Photography Tip: Sunset and golden hour light up the towers with glowing oranges and reds, making it one of the best times for landscape photography. For dramatic shadows and depth, early morning is also great. A wide-angle lens is helpful for capturing the scale of the formations up close..

The Fisher Towers in Moab, Utah are a surreal and striking collection of vertical cliffs and spires sculpted from deep red Cutler sandstone and capped with harder Moenkopi and Chinle formations. Rising dramatically above the Colorado River Valley, these towers are part of the greater Colorado Plateau and showcase some of the most bizarre and otherworldly rock formations in the Southwest.

The Fisher Towers Trail is a 4.4-mile roundtrip hike that meanders around the base of the towers, taking you through narrow canyons, past eroded fins, and up slickrock benches with sweeping views of the surrounding mesas, the La Sal Mountains, and Castle Valley. The trail includes some scrambling and short ladders but is generally moderate and manageable for most hikers with sturdy shoes and good mobility.

One of the most photographed spots is the Cobra, a narrow pedestal of rock supporting a balanced stone that resembles a snake’s head—an iconic formation that sadly collapsed in 2014. Still, the hike provides close-up views of towers like The Titan, which is one of the tallest free-standing sandstone monoliths in the U.S. and a legendary climbing destination.

Fisher Towers is a dog-friendly area, though dogs must be leashed. Be aware that the trail can get very hot in the warmer months due to lack of shade, so it’s best to hike in the early morning or late afternoon and bring plenty of water for both you and your pup.

There’s a small BLM-managed campground near the trailhead with a few primitive campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. These offer basic amenities like picnic tables and vault toilets, but no water—so come prepared.

Drone: YES – You can fly a drone at Fisher Towers, but:

• You must follow FAA regulations — including staying below 400 ft AGL, maintaining line of sight, and avoiding flying over people.

• Do not disturb wildlife or other visitors. This area is quiet and remote, and many people come for solitude or to climb — so be mindful of noise.

• Be extra respectful around climbers — the towers are popular for technical climbing routes, and drones can be very disruptive or even dangerous if flown too close.

• Check for Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) before flying — rare, but important.

Directions: From Moab, take Highway 128 east for about 21 miles along the Colorado River. Look for the signed turnoff to Fisher Towers Road on your right. From there, it's about 2 miles on a maintained dirt road to the trailhead. High-clearance vehicles are not required, but the road can be slick or rutted after rain.

Always check the weather before heading out—rain can make the clay-heavy soil slippery and difficult to hike or drive on.