Grandstaff Canyon facts for kids
Grandstaff Canyon is a beautiful canyon located in southern Grand County, Utah, United States. Until 2017, it was known by a different name. This canyon is part of the Colorado River system, meaning its stream flows into the main Colorado River. The canyon's stream joins the Colorado River right inside Moab Canyon.
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Exploring Grandstaff Canyon
You can easily explore Grandstaff Canyon by hiking its trails. The main starting point, called a trailhead, is right next to Utah State Route 128 (SR‑128). This trailhead is about 3 miles (4.8 km) east of where SR‑128 meets U.S. Route 191.
Morning Glory Arch
One of the most amazing sights in the canyon is the Morning Glory Arch. This natural arch is about 2.5 miles (4 km) from the trailhead. It is very long, stretching about 943 feet (287 m). It's a popular spot for hikers to visit.
The Story Behind the Name
Grandstaff Canyon is named after William Grandstaff. He was a mixed-race cowboy who lived in the area in the late 1870s. William Grandstaff explored the desert canyon and raised cattle there. He worked with a trapper from Canada named Frenchie.
They both took over an old fort near Moab after 1877. They each managed parts of the Spanish Valley. William Grandstaff left the area in 1881.
Why the Name Changed
In 2015, a local leader named Mary McGann suggested changing the canyon's name to the more formal Grandstaff Canyon. Even though the local NAACP chapter had supported changing the name in the 1960s, they did not want this new change.
Jeanetta Williams, who was the president of the Salt Lake City NAACP chapter, said the old name was not offensive. She wanted the local council to focus on other important issues of fairness. However, in 2017, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names voted. They decided to officially rename the canyon to Grandstaff Canyon.
