West Canyon Road
West Canyon Road Overview
West Canyon Road is a gravel road that invites hiking, biking, horseback riding, and leisurely exploration deep into the canyon. Beginning at the Sand Dunes Picnic Area, the road follows the canyon floor nearly to the very end of the canyon, going from red rock walls to white rock walls. With little elevation gain and expansive views in every direction, West Canyon Road provides an easy and scenic adventure while serving as the gateway to several of the park’s most popular trails and natural landmarks. It’s also usually less crowded than some other trails & areas of the park.
Trail Details
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Round Trip Length: 8 miles
Trail Photos
More About West Canyon Road
West Canyon Road begins at the Sand Dunes Picnic Area parking lot, where it briefly connects to the Whiptail Trail, then diverges west into the canyon. The broad dirt road follows the canyon floor for approximately three miles before ending at the end of West Canyon near the park’s northern boundary. Its gentle grades and firm surface make it suitable for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and families looking for an easy outing. Along the route, visitors pass beneath towering red and white Navajo sandstone cliffs, ancient black basalt lava flows, seasonal washes, etc. The wide canyon also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and quiet exploration away from vehicle traffic. You can find more information on West Canyon Road with this State Park online pdf.
West Canyon Road serves as the primary access route to many of Snow Canyon’s most popular destinations, connecting to several hikes. Adventurous hikers can continue beyond the road’s end into the Red Mountain Wilderness Area. Because bicycles are permitted on West Canyon Road but not on most of the surrounding single-track trails, it is also one of the park’s premier cycling routes, offering a peaceful ride through some of Snow Canyon’s most dramatic scenery.
You can see West Canyon Road on our illustrated map of Snow Canyon
