Poison spider mesa views of behind the rocks

[kaniukr]

Hi. I wondered if there's anyone who has 4x4ed and hiked on Poison Spider Mesa. I don't have a 4WD but I want to hike up there cos there are wonderful views east to Behind The Rocks area just across the river.

Obviously to get up on to the mesa I'd start by hiking up the 4WD trail switchbacks but after completing them I don't know where best to go to see across the river to the north east to BTRocks as the jeep trail then follows the rim north west as the Colorado bends round in a U shape so I'd be the "wrong" side of the mesa.

My first thought is leave the jeep trail and keep hiking north east along the mesa rim right opposite BTRocks. However looking at google earth there could be cliffs and canyons forcing me away from the rim in a very windy fashion. And I don't even know if I'd be getting higher than the Behind The Rocks area to be OVERLOOKING it.

The other thing I've read is that if I stay on the 4WD route after the switchbacks then after about 2 miles at a slickrock step called The Wayterfall there is a great viewpoint O.3 miles off the jeep trail. However a map suggests at this point the jeep trail has curved into a part of the mesa a fair way from the rim opposite BTRocks so unless it is a very high vantage point I'm wondering if I could see across over a mile of mesa top to the otther side of the river so don't want to hike 5 miles if its pointless

Appreciate any advice

[Scott P]

If you don't have a 4wd or mountain bike, I'd suggest taking the Hinton Trail up rather than walking the road. It starts around mile marker 11 and follows the Kayenta bench around to the north side of Poison Spider Mesa before climbing to the top. If you follow the rim or 4wd tracks south there are fantastic views of Behind the Rocks around Little Arch.

[kaniukr]

Thanks for the reply Scott.
Is the Hinton Trail an extension of the Portal Overlook Trail then that starts next to the Colorado on 279 on the east side of Poison Spider.
Little Arch looks like it has great views - it's certainly higher altitude than the places I mentioned but possibly a little further north than the main mass of fins.
Have you also been to the spots I mentioned - the slickrock domes near the top of the 4WD switchbacks and the domes near the Waterfall - to compare which is the best of probably three very good views.

Lastly if I follow your suggestion to Little Arch, am I right it's about 13 miles return trip?
Is it easy to follow the route once on top of the mesa?
I've heard it's dangerous with big drop offs from a narrow ledge, but it could be that's just for bikers and not hikers?