Gemini Bridges Road To Metal Masher Trail ~ Moab

​The Gemini Bridges 4x4 trail is a popular dirt road touring route that goes through the rugged Moab high mesa back country from Highway 191 to the Canyonlands Island In The Sky. There are several side road options along the way and the Gemini Bridges natural rock formation is the landmark destination. The main dirt road continues south and there are options to head toward Potash Road next to the Colorado River or in the opposite direction to the Island In The Sky Scenic Byway. There are also several famous mountain bike trailheads to be found along the way, so plenty of quality time can be spent enjoying the great outdoors when doing the tour. 

Because of the length of the Gemini Bridges touring route and the high number of scenic views, this 4x4 trip is broken into a series of articles. The first section goes to the legendary Metal Masher Road, which is close to the Gemini Bridges. The starting Point can be found just south of the dinosaur land tourist attraction on Highway 191 and there is an information kiosk at the trailhead. It is wise to read the kiosk information before starting any dirt road excursion in the Moab region, because some of the 4x4 trails have an extremely high difficulty rating. As far as it goes, the Gemini Bridges touring route is rated as easy, so just about any high ground clearance vehicle can do this trip with ease.

The Gemini Bridges Trail first goes uphill to a ridge line along the face of the towering red rock bluffs. The panoramic views of Moab and Arches National Park stretch out to the horizon from the high ground, so be sure to take one's own sweet time through this area, since there are few places to safely stop if other traffic is present. When the desert valley comes into view it is a pleasant sight to see from way up above, especially since the surreal Canyonlands red rock formations are ever present.

Eventually the trail winds its way through several picturesque red rock mountain passes through small lush canyons which are quite striking to see. A good camera will come in handy, because the odd looking eroded smooth rock formations truly are memorable. The dirt road continues to snake its way uphill through the high mesa to the crescendo and this is where the infamous Metal Masher Road can be found.

The Metal Masher Road sign certainly is worth taking a picture of and for most drivers this will be as far as they dare to go. The local people do not call this trail the Metal Masher for no reason at all, so I am sure that it is easy to conjure up the imagery! Only heavily modified 4x4 vehicles that are known locally as "rock climbers" should attempt the Metal Masher Trail. There are a few more 4x4 roads in this area that are equally as challenging, which include the ever so destructive Poison Spider Mesa Trail. As mentioned earlier, taking a picture of the sign and continuing onward is the safe way to go and the experience at the Gemini Bridges will be plenty thrilling enough for those who tour this long dirt road!