Neck Spring Trail

The Neck Spring Trail forms an irregular loop that passes the springs at the head of Taylor Canyon. The loop begins along the Main Island Road approximately one half mile south of the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. From the trailhead the loop leads westward for a short distance descending 200 feet before turning southward. Nearly three-quarters of a mile from the trailhead the path begins to parallel the Taylor Canyon drainage.

The trail crosses the drainage below the spring and begins to parallel the western side of the waterway. On the western side of Neck Spring the path gains elevation slightly then sweeps westward remaining high in the canyon. Nearly one mile west of Neck Spring is the fork of Taylor Canyon descending from Cabin Spring.

The tread follows this drainage up stream for a short distance before crossing the waterway. On the western side of this spur canyon the trail gains elevation slowly. After following this drainage for three-quarters of a mile the track turns eastward and rounds Cabin Spring. The trail levels as it leads one mile eastward to cross Main Island Road. On the eastern side of the road the trail turns northward and leads along the mesa top.

Leading northward, paralleling the park road, the trail nears the sheer cliffs of The Neck of Shafer Canyon. Beyond this point the trail forks with the left side leads to Main Island Road. The left side of the fork continues along the Neck Spring loop. The track splits again shortly afterward with the right fork leading to Shafer Trail Road. Follow the left side of the fork at this second fork which leads to the main park road immediately across from the trailhead.

Canyonlands National Park, 2282 S. West Resource Blvd. , Moab, UT, 84532-8000, Phone: 435-259-7164, cany_reservation_office@nps.gov