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gem icon Professor Creek/Mary Jane Canyon [Suggest Edits]

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Description

Professor Creek is a small stream that joins the Colorado River 20 miles northeast of Moab. The creek flows year-round, along a canyon (known as Mary Jane Canyon) which is shallow for most of its length but one mile of the central section becomes fairly narrow and up to 100 feet deep. The walls have interesting rock textures and colors, different to most true slot canyons as the rock is darker, harder and less striated.

The hike upstream is an easy walk, and very pleasant in summer as much of the journey involves paddling in the cool, shallow water. Along the edges of the creek, abundant green vegetation makes a nice contrast to the reddish canyon walls

Half-Day Hike: Directions: From road UT 128, which links Moab with Cisco, near I-70, and 3 miles northeast of the turn-off to Castle Valley, a good quality gravel track (Professor Valley Road) heads southeast for 2 miles, past a cluster of ranch buildings. The road ends at a shaded parking area right next to the creek, which is wide and meandering at this point. This part of the Colorado River valley has many ancient, eroded red rock formations - sandstone cliffs, buttes and pinnacles, similar to Monument Valley 150 miles south, and some are visible along the canyon, including the tall, solitary spire of Castle Rock.

Family Friendly: An easy hike along a stream with little elevation gain.

Gem Type: Waterfall

Shared by:
Cory Wynhof
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Check-Ins

Aug 13, 2022
Eric Harrill
The diamond location isn't accurate. It is about a mile further upstream.
Jul 10, 2021
Stan N
Hiked to the waterfall at the end of the trail, switching between the user trails and the stream along the way. The open sky began to be closed in…
May 5, 2021
Zac Johnson
Apr 2, 2021
Paul H
Apr 10, 2020
Carla Von Holtum
amazing. creek was cold. canyons was awesome. 8.5 mi
Oct 19, 2019
Daane H
Aug 17, 2019
Joe Howley
Jul 4, 2019
MIKE CARNEY

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Shared by Cory Wynhof on Oct 29, 2015. All Page Views: 8,230. Last Month: 20.
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