High Desert Loop trails

From Wire Pass Trailhead, the route leaves House Rock Valley Road and follows the open desert toward Wire Pass, crossing sandy washes and sparse high-desert flats before entering the remote backcountry of Coyote Buttes North, a permit-only section of the Paria Canyon–Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness known for its…

Distance: 2.8 mi • Elevation gain: 699 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,233 ft

From the Dry Fork trailhead near Hole-in-the-Rock Road, the route crosses open slickrock and sandy desert benches before dropping into Dry Fork of Coyote Gulch, where the broad wash leads toward the smooth, shadowed corridors of Dry Fork Narrows. This Scorpion Wilderness Study Area hike sits within Grand…

Distance: 6.1 mi • Elevation gain: 728 ft • Maximum elevation: 4,977 ft

The Misery Ridge Trail and River Trail Loop offers a challenging yet rewarding hike. The trail takes you through switchbacks leading to panoramic views of the high desert landscape, including the iconic Monkey Face rock formation and sweeping vistas of the Crooked River as it winds through the canyon. Once you…

Distance: 3.6 mi • Elevation gain: 1,086 ft • Maximum elevation: 3,304 ft

The East Mesa Trail to Observation Point in Zion National Park offers a breathtaking hike through diverse landscapes, taking you through scrubby desert terrain and high-altitude plateaus, culminating in a breathtaking panorama of Zion Canyon. From the vantage point at Observation Point, one can marvel at…

Distance: 7.0 mi • Elevation gain: 784 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,804 ft

The Painted Canyon and Ladder Canyon Trail Loop offers a dynamic mix of adventure and scenery, from colorful rock walls to narrow slot canyons. The trail's iconic ladders allow hikers to navigate through steep sections, adding a touch of excitement as they climb through twisting pathways. At higher points,…

Distance: 4.7 mi • Elevation gain: 1,060 ft • Maximum elevation: 1,339 ft

The Hickman Bridge Trail in Capitol Reef National Park offers hikers a journey through diverse desert landscapes, leading to the impressive natural sandstone arch known as Hickman Bridge. Along the path, visitors can observe remnants of ancient Fremont culture, including a pit house foundation and a granary…

Distance: 1.7 mi • Elevation gain: 440 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,719 ft

The Devil's Garden Primitive Trail Loop in Arches National Park is a thrilling and visually stunning route for experienced hikers. Beginning with views of famous arches like Landscape Arch, the trail soon takes a challenging turn, leading hikers along narrow rock fins, past the remains of Wall Arch, and…

Distance: 7.6 mi • Elevation gain: 1,135 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,505 ft

Loop MTB from Colorado River in the Arches National Park. #MTB #Loop #Park #Nature #Desert

Distance: 31.5 mi • Elevation gain: 2,884 ft • Maximum elevation: 5,072 ft

Loop hike to High Desert Park by High Desert Trail and Joedy's Trail. #Hiking #Loop #Desert #Park

Distance: 1.5 mi • Elevation gain: 203 ft • Maximum elevation: 2,162 ft