Quick Facts
Location: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area – Page, Arizona
Coordinates: 37.07761718117638, -111.58898688505305
Length: 5.5 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 400’
Dog Friendly: Yes
Introduction:
There’s something about Wiregrass Canyon that feels like you’re in on a secret. While crowds pack into places like Antelope Canyon, you could be walking through a stunning slot canyon almost all by yourself. Located inside Glen Canyon National Recreation Area near Page, Arizona, Wiregrass Canyon dishes up dramatic walls, quiet corners, and that sweet sense of discovery every adventurer craves.
Getting to Wiregrass Canyon:
Getting to Wiregrass Canyon isn’t hard, but it does feel a little like following a treasure map. Starting from Page, you’ll head north on Highway 89, then take a turn onto Ethan “Allen Drive, and take another right onto Smoky Mountain Road. This road can be rough, especially after rain, so a high-clearance vehicle is a smart move. After about 7 miles, you’ll spot a small pull-off area that marks the start of your journey. No huge signs, no gift shops, just open desert and the promise of a canyon waiting to be explored.
Parking Information:
Parking here is about as basic as it gets. There’s a wide dirt shoulder where you can leave your car. No fees, no fancy lot, and definitely no bathrooms, so plan ahead. Make sure your car is fully off the road and that you’re good to go, because cellphone reception gets spotty fast out there.
Description of the Landscape:
The landscape around Wiregrass Canyon is pure desert magic. From the parking area, the view is nothing but rolling, scrubby hills under a huge, endless sky. Once you drop into the wash, though, everything changes. The canyon walls start low and wide but slowly narrow and climb into beautiful, twisting sandstone corridors. Some sections are smooth and polished, while others are jagged and raw. Depending on the light, the rock glows in shades of peach, gold, and dusty pink, making every turn feel like walking into a postcard.
Trail Difficulty and Length:
Wiregrass Canyon is what I call a sneaky hike. It’s about 5.5 miles round trip, and while there isn’t a ton of elevation change, the sandy wash can make it feel longer than it looks on paper. You’ll scramble over a few boulders, duck under ledges, and weave your way through tight turns. It’s not super tough, but it’s definitely a workout if you’re not used to hiking through loose sand. Plus, there’s not a lick of shade, so the sun’s gonna be your constant hiking buddy whether you like it or not. Bring plenty of water and slap on some sunscreen before you even think about stepping onto the trail.
Is It Dog Friendly?
Absolutely. Your dog will love it out here! Just be smart about it. Keep your pup leashed, especially when you’re navigating the tighter sections of the canyon. Make sure to carry extra water for them because the desert heat sneaks up fast. And of course, whatever your dog drops, you pick up.
Local Rules and Regulations:
Wiregrass Canyon sits within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, so a few basic rules apply. No drones without a permit, no camping inside the canyon itself, and always pack out your trash. If you’re hiking after a rain, be cautious, flash floods can turn that lovely canyon into a raging river in no time. Always check the weather before you go.
Other Nearby Trails:
If Wiregrass leaves you hungry for more, you’re in luck. The nearby Cathedral Wash Trail is another hidden gem, offering a similar mix of canyon hiking with a little more climbing fun thrown in. The Glen Canyon Dam Overlook Trail provides stunning views of the Glen Canyon Dam and the Colorado River, offering a different perspective on the area’s natural and man-made wonders
Non-Hiking Attractions Nearby:
Page has way more going on than you might expect. You can’t skip Horseshoe Bend for those classic river bend shots. And if you’ve got a half day free, a boat tour on Lake Powell shows you a whole different side of this rugged, water-carved landscape. Antelope Canyon is also nearby if you don’t mind dealing with crowds for those famous light beam photos.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to hike Wiregrass Canyon is spring and fall. March through May and late September through early November usually give you that sweet spot of sunny days without the fry-your-face-off heat. Summer hikes are doable but brutal unless you hit the trail at sunrise. Winter can be chilly, and wet weather makes hiking dicey, so timing your trip right is key to getting the best out of this hidden gem.
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