Gemini Bridges - Moab

Gemini Bridges

Moab
Family Fun

Gemini Bridges are two large alcove type arches standing side-by-side. This is one of the most popular mountain biking and and four wheel drive routes in the Moab area.

General Information:
Gemini Bridges is an easy adventure the entire family can enjoy. This route is a popular mountain biking route and is suitable for stock four wheel drive vehicles. The family SUV should have no problems with this route. A visit to the top of Gemini Bridges from downtown Moab will require approximately 3 hours round trip to drive or 8 hours to mountain bike. It is 7.7 miles, one-way, from where the pavement ends to the top of Gemini Bridges. Visiting the bridge from the top is the most common method, but directions are also included for a visit to the bottom of the arch for those who desire the full meal deal.

Navigation for this route is easy. GPS waypoints are provided for convenience. There is nothing difficult about the route. The USGS 7.5' Maps titled "Gold Bar Canyon" and "Merrimac Butte" show the area. All waypoints and maps for this route use the WGS84 datum.

Caution:
Use caution around Gemini Bridges, keep a close eye on children and foolish adults near the cliffs. Several individuals have lost their lives here. At least two people have fallen to their death attempting to jump the 6-foot gap between the two spans. On October 9, 1999, Beau James Daley, age 19, fell 160-feet from the outer span as he attempted to drive his jeep across the bridge.

Statistics:
Gemini Bridge East
Greater Arch Dimension (GAD): 85.0 feet. For this arch, the GAD is its height.
Lesser Arch Dimension (LAD): 44.0 feet.

Gemini Bridge West
Greater Arch Dimension (GAD): 67.0 feet. For this arch, the GAD is its span.
Lesser Arch Dimension (LAD): 60.0 feet.

Trailhead Information:
From the bridge over the Colorado River, just outside Moab, drive north on Highway 191 for 7.2 miles to mile marker 135.5 and a large parking lot on the west (left) side of the road (N38° 39' 22", W109° 40' 37"). The large parking lot is considered the trailhead for this adventure, if riding a mountain bike this is where you will begin.

Route Information:
The area is criss-crossed with roads and tracks. Stay on the road described until told to turn off of it. From the large parking lot, follow the well traveled dirt road across the railroad track and bear south (left), continue following the wide dirt road. The road climbs steadily until reaching a high point and swinging southwest, at which time the road will descends into a wide valley. Soon you will pass Gooney Bird Rock. 4.7 miles after leaving the large parking lot you will reach a tee (N38° 36' 0", W109° 40' 25"), turn west (right) at the tee. Turn west (right) at the tee and climb a steep hill, follow the road for 0.6 miles a sign that indicates Gemini Bridges west (right) and Bull Canyon to the south (left).

Gemini Bridges From The Top:
At the Bull Canyon/Gemini Bridges sign turn west (right) and follow the road 0.8 miles to a fork (N38° 35' 46, W109° 41' 37"), turn south (left) and you will begin crossing slickrock. From the fork follow the road and the painted white dashes across the slickrock for 1.2 miles to a fork in the road (N38° 35' 16", W109° 42' 24"), bear south (left) and follow the road for 0.2 miles to where a larger road (N38° 35' 13", W109° 42' 37") enters from the north (right). This is a good place to park and walk the remaining distance if you are in the family SUV. The final 1/4 mile to the bridge is difficult four wheeling with big rocks and ledges. From the parking area follow the road north for 0.2 miles to Gemini Bridges (N38° 35' 09", W109° 42' 26").

Gemini Bridges From The Bottom:
At the Bull Canyon/Gemini Bridges sign turn south (left) and follow the road 1.5 to a junction (N38° 34' 40, W109° 40' 39"). Turn north (right) at the junction and follow the the road. The road follows a dry creek bed through a rocky ravine. The road splits and comes back together at various locations. Just follow the most well traveled road up the canyon bottom. At 1.9 miles from the previous junction you will come to a small turnaround area (N38° 35' 04, W109° 42' 17"). This is the best place to park and walk the final short distance to the base of Gemini Bridges (N38° 35' 09", W109° 42' 26").