Moab info wanted on Adobe Mesa and Fisher Mesa

[Al]

There are 2 trails in the Moab area that I would like to get some information on. Fisher Mesa and Adobe Mesa. Both mesas are located between Castle Valley and Fisher Valley and show roads that end in Great Viewpoints. They can both be accessed from the Castleton Gateway Road. I can’t find any write-ups on either of them on any forum or in any book. Can I get some info on these trails from someone who has done them? I would like to know:
1. Are they worthwhile?
2. Degree of difficulty?
3. Obstacles?
4. Time involved to do each one?
5. Anything else you can tell me about them?
Thank you.

[xjchic]

I know somebody very resourceful about some of the smaller trails in this area, let me see if I can find out any information from him.

[Al]

Thanks. They may be total duds since nobody has written about them. Then again they may be unappreciated treasures. I tried to get up there yesterday but was stopped by the snow.

[xjchic]

Alright, I asked, and this is what he had to say:

"I have done neither trail for some time, and conditions are always changeable. I presume that current conditions are snow, which would make either a severe risk. (Fisher Mesa, especially, has a fairly long, steep descent that is north-facing, rather early in the trail.) Both trails are described in Fran Barnes' old books, something like "Canyon Country; Arches and LaSals." Adobe mesa is shorter, but can include a pleasant hike to overlook Castle Rock and Rectory Butte. Going past the start of Fisher Mesa, I see a lot of recent activity (even a sign, probably for ATV but may include bicycles). There is plenty to do out there in addition to the trails described in the guide books, and even the basic trail can use a whole day. Views are great. Roads are generally mild, and obstacles are typical of these old roads, infrequent, but subject to change.
That's what I can think of now. I may be able to help with specifics; I have GPS'd them, Adobe in '96 and Fisher in '96 and '00, the latter with the road department."

Hope this helped you!

[Al]

Thank you XJchic. That helped a lot. I will keep both trails on my "must do" list for the spring.
Al