Top of the World / Eastern Moab

Top of the World sits on Waring Mesa east of Moab at 7,050 feet elevation, offering what many consider the single most dramatic overlook in the entire Moab offroad region. This intermediate-rated trail climbs approximately 3,300 feet from the Colorado River valley through varied terrain of broken rock shelves, ledges, and sand before delivering riders to a cliff-edge viewpoint with a full 360-degree panorama that encompasses Fisher Valley, the La Sal Mountains, the Uncompahgre Plateau, the Book Cliffs, Onion Creek canyon, and the back side of Arches National Park. The scenery-to-difficulty ratio here is arguably the best in Moab, making this trail a must-ride for anyone visiting the area.

The journey east from Moab begins along Highway 128, which follows the Colorado River through a spectacular red rock canyon before the trail branches off and begins its ascent. Near the river, the trail passes through beautiful exposures of Entrada Sandstone, the same geological formation responsible for the famous arches in nearby Arches National Park. This formation is not commonly seen at trail level in the Moab area, and its smooth, rounded surfaces with distinctive light pink coloring create a unique visual character that sets the approach apart from other Moab routes. As you gain elevation, the terrain transitions through multiple geological layers, each telling a different chapter in the region's 200-million-year story.

The climbing portion of the trail covers roughly 9.5 miles from Highway 128, with the surface alternating between broken layered rock, loose stones, bedrock shelves, patches of sand, and occasional sections of slickrock. Several ledge obstacles require careful tire placement and may benefit from a spotter, and there are off-camber sections where the trail tilts toward exposure that can be nerve-wracking for first-time visitors. Modified vehicles with larger tires, lockers, and good ground clearance handle the trail most comfortably, though some newer aggressive stock SUVs can manage with skilled driving and careful line selection.

The payoff at the summit is extraordinary. The overlook sits at the edge of a sheer cliff above Fisher Valley, a dramatic collapsed salt anticline that creates a vast depression in the landscape far below. Fisher Valley stretches out with the iconic Fisher Towers rising in the middle distance, their dark red Cutler Formation spires contrasting against the lighter desert floor. To the south, the La Sal Mountains soar to nearly 13,000 feet, often still carrying snow well into spring and early summer. Looking north, the view extends across the vast desert plains to the Book Cliffs, a 200-mile escarpment that marks the southern edge of the Uinta Basin. On clear days, you can see portions of the Uncompahgre Plateau in Colorado to the east and trace the winding path of the Colorado River far below.

The trail typically takes two and a half to three and a half hours of driving time without stops, making it an ideal half-day adventure that leaves time for exploring other trails or relaxing in town. The higher elevation means cooler temperatures than valley-floor trails, which makes Top of the World particularly appealing during the shoulder seasons when lower trails can still be quite warm. Spring and fall deliver the best overall conditions, with mild temperatures and clear visibility that maximizes the incredible views from the summit.

A local guide who knows the specific lines through the technical sections can help less experienced drivers navigate the ledges and off-camber spots confidently, ensuring you arrive at the overlook relaxed and ready to take in one of the most breathtaking vistas in the American Southwest. Whether you are photographing the Fisher Towers at golden hour or simply soaking in the vast silence of the high desert, Top of the World delivers an experience that lives up to its name.