Name: Government Trail
Rating: 4.0

Toolbox

Plan in onX Backcountry

Driving directions
Download GPX File

Know This Trail?

Upload a photo

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Cedar Mesa permit required.

Please Respect and Protect archaeological sites, they are fragile! Stay on trail, don’t move artifacts, and stay off walls. Report looting and vandalism: 1 800 722 3998

Description

Getting to the trailhead requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, but only the last 0.6 miles of the road are rough and rocky. Park near Slick Horn Road or along the road leading to the trailhead if you have a low-clearance 2WD vehicle.

The trail starts next to a stock pond and follows a doubletrack road for about 2.7 miles. The views from the trail are very far-ranging and scenic. You occasionally cross slickrock but cairns point the way. When you reach the rim of Grand Gulch you'll be taken by the 300-foot canyon in front of you with Polly's Island in the middle. Explore the rim before you descend a rocky, moderately steep trail down to the canyon floor.