Zeus and Moses Trail

Overview

This rugged, highly scenic route puts you right at the base of two of the desert’s most dramatic sandstone towers—Moses and Zeus—in the Island in the Sky district’s remote Taylor Canyon. The standard hike is short but punchy: about 1.3 miles total from the Taylor Canyon 4WD road with roughly 700 feet of climbing, taking most hikers 1–1.5 hours. It’s an out-and-back spur that forms a small loop around the towers. There’s also a much longer, strenuous backcountry approach via Alcove Spring (roughly 11–12 miles round trip) if you’re hiking from the mesa instead of driving the 4WD road.

Route Options

Most hikers drive the White Rim and Taylor Canyon roads (permit required for the White Rim) to reach the start of the spur, then hike the short loop that circles the base of Moses and Zeus and passes near a third spire, Aphrodite. Expect steep, rocky steps, short slickrock scrambles, and cairns guiding the way. If you’d rather walk from the mesa top, the Alcove Spring route drops around 1,400 feet into the canyon and turns this into a long, hot desert epic—best left to experienced, self-sufficient hikers.

What You’ll See

This is classic Colorado Plateau country: sheer Wingate Sandstone walls, slickrock benches, and red-orange towers erupting from the canyon floor. Standing beneath Moses and Zeus is the whole point—their scale and verticality are thrilling up close. Views up and down Taylor Canyon are wide-open and wild, and the area sees light traffic, so solitude is part of the charm.

Best Time to Hike

Spring and fall are the sweet spots, with milder temperatures and better hiking conditions. Summer heat is intense with little to no shade, making the route potentially dangerous without significant water and sun protection. Winter can be cold with icy patches and occasionally impassable roads after storms. Start early for cooler temps and softer light on the towers.

Know Before You Go

Navigation follows cairns across slickrock and faint tread—stay alert and avoid stepping on fragile cryptobiotic soils. There’s no reliable water anywhere on the route; bring plenty (a gallon per person if you’re doing the longer approach). Cell service is unlikely. The short version may be quick, but it’s still remote, exposed, and rugged. If you’re driving in, you’ll need a permit for the White Rim Road and true high-clearance 4WD for Taylor Canyon Road; after rains, these roads can be a no-go. Park entrance fees apply.

Bottom Line

If you’re after dramatic geology and real desert quiet, this route is absolutely worth it—especially the short loop from Taylor Canyon Road. The Alcove Spring approach transforms it into a committing backcountry day best for seasoned hikers.