intersect Where Eagles Dare Trail. Straight across the valley is a very cool semi-arch you can drive in, but immediately to your right, you can get on the backside of Skyline Drive and get out of the sun. If you go over there, keep an eye out as there are what looks like dino tracks in that area.

9. Obstacle (2.13 mi)

You come to this optional obstacle after passing through what might be the most incredible canyon in Moab. How it doesn't have a name is everyone's question, but there is a bypass on the right. If the pool at the bottom is filled with water, it had a hard bottom and was about 24" deep when making this trail guide.

10. Zuki Hill (2.19 mi)

Just after the ledge obstacle is Zuki Hill; it is an excellent tire tester as the short hill is very steep with a slight bump to get started. Aired up or small tires will struggle here. Just off to the southwest is a plaque on the cliff wall. Look, but watch out for the deep blue water hole after any rain.

11. Cutoff to Where Eagles Dare - Continue Straight (2.4 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 11: Cutoff to Where Eagles Dare - Continue Straight

Stay to the east to stay on the trail. West takes you over to Where Eagles Dare. Just feet up the trail, you can see the obstacle "Where Eagles Dare" off to the west.

12. Intersection with Where Eagles Dare - Stay Right (2.71 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 12: Intersection with Where Eagles Dare - Stay Right

Stay to the east to stay on the trail. West takes you over to Where Eagles Dare.

13. Intersection - Continue Straight (2.89 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 13: Intersection - Continue Straight

Stay to the east to stay on the trail. West takes you over to Where Eagles Dare.

14. Scenic/View of Gold Bar Arch (3.45 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 14: Scenic/View of Gold Bar Arch

There is more to focus on than just the obstacles when on the trail. Here is one of the spots where it is worth stopping and taking in the scenery. Off to the left is Gold Bar Arch, sometimes referred to as Jeep Arch.

15. Optional Obstacles (3.51 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 15: Optional Obstacles

The trail has several areas of ledges in the trail. According to what flavor you want, you can spice up your day with them. This ledge is about 3 to 4 feet tall. There are easier lines, but this depends on your wheelbase. Get out, take a look and decide which way you want to go.

16. Overlook (3.57 mi)

The overlook is off to your right, and the trail continues straight. It is only about 100-feet to the edge, so don't drive too fast. The overlook is a must-stop with great views of Moab and the La Sal Mountains.

17. Obstacles (3.76 mi)

The trail starts to get much more technical with more rock crawling style obstacles from this point on. It is okay to get out, look, then pick a line. The last thing you want to break your vehicle this far out. These obstacles are required and are about 4 to 5 feet tall.

18. Where Eagles Dare Cutoff - Turn Right (3.88 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 18: Where Eagles Dare Cutoff - Turn Right

Stay to the east to stay on the trail. West takes you over to Where Eagles Dare.

19. Where Eagles Dare - Turn Right (3.98 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 19: Where Eagles Dare - Turn Right

Stay to the east to stay on the trail. West takes you over to Where Eagles Dare. There are arrows painted onto the rocks to help with guiding you the right way. Notice the rock color change from here on out. The trail goes from those bright red colors to more of a grey.

20. Obstacles (4.58 mi)

One of the many required obstacles on the northern half of the trail. There are multiple lines that different vehicles can take. It would be best to get out and take a look and figure out which line is best for your vehicle. FYI - This spot makes for great photos.

21. Mini Shelf - Hardest Required (5.1 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 21: Mini Shelf - Hardest Required

You start dropping off many different shelves as you continue down the trail. This mini shelf is a fun obstacle with multiple lines. Go ahead and get out and pick the line that best suits you. This and Waypoint 22 are all part of the same obstacle area. These obstacles could be the hardest on the trail. You need to set yourself up for Waypoint 22, so make sure you walk both. This section has options of either 3, 5, or 6-foot drops. So pick the best line for your rig.

22. Obstacle - Hardest Required (5.31 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 22: Obstacle - Hardest Required

Planning is a must at this obstacle. Depending on your wheelbase, this might be the hardest required obstacle on the trail. This area has several different lines you can take. From the top of Waypoint 21, it is easier to stay to the left than swoop back around the tree you will see at the drop. It would be best to get out of the vehicle and look at what is needed, as this could put you on your side if you don't take the right line. This spot has different drop heights; while the center is the shortest, the outside ledges can get pretty large.

23. Overlook (5.39 mi)

As you continue to run the ridge on the top of the cliff, take a moment to get out and look at the views. The best view might be off to the south behind the vehicles. You have an incredible scenic view of the Colorado River winding through the tall red rock cliffs. This view alone, people could spend weeks just staring at.

24. Waterfall (5.52 mi)

More of the technical obstacles of the northside of the trail. This one has several lines; you can try the V on the left or try and walk up the right.

25. Golden Crack (6.04 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 25: Golden Crack

The Golden Crack could easily be one of the most famous obstacles in Moab or even the United States. It is a crowd-gathering obstacle because it is the pinch point of the trail and fun to see everyone drive over. However, you are far from everyone out here, so you might have it all to yourself. The obstacle itself is a 4-foot deep, 3-foot wide crack in the ground. Because of the size, you want to drive across at roughly a 25-45 degree angle to ensure you don't get stuck in the crack. Keep in mind that it is possible to roll over here due to the depth. Walk it, and have a spotter.

26. Obstacles - Stay Right Around Rock (6.06 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 26: Obstacles - Stay Right Around Rock

Optional lines. The first obstacle on the left actually takes you on Rusty Nail, which is one of the hardest trails in Moab - but to stay on Golden Spike, you will want to stay to the right. If you take the first harder-looking obstacle on the left, you will have to route find back to Golden Spike when on the other side.

27. Rusty Nail - Fork North (6.16 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 27: Rusty Nail - Fork North

The trail intersects with Rusty Nail. To stay on Gold Spike, stay to the north. There is a trail sign at the fork, staying more north in direction.

28. Golden Stairs (6.45 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 28: Golden Stairs

The Golden Stairs' easiest line isn't anything to be afraid of if you are taking the shorter ledges in a long-wheelbase. But if you are in a 2-door, this can be a different story. It wouldn't take much to brake something here, so pick your line wisely.

29. Steps (6.56 mi)

More steps as you exit the trail. These steps look intimidating but are not that hard. Just take your time, pick a good line and crawl right up.

30. Ledges (6.66 mi)

Another rock crawling obstacle, the ledge/waterfall, is about 4 to 5 feet tall, and for a shorter wheelbase, the perception of it looks terrible, but they will easily be able to crawl right up.

31. Optional Double Whammy (6.7 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 31: Optional Double Whammy

Left for bypass, right for the named obstacle. Double Whammy is no joke. Often you will find a memorial to all the broken parts on the left side attesting to that. You need to understand throttle control and be ready to back off to get up. The easier lines are on the left while the harder is on the right.

32. Optional Body Snatcher (6.85 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 32: Optional Body Snatcher

Bypass is by staying right, staying left to take on the obstacle. Body Snatcher is the last-named obstacle on the trail and this one earned the name it got. This is one obstacle you don't take unless you don't care about body damage. The named obstacle is on the left and heads up this small narrow notch. Right around the corner is where the rock is that does all the damage. So just because it looks easy from the bottom doesn't mean it is. Stay right to avoid this obstacle.

33. Northern Trailhead (6.89 mi)

Golden Spike - Waypoint 33: Northern Trailhead

This is the northern trailhead. From here, you can return the way you came, or you can take Gold Bar Rim down to Gemini Bridges. Note: there is one large waterfall on Gold Bar Rim, but there is a winch point on it.

Trail Reviews

4.8/5 (4)

Will Self

700

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 03/12/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Came onto the trail from Gold Bar Rim. This trail is a blast!!!!! Excellent scenery and views, especially from the overlooks at several points. Ran this trail on a 2 1/2 lift and 33's..and we put some marks on the skid plates and used the winch once, the rock rails got a work out as I fully expected them to. The Golden Crack is awesome, but pay close attention to your line and have a spotter and should be fine. Did some damage to a fender and the rear licenses plate bracket getting up the obstacles at waypoint 22. This is also where we had to use the winch. The other rig with us was a Gladiator on a 5 inch lift an 35's and handled the obstacle with no problems. We have been wanting to do Golden Spike since our first visit to Moab 3 years ago. Its everything you expect it to be and much more. Plan on a full day regardless if you come in from Poison Spider or Gold Bar Rim.

Todd

Official Crew

106950

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 04/15/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I really enjoyed this one. Non stop obstacles on the north end!

Josh Noesser

Official Crew

110800

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 04/03/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Way cool trail. Easily in the top 5 trails in Moab. A must-do.

Ryan Boudreau

Official Crew

97850

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 11/13/2020

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I have a hard time giving this trail 5 stars because it is just a pain to get to. By itself, it is a great trail with awesome obstacle. But the fact that I have to take one already long trail to get to it, and then take another long trail just to get out, make doing Golden Spike an all day trip! Granted, I think the best obstacles are on the north end from which you could easily get to via Gold Bar Rim or Rusty nail, and then just turn around and head back out.

Golden Spike

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Trail Navigation

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

2. Start of Fins (0.53 mi)

3. Launching Pad with Bypass (0.89 mi)

4. Blind Drop (1.19 mi)

5. Poison Spider Cutoff - Turn Left (1.4 mi)

6. Skyline Drive Bypass - Continue Straight for Obstacle (1.45 mi)

7. Skyline Drive (1.5 mi)

8. Where Eagles Dare Trailhead - Continue Straight (1.76 mi)

9. Obstacle (2.13 mi)

10. Zuki Hill (2.19 mi)

11. Cutoff to Where Eagles Dare - Continue Straight (2.4 mi)

12. Intersection with Where Eagles Dare - Stay Right (2.71 mi)

13. Intersection - Continue Straight (2.89 mi)

14. Scenic/View of Gold Bar Arch (3.45 mi)

15. Optional Obstacles (3.51 mi)

16. Overlook (3.57 mi)

17. Obstacles (3.76 mi)

18. Where Eagles Dare Cutoff - Turn Right (3.88 mi)

19. Where Eagles Dare - Turn Right (3.98 mi)

20. Obstacles (4.58 mi)

21. Mini Shelf - Hardest Required (5.1 mi)

22. Obstacle - Hardest Required (5.31 mi)

23. Overlook (5.39 mi)

24. Waterfall (5.52 mi)

25. Golden Crack (6.04 mi)

26. Obstacles - Stay Right Around Rock (6.06 mi)

27. Rusty Nail - Fork North (6.16 mi)

28. Golden Stairs (6.45 mi)

29. Steps (6.56 mi)

30. Ledges (6.66 mi)

31. Optional Double Whammy (6.7 mi)

32. Optional Body Snatcher (6.85 mi)

33. Northern Trailhead (6.89 mi)

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