Wiregrass Canyon

There are few developed trails in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. But it's not that difficult to strike out on your own adventure. From the Wiregrass Trailhead, there are miles and miles of canyon to explore. Hardy adventurers can hike all the way to the edge of Lake Powell. Most visitors will wisely turn around after a couple of miles of hiking.

Wiregrass Canyon is one of many side canyons that drain into Lake Powell on the Colorado River. Lake Powell is well known for its water sports opportunities and less known for its diversity of hiking routes. This hike winds its way along a desert wash. The first mile of canyon provides a range of scenery, as the path first follows the sandy bottom and then climbs up to a viewpoint. Below, the canyon narrows into a steep, narrow slot. Rock cairns mark a path around the slot so you can continue hiking on the other side.

This can make a good turn around point, but keep walking and you'll pass through some natural bridges, see balanced rocks, and find little nooks and crannies to explore on the trek to the lake. The canyon walls provide a fascinating glimpse into the geological history of the area. The rock is eroded in intricate patterns that will have you guessing at what forces created such interesting works of art.

The closer you get to the lakeshore, the more mud you'll encounter. Be prepared to go barefoot or lose your shoes in the deep, thick mud! The end of the canyon can also get very brushy and nearly impossible to get through. But if the conditions are right and you have enough determination, you will end up at the marshy lakeshore where you'll see nothing but sparkling blue water, tons of birds and scraggly marsh plants. This is no swimming beach, but there is a place to sit on the rock and enjoy some peace and quiet before returning the way you came.

Whether you hike in a mile or take the canyon all the way to the water, you are sure to find what you're looking for in this hike.