Trail Overview

This a fun trail that's an off-beaten path. It is a narrow trail that winds through the trees, small washes, and rolling hills and will take you to some of the most spectacular overlooks in the area. It overlooks a large section of the Merwin Canyon that eventually ties into the Virgin River. Kanab, Utah, and Mount Carmel Junction are the two closest towns if you need to restock on fuel and supplies. There is no cell service, so keep that in mind when traveling through this area. Several spots along the canyon have been used for dispersed and tent camping. Overlanding setups would have trouble doing this, as the trail is narrow and steep in spots. You don't want to be caught in the area if it has been raining; the ground will turn to a slimy mud that is near impossible to drive on.

Photos of Lower Black Mesa Loop

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Difficulty

Keep an eye on the weather; you do not want to be on this trail if it has been raining or it's going to rain. It will turn to a thick slimy mud that is almost impossible to drive on.

Technical Rating

Mike Berg

May 12, 2026

Open

Dusty

The trail was great until you arrived at the south end. The last obstacle was steep, loose gravel/sand and a very challenging step. It was too much for our crew and machines, so we turned back. Unfortunate as it was the end of the trail and only had maybe 50 yards to exit. Most of the trail was a 4, but if you don't have the correct machines, I do not recommend trying to tackle this last step as rather dangerous if you are not set up for it.

Neil Sweeney

May 04, 2025

Open

Washboard

South end of the trail has a steep sandy climb with a decent step up. Definitely need lockers. I was the only one in a group of 9 that made it up unassisted. I winched everyone else from the top.