Following the Colorado River, Route 128 will eventually have a right hand turn on to BLM 98. Its down this road that you’ll reach Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon, a 9 mile round trip (despite All Trails saying it is 7.6 miles) hike along, well- Professor Creek, and through Mary Jane Canyon. BLM 98 is stuh-nning, A red dirt road going off into the horizon, flanked by greenery, and backdropped by mountains.

We started this hike in the middle of the morning, but it happened to be a slightly overcast day so it was never unbearably hot. Water proof shoes are a necessity here. We passed a group of 4 people and two of them were going slow and scrambling around- to which we later realized waz because they were trying to keep their sneakers dry! You will inevitably step in water on this hike, and on a hot day it’s so refreshing that you may even choose to just walk in the creek instead of on the trail.

The beginning of the trail is not shaded, but as you continue along and eventually get into the canyon you will find refuge from the sun. At the end you’ll be greeted by a 30ft waterfall with a small, shallow pool underneath it. Take a dip if you’d like! This hike was the perfect addition to our weekend itinerary, and is a hike I’d recommend to anyone visiting Moab.

THINGS TO KNOW

Wear waterproof shoes! There are countless stream crossings, many you won’t be able to avoid and your feet will get wet!

The first half of the hike towards the waterfall does not have shade, thus the end of your hike will not have shade either

Expect the total mileage to be a few miles longer than what All Trails says

This is an out-and-back trail

The difficulty of this hike is uneven surfaces and the heat- don’t worry about inclines here

Gear

Tevas or Chaos for your feet! I wouldn’t even both with waterproof hiking boots tbh

Water/a water filter if you don’t want to carry a lot with you

Snacks - you will find places you can rest and fuel up!