Moab Swimming Holes And Trails

Just a few miles outside of Moab, Utah, Negro Bill Canyon offers one of the most surprising experiences in all of canyon country: a perennial creek winding through a narrow red rock gorge, lined with cottonwoods and willows, dotted with natural swimming holes, and crowned by one of the longest natural arches in the United States. This is the desert, but not as most people imagine it. Here, water wins — at least for a few glorious months each year.

The Setting and Landscape

The canyon cuts a vivid path through the Colorado Plateau, where towering sandstone walls glow amber and rust in the morning light. The trail follows a perennial creek for the full 6-mile round trip, meaning you'll hear and feel water the entire way — a rare gift in the Utah desert. The riparian corridor along the creek is an ecological anomaly: box elder trees, reedy grasses, and willows crowd the banks, creating pockets of deep shade that feel almost tropical against the sun-scorched cliffs above. Birdsong fills the air. The contrast between the red rock canyon walls and the lush green corridor below gives Negro Bill Canyon a dreamlike, almost cinematic quality. At the trail's end, Morning Glory Bridge — one of the longest natural arches in the country — spans the canyon in a single breathtaking arc.

Swimming in the Canyon

The swimming holes in Negro Bill Canyon are modest in scale but deeply satisfying in character. You'll find a series of small, clear pools scattered along the creek, naturally formed where water has carved the sandstone into smooth basins. In spring and early summer, when snowmelt keeps the creek running strong, the pools are at their fullest and most inviting. The water is cool and refreshing — exactly what you want after navigating creek crossings and rocky terrain in the desert heat. Depth and clarity vary depending on seasonal flow, but the shaded canyon walls and the sound of moving water make every stop along the creek feel like a private retreat. There are no lifeguards or staffed facilities on the trail, so swimmers should exercise their own judgment about water conditions and safety.

Plan Your Visit

The trail is rated moderate, with approximately 6 miles of round-trip hiking that includes multiple creek crossings and some elevation change. Suitable for moderately fit adults and older children comfortable with uneven terrain, it rewards those who take their time. The best seasons to visit are spring and early summer — roughly March through June — when creek flow is robust and temperatures are manageable. Autumn, from September through November, brings fewer crowds and cooler air, though water levels will be lower. Fees and regulations are subject to change, so check current land management postings before you go. The trailhead sits just outside Moab, Utah, making it an easy half-day or full-day excursion from town. Moab itself offers a full range of lodging, gear shops, and restaurants to fuel up before or after your hike. Whether you're chasing the arch, the water, or simply the rare pleasure of green in the desert, Negro Bill Canyon delivers something you won't soon forget.

Named after William Granstaff, an African American settler who lived in the area during the 19th century. The canyon reflects the rich cultural and geological history of the region.

Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile riparian environment. Avoid disturbing wildlife and stay on designated trails.