Wire Mesa Loop

Dogs Off-leash

Features Geological Significance · Views

This 7.4-mile trail traverses the Mesa's outer rim, offering gorgeous views of Zion National Park and the town of Rockville below. Expect small amounts of elevation gain as you hike through the Chinle Layer of sandstone. This trail is great for running, and is generally quieter than hikes in the park. Mountain bikers also use this trail, so keep an eye out for people riding it.

This trail can be hiked in both directions, but you might go counterclockwise to begin with some of the best views. The trail is an obvious singletrack with a few splits marked green or blue, and diversions always lead back to the main trail. Halfway through the hike, on your left, you can exit early via an obvious dirt road. Just past the dirt road is an awesome viewpoint of the Virgin River Valley and the Grafton Ghost Town far below. The rest of the loop follows gentle switchbacks and a gradual climb upward on the west side of the mesa. After the route's highpoint on the southern limit of the loop, a short and steep decline leads back to the parking area.

Petrified wood can be found in the Chinle Formation rocks, which this trail primarily travels through. Keep an eye out for small fossils, but please leave them in place for others to enjoy.