Stylized aerial hero image of the twin spans at Gemini Bridges above Bull Canyon.

Gemini Bridges Trail Guide: Best Hike Near Moab

The Gemini Bridges Trail is one of Moab’s most rewarding short hikes. Unlike the 4×4 drivers who roar up to the overlook, hikers get to experience the approach on foot. Quiet desert air, slickrock underfoot, and the jaw-dropping reveal of two natural bridges perched above Bull Canyon.

I’ve hiked Gemini Bridges more times than I can count, and every visit feels fresh. Different light, different moods, always the same sense of awe standing on top of those spans. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your hike, stay safe, and make the most of your trip.

Quick Facts graphic for the Gemini Bridges Trail showing distance, elevation gain, time, terrain type, dog policy, and kid-friendly note.

Trail at a Glance

  • Distance: 3 miles round trip

  • Elevation Gain: ~300 feet

  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

  • Trail Type: Out-and-back

  • Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours

  • Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash

  • Kid Friendly: Yes, with close supervision at the bridges

  • Best Season: Spring & fall

👉 Download Free Gemini Bridges Trail Guide (PDF + GPX)

Most people will never stand on a natural bridge you can walk across. Gemini Bridges offers two of them. These two parallel sandstone spans stretched over a void that drops into Bull Canyon.

The hike is accessible, relatively short, and delivers an enormous payoff. You’ll earn those views step by step instead of bumping in on a jeep. And when you reach the bridges, the silence of the canyon beneath is unforgettable.

Getting to the Trailhead

From Moab:

  1. Drive north on US-191 for 7 miles.

  2. Turn left onto Gemini Bridges Road (look for the brown BLM sign just past the Highway 313 junction).

  3. Continue 2.5 miles on a graded dirt road to the signed trailhead.

Most vehicles can make it in dry conditions, but if it’s rained recently the clay soil becomes impassable—check conditions before you go.

Hiking the Trail: Step by Step

1. Sandy Two-Track Start

The trail begins on a sandy jeep road. Expect a gentle climb with desert scrub and junipers framing the way.

2. Slickrock Sections

After the first mile, the path transitions to sandstone slabs. Views begin to widen toward Bull Canyon and the La Sal Mountains.

3. The Bridges Themselves

At 1.5 miles you’ll reach Gemini Bridges. The two spans are separated by a deep crack, with sheer drops on all sides. You can walk across, but do so carefully—there are no railings.

Safety Callouts

⚠️ Cliff Exposure: No guardrails. Watch kids and dogs carefully.
🌞 Heat Risk: Desert sun can be brutal. Start early, bring at least 2 liters of water per person.
🧊 Slippery Rock: Slickrock can be icy in winter and slick after rain.
🚙 Trailhead Access: Dirt road is impassable when wet. Don’t risk it.

Safety infographic for the Gemini Bridges Trail with icons for cliff exposure, heat, slickrock, and road conditions.

What to Pack

  • 2 liters of water per person

  • Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses

  • Sturdy shoes (sand + slickrock mix)

  • Snacks or light lunch

  • Camera or binoculars

  • Leash & dog water bowl if bringing pets

Best Times to Hike Gemini Bridges

  • March–May: Wildflowers, perfect temps, popular season.

  • June–August: Only safe with dawn starts; avoid midday.

  • September–November: Golden light, crisp mornings—my favorite.

  • December–February: Quiet solitude, occasional ice patches.

FAQs About Gemini Bridges

Can you walk across Gemini Bridges?
Yes, but extreme caution is required. The spans are wide, but there are sheer drops on either side.

How long does the hike take?
About 1.5–2 hours round trip, including time to explore.

Do you need 4WD to get there?
Not if you hike. If you drive, high clearance is strongly recommended.

Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on leash. The sand can get hot in summer—bring extra water.

How were Gemini Bridges formed?
They’re natural bridges carved by flowing water eroding softer layers of sandstone.

Nearby Hikes & Add-Ons

  • Bull Canyon Overlook: A short drive beyond Gemini Bridges for a bird’s-eye view into the canyon.

  • Gold Bar Rim Trail: A longer, more rugged hike with incredible vistas.

  • Corona Arch Trail: Iconic Moab arch nearby, reached from Potash Road.

Local Pro Tips

  • Best Photo Light: Late afternoon for warm canyon shadows.

  • Mountain Bikers: This is part of the “Magnificent 7” ride system—watch for bikes.

  • Avoid Jeep Traffic: Hike early to avoid dust from passing vehicles.

Final Thoughts

The Gemini Bridges Trail gives you something rare: a short hike with an unforgettable payoff. Whether it’s your first Moab adventure or your fiftieth, standing on those twin spans is a memory that lasts.

Download the trail guide, start early, and savor the silence above Bull Canyon. This is Moab at its finest.

👉 Download Free Gemini Bridges Trail Guide (PDF + GPX)
👉 Explore More Moab Hikes