Fisher Towers is a dramatic collection of red rock monoliths near Moab, Utah, drawing hikers, climbers, and photographers with its otherworldly desert scenery.
Fisher Towers has drawn attention since the late nineteenth century, when early settlers and prospectors passed through the Colorado River corridor and noted the striking formations rising from the desert floor. The towers are composed primarily of Cutler sandstone capped with harder Moenkopi mudstone, a combination that has allowed the spires to resist erosion while the surrounding terrain wore away over millions of years. This geological story is visible in every layered band of color running across the rock faces.
The main hiking trail follows a path of roughly four miles out and back, tracing the base of the formations and offering close views of Titan, the Cottontail, and the Kingfisher. The terrain is moderately challenging with some exposed ledges and sandy stretches, making sturdy footwear a practical necessity. Interpretive signs along the route explain the geology and natural history of the area, which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Fisher Towers has also served as a filming location for several Western films and television productions over the decades, lending a sense of cinematic familiarity to a landscape that already feels larger than life. Rock climbers from around the world come specifically to test themselves on the towers' crumbling, unconventional faces, and the area has developed a devoted following within the climbing community.
For anyone traveling through the canyon country around Moab, Fisher Towers offers a quieter and more intimate alternative to the nearby national parks, with scenery that is no less striking and a pace that encourages genuine exploration.
Visit in spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the desert light is at its most dramatic for photography.
Arrive early on weekends to secure a parking spot at the Fisher Towers trailhead, which fills quickly during peak season.
Bring at least two liters of water per person as there is no water source along the trail.
Watch for technical rock climbers ascending the vertical faces of Titan, one of the most iconic big-wall routes in the American Southwest.
Pack a headlamp if you plan to stay for sunset, as the return hike along the trail can become dark quickly after the sun drops behind the canyon walls.
Raft the Fisher Towers run on a half-day trip with Class II rapids
Full-day Fisher Towers rafting with lunch and seven named rapids
Fly over Canyonlands and Arches with a trained pilot’s narration
Climb Ancient Art Tower for a unique Moab summit