Kane Creek Road To The Ledge Campground ~ Moab

The Kane Springs Road-Kane Creek Road travel route certainly is a world of adventure and when touring Moab, Utah this long scenic drive is simply a must to experience! The red rock Canyonlands landscape is visually stunning from start to finish, no matter how far a driver decides to go on this long road. A previously published article describes the Kane Springs Road journey to the Birthing Mother Petroglyph Panel landmark, which is a roadside point of interest that is very easy to access. The first section of this road is paved along the Colorado River and this is where many modern camping resorts can be found. Several hiking paths and Jeep trails are located on the way to the Birthing Mother, which go to scenic areas, a hidden natural arch and there is even a 4x4 trail that traverses the towering cliffs along the majestic Moab fault line. From the ancient petroglyphs onward on Kane Creek Road even more thrills lie in store and best of all, the dirt road section all the way out to the BLM Ledge Campground is smooth enough for an average passenger car!

Beyond the famous petroglyph panel the landscape definitely becomes much harsher, because this is a massive geological upheaval zone. The slopes tilt in all sorts of off-kilter angles, the canyons are deep and the towering red rock bluffs block the views of the horizon. In this kind of scrambled geological arena, it is easy to experience a little bit of vertigo while taking a break from the ride and standing still. There really is nothing remotely level for the eyes to lock onto and the weightless feeling certainly can be memorable. This is the nature of the Kane Creek Anticline region of Moab and things become even more intense beyond the Ledge Campground!

On the way to the Ledge there are lush green areas and several hidden high desert meadows where wildlife can be spotted. Just viewing the towering bluffs and the tilted rock strata will provide plenty of entertainment and for those who up to the challenge of extreme outdoor sports, there are officially sanctioned rock climbing areas to be found too. The cottonwood trees along the creek bed provide enough shade for a cozy afternoon picnic siesta, so as can be imagined, a trip way out to the Ledge is definitely a worthwhile venture!

The Ledge is a scenic red rock area like no other, so the dramatic visual experience will not end after the tent is pitched! This Moab BLM camping area is divided into five individual campgrounds and each has easy access. Some of the campgrounds are designated group sites, which are perfect for rock climbing event basecamps or staging areas for organized Jeep safari excursions. The rest of the Ledge Campgrounds offer sites for car and tent campers, mountain bikers, hikers and some pads have enough room for a camper van or small trailer. Some of the campsites are primitive, while others have picnic tables, fire rings and chargrills, so there is a wide variety of comfort levels to choose from. All of the Ledge Campsites are offered on a first come, first serve basis, yet reservations are not really necessary anyway because this is such a remote area. There are facilities on site, but there is no drinking water, so be sure to stock up a few extra gallons before setting sail.    

As mentioned earlier, the dirt road section out to the Ledge Campground is smooth enough for an average passenger car or a modern camper van, but in order to go any further a 4x4 high ground clearance vehicle or a modified ATV will be needed. The Kane Creek Road becomes a very rough 4x4 trail from the Ledge to Highway 191 south of Moab and this pathway has many soft silty areas that are very easy to get stranded in, so this trip is best done with a group of capable vehicles. The infamous Chicken Corners 4x4 trail also begins next to the Ledge, which truly can be a hair raising scary experience. For these reasons, the Ledge Campground is as far as the regular passenger car drivers dare to go, which is genuinely okay because the campsites are nestled in one of the most picturesque landscapes to be found in the entire west!  
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