Looking for a refreshing adventure near Moab that isn’t crawling with crowds? Let me tell you about Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon—a red rock slot canyon hike with creek crossings, zero fees, and a surprise 30-foot waterfall at the end. It’s one of the best under-the-radar hikes I’ve done near Moab, especially if you’re craving water, solitude, and a little wild red rock magic.
Whether you’re calling it the Mary Jane Trail, Professor Creek Trail, or Mary Jane Slot Canyon, this one delivers and is a great way to cool down if you’re planning a summer visit to Moab (although I’d recommend coming in late Spring).
Quick Trail Stats
HIKE TO: Professor Creek & Mary Jane Canyon Waterfall
MILES: 8.4 mi out and back (longer than AllTrails says—trust me)
TIME: 4.5 hrs
DATE I WENT: 6/15/2025
BEST TIME: Spring through early fall
DIFFICULTY: moderate
ELEVATION GAIN/ LOSS: ~800 ft
HIKE PERMIT: no
ENTRANCE FEE/ PARKING: no
LOCATION: Off UT-128, ~20 minutes from Moab
Getting There
From Moab, head northeast on scenic UT-128 (you’ll drive right along the Colorado River, and it’s gorgeous). After about 20 miles, turn right onto BLM Road 98. This turnoff is easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled for a dirt road and a small sign that says “Professor Valley.”
You’ll follow this well-graded red dirt road for about 2 miles until it dead-ends at the parking area and trailhead. No facilities here—plan accordingly.
Pro tip: The drive down BLM 98 is a stunner in its own right. Picture wide open desert backed by sandstone towers and the La Sals in the distance.
Trail Overview: What to Expect
Let’s break this down into three sections of the hike. The trailhead starts at the left corner of the parking lot as you approach it, and starts with crossing the ditch. We started our hike at 8:12 am and temps were creeping up into the 80s already and by the time we got back to our car, it was 91 degrees, which honestly wasn’t too bad as you’re in the canyon for a lot of the hike and able to cool off by walking in the water—but start earlier if you’re going in the middle or later in summer.
The Start: Wide-Open Desert Heat
The first part of the hike follows Professor Creek through open desert terrain. It’s exposed, so an early start or cloudy day is your friend. You’ll cross the creek… and then cross again… and again. If you’re counting crossings, give up now—you’ll lose track fast. Or, you can just walk in the water.
There is a trail that follows along the creek for this whole section, just be sure to look out for it.
Waterproof shoes or sandals with good grip are key. I wore water shoes that drain well with regular merino wool hiking socks*, but unfortunately they’ve been discontinued. Trying to keep your feet dry on this trail is like trying to keep your pack clean after a muddy trail camp—it’s possible with a lot of mindful steps, but probably not happening.
*The Swiftwick Flite XT Trail socks are labeled as mid cushioning but I consider these more like lightweight merino wool hiking socks, and my go-to if I need a thinner pair of merino wool socks—great for hot days out and water hikes!
Mid-Hike: Entering Mary Jane Canyon
As the canyon walls start closing in, the temps drop slightly in the shade and the real magic begins. The Mary Jane Slot Canyon portion is stunning—towering red walls, twisted trees clinging to canyon edges, and a gentle stream carving its way deeper. You’re literally hiking in a canyon creek for most of this part, so bring your inner kid and just splash through it.
When you think of a slot canyon, you’re probably picturing a narrow canyon with very tall walls, but Mary Jane Slot Canyon is a much wider canyon and never gets narrow to the point that you’ll feel claustrophobic; in fact, it might make you question if you’re even in a slot canyon at all since the walls aren’t extremely tall, but you are.
This section feels like a mini Zion Narrows… but without the permits or people, and likely a lot less water. Or if you’ve been to the more hidden corner of Utah, this hike reminds me a lot of Escalante.
The Finale: Mary Jane Slot Canyon Waterfall
At the very end around 4.1 mile and 2:11 hours from our start, you’ll be rewarded with a gushing 30-foot waterfall cascading down a narrow slot, framed by glowing red rock walls. There can be a shallow pool at the base if you visit in the Spring—perfect for a quick dip if it’s hot out; but if you visit in the summer and later, you’ll get plenty of splashes just standing next to the waterfall.
Tips for Hiking Professor Creek Trail
- Don’t trust the mileage or time on AllTrails. I tracked 8.4 miles round trip, and that seems to be the consensus for anyone who goes all the way to the waterfall.
- This trail is best done in warm weather. Since you’re in and out of water the whole time, chilly temps = frozen feet. But also, be mindful of hiking the beginning exposed section of the trail with 90+ temps and start early.
- Start early to beat the heat. The first few miles are fully exposed until you enter the canyon.
- Bring way more water than you think. Even though you’re near water the whole time, it’s not drinkable without filtering, and that desert heat will zap you. Also, don’t forget electrolytes for hydration.
- There’s very little cell service (if any at all) out here. Download offline maps and let someone know where you’re going.
What to Pack
Here’s what I personally recommend for this trail:
- Waterproof hiking shoes, quick-drying trail runners, or sturdy and lightweight sandals.
- Electrolytes + snacks
- Sun protection
- Sunscreen is a must and Think Sport offers great coverage with 23% zinc oxide
- Wide-brim sun hat
- I’ve been loving Craghoppers’ sun shirt for an easy toss on coverage (UPF 40+)! Bonus: it doubles as a bug repellant with their Insect Shield® fabric
- Use code TIFF15 for 15% off your order
- Sun hoodie Himali makes a very nice, breathable, lightweight shirt if you prefer the hoodie over the button up shirts—highly recommend this for all summer hikes
- Use code FOLLOWTIFFSJOURNEY for 10% off your order
- Use code FOLLOWTIFFSJOURNEY for 10% off your order
- Nanofiber towel if you plan to swim
- Trekking poles if you like stability in water crossings—we opted out of this
- Trusted day pack — I talk about Pingora’s Lucid 20 backpack a lot for day hikes because it’s that good. The shoulder strap on these make it convenient for easy access to your phone, sun block, and a snack.
Is Professor Creek & Mary Jane Canyon Worth It?
Absolutely. This is one of those hikes that delivers high reward with relatively low effort (as long as you’re mindful of the temps). There’s no scrambling up cliffs, no fighting for a parking spot, no permit drama. Just red rock beauty, a quiet slot canyon, and a legit waterfall in the middle of the desert.
If you’re looking for a unique trail to cool off on near Moab—and you’re down to get your feet wet—this hike should be at the top of your list.
Nearby Adventures
If you loved this, you might also like:
- 🔗 Marlboro Point — Stunning viewpoint in Moab, require a little off roading adventure
- 🔗 Mee Canyon — While in Fruita (2 hrs away), this hike goes to a cool alcove with water flowing through it
- 🔗 Canyonlands National Park — Stunning vistas and hiking trails for all levels
FAQs
Where is Professor Creek and Mary Jane Canyon?
It’s located off BLM Road 98, just past mile marker 20 on UT-128 northeast of Moab.
Does Moab have slot canyons?
Yes! Mary Jane Slot Canyon is one of the more hidden ones and doesn’t require technical gear.
Is the Mary Jane Trail the same as Professor Creek Trail?
Yes—different names, same trail. It’s also commonly called the Mary Jane Canyon Trail or Mary Jane Slot Canyon.
Is there really a waterfall in the desert?
Yup. And it’s beautiful. Seasonal flow varies, but most of the year, it’s flowing strong.
🛌 Where to Stay Near Professor Creek & Mary Jane Canyon
After hiking through water all day, you’ll want a cozy spot to dry off.
- Standard Budget-Friendly Hotel: Wingate by Wyndham
- Glamping: The Domes in Moab is a really cool experience to sleep in… a dome.
- Luxury Hotel: Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Full-on Luxury Resort Getaway: Lionsback Resort
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🚗 What to Do Nearby
📍 Other Slot Canyon Hikes I Love
Slot canyons are kinda my thing—if you’re hooked now too, check out these other red rock slot canyon hikes that blew my mind.
🧭 Plan Your Moab Adventure
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Tiff, the owner and author of Follow Tiff’s Journey, is a California/ Colorado-based adventurer and outdoor connoisseur who divides her heart between the Eastern Sierra Mountains and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Despite her fear of heights, she’s become a seasoned mountaineer, ultralight hiking and backcountry camping enthusiast, expert road trip planner, and a fervent explorer of alpine lakes, natural hot springs, and sandstone canyons.
With 10 years of experience exploring the outdoors, her blog is your go-to source for all things wilderness, offering invaluable insights and pro tips, essential gear recommendations, and awe-inspiring stories from her adventures.
Join Tiff on her quest to share the wonders of nature and inspire others to follow their own path in the great outdoors.