Near Wire Mesa Loop
View from the trail
Near Wire Mesa Loop
View from the trail
Near Wire Mesa Loop
View from the trail
Near Wire Mesa Loop
View from the trail
Near Wire Mesa Loop
View from the trail

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Wire Mesa Loop

4.7 (10 Ratings)
A great loop trail with a variety of terrain along the edge of a large mesa
7.2
mi
Distance
485
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Family FriendlyGeologically SignificantViews
Access Issues
There is no camping allowed within 1/2 mile of the main road (Smithsonian Butte road).

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.23mi
Distance
485ft
Elevation Gain
485ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
4,512ft
High Point
4,329ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
This trail can be hiked in both directions, but you might go counterclockwise to begin with some of the best views. The trail is an obvious singletrack with a few splits marked green or blue, and diversions always lead back to the main trail. Halfway through the hike, on your left, you can exit early via an obvious dirt road. Just past the dirt road is an awesome viewpoint of the Virgin River Valley and the Grafton Ghost Town far below. The rest of the loop follows gentle switchbacks and a gradual climb upward on the west side of the mesa. After the route's highpoint on the southern limit of the loop, a short and steep decline leads back to the parking area.
History & Background
Petrified wood can be found in the Chinle Formation rocks, which this trail primarily travels through. Keep an eye out for small fossils, but please leave them in place for others to enjoy.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Kevin Christopherson