Little Moab West

Dogs Leashed

Features Wildflowers · Wildlife

Little Moab West trades the more intense, rugged climb of Little Moab for a gradual ascent through desert flora. Ocotillo, yucca, century plants, and cacti can be seen throughout a hike here.

Turning north off of North Clyde's Trail, the path doubles back to the northwest through a shallow valley, bypassing the housing developments to the south while drifting between plant life. After half a mile, the trail forks at a connection to Tin Mine Hill, with Little Moab West continuing to the right. The trail slowly begins to increase in grade as it draws closer to Little Moab Hill. A segment at the halfway point connects to Mayberry and La Espina Hill.

Shortly after reaching a mile into the trail, it takes a quick turn to the right and climbs sharply, ascending to the top of the hill in a few hundred feet. Little Moab is visible just below and to the left, and after a short distance, it will switchback up the hillside to merge into the trail and continue along the ridge.

The Franklins are filled with desert wildlife and you'll have the chance to see all sorts of plants and animals on trail. Vegetation is best during the rainy months around summer when the desert blooms and the plants turn green. Jackrabbits, lizards and roadrunners are common, occasionally snakes will be on or near the trail. Watch for rattlers and give them a wild berth. If you get caught out past sundown, you may hear a few coyotes. Their howls are unnerving, but they generally leave people alone.