If you’re looking for a new favorite hike, I’m happy to share mine — Mary Jane Canyon Trail which follows Professor Creek, 20 miles east of Moab. The hike traverses up an active stream bed into a canyon that grows deeper (up to 100 feet) and narrower (down to 20 feet), before the hike’s turnaround point, a picturesque double-tonged waterfall over a 30-foot high chockstone.

In the fall, the stream is laced with golden cottonwood and cattails, and in the spring blooming cactus and desert wildflowers dot the scenic landscape. The green vegetation along the creek edges make for a beautiful contrast to the ghoulish canyon made of unique textures and red toned colors. Between the vast landscape and narrower canyons, there is always something interesting to look at.

According to one mathematical hiker, there are 122 creek crossings on the 8.7-mile round trip hike. One thing is guaranteed — your feet WILL get wet, so best to select your footwear accordingly. I wore older hiking boots I didn’t mind getting wet, where others swear by Chacos, Tevas and the like (I recommend wearing socks with them, however, to avoid toe injuries or annoying pebbles underfoot).

The trail is gentle on elevation gain, leading you to believe it is super easy, but the rock and creek jumping may be a little challenging for some. The stream originates in the LaSal Mountains to the south and joins the Colorado River near the turn off to the trailhead.

Like with any other slot canyon, hikers are warned to not hike during or right after a rainstorm due to the possibility of a flash flood.

This area is a quiet spot rich in history. Sylveswter and Mary Jane Richardson homesteaded at the mouth of the creek in 1886, which was named for Sylvester’s former profession as a professor. They opened a store, school and post office at the site. When Grand County was formed in 1890, Sylvester became the first county commissioner. Their legacy lives on in not only in the name of the creek, but in the two trailheads which take off from the same parking area: Sylvester Trail and Mary Jane Canyon Trail.

Sylvester Trail is marked on the right side of the parking area. Many people take this trail in error, finding themselves without shade or water. For no known reason, the Mary Jane Canyon Trailhead is not marked.

Mary Jane Canyon Trail takes off on the left side of the parking area just behind a “No Camping” sign. The trail drops down into a little gully and up and over the other side where a dirt path follows the creek southeast. If at any time you find yourself off the path near the beginning of the trail, just head toward the creek and you’ll be back on track. Your adventure will lead you in and out of the creek throughout the entire hike. Enjoy!

GETTING THERE

From Grand Junction, take I-70 west to exit 204 (Cisco) and enjoy the spectacular drive along the Colorado River on Highway 128.

After crossing Dewey Bridge, drive 11 miles (1.8 miles past Onion Creek Road) to a dirt road on the left, which is 0.6 miles after crossing the Professor Creek Bridge. The road’s name is Professor Valley Road, but it is not marked, nor is there a sign directing you to either trailhead (thus the diamond-in-the-rough location).

The dirt road signals to you that it is a dead end, which is in fact where the parking lot and two trailheads are located, about two miles out.

You’ll pass a working ranch, so please travel slowly and be considerate. All vehicles can make it safely to the trailhead.

Originally published in the Fall 2021 issue of Spoke+Blossom

Take A Hike: Professor Creek + Mary Jane Canyon Trail

GETTING THERE