Near Lava Flow - Petrified Dunes Loop
View of the south end of Snow Canyon from the overlook spur. It's well worth the small climb to the top of the hill.
Near Lava Flow - Petrified Dunes Loop
Three Ponds Trail
Near Lava Flow - Petrified Dunes Loop
Petrified Dunes view point
Near Lava Flow - Petrified Dunes Loop
Petrified Dunes view point
Near Lava Flow - Petrified Dunes Loop
Three Ponds Trail crossing the West Canyon road

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Lava Flow - Petrified Dunes Loop

4.8 (5 Ratings)
This loop travels through some of the main highlights of the park such as lava tubes and petrified sand dunes.
4
mi
Distance
636
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Views

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.01mi
Distance
636ft
Elevation Gain
636ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
3,802ft
High Point
3,366ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
From the Lava Flow Trail parking lot, follow the trail down an easy grade through a lava flow with great views in front of you. The trail passes several lava tubes that you can drop down into. The Lava Flow Trail continues downhill and enters a dry wash. The trail gets a little difficult to find through here (I ran into a group that was lost). Do not stay in the dry wash for long! Follow the sign and exit the wash. The trail meanders through brush on a deep sand trail. Follow the Mobile App here!The Lava Flow Trail ends on the West Canyon Road, a dirt road not open to motorized vehicles. Turn left on the road and follow it until you reach the intersection with the Red Sands Trail. Turn left and follow it to the intersection with the Petrified Dunes Trail. This is the best trail in the park and a photographer's paradise. Turn right for a short uphill viewpoint. Head back and cross over the Red Sands Trail and continue on the hard dunes. Take time to explore some great photo opportunities. From here, the trail climbs a steep slickrock hill. Watch for white blazes and eventually you'll see metal domes with white blazes marking the way. When in doubt, follow the tracks here. At the highest point, you'll have great views of Snow Canyon. Be sure to look down to see thousands of Moqui Balls.The trail descends from this high point and ends on the Butterfly Trail. Follow the Butterfly Trail until it ends on the Lava Flow Trail. Turn right and retrace the trail back to the trailhead.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
John Maurizi