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This loop travels through some of the main highlights of the park such as lava tubes and petrified sand dunes.


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Map Key

4.3

Miles

6.9

KM

92%

Runnable

3,791' 1,155 m

High

3,372' 1,028 m

Low

554' 169 m

Up

554' 169 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Overview

The loop starts on the Lava Flow Trail and travels past several lava tubes that you can climb down into. The trail ends on West Canyon Road, then enters the Three Ponds Trail until the intersection with the Petrified Dunes Trail. Travel until you reach the Butterfly Trail, turning left to connect to the Lava Flow Trail and back to the parking area.

Need to Know

Parts of the Lava Flow Trail have deep sand and will slow your time down.

Description

From the Lava Flow Trail parking lot, follow the trail down an easy grade through a lava flow with great views in front of you. The trail passes several lava tubes that you can drop down into. The Lava Flow Trail continues downhill and enters a dry wash. The trail gets a little difficult to find through here (I ran into a group that was lost). Do not stay in the dry wash for long! Follow the sign and exit the wash.

The trail meanders through brush on a deep sand trail. Follow the Trail Run Project mobile app here!

The Lava Flow Trail ends on the West Canyon Road, a dirt road not open to motorized vehicles. Turn left on the road and follow it until you reach the intersection with the Red Sands Trail. Turn left and follow it to the intersection with the Petrified Dunes Trail. This is the best trail in the park and a photographer's paradise. Turn right for a short uphill viewpoint.

Head back and cross over the Red Sands Trail and continue on the hard dunes. Take time to explore some great photo opportunities. From here, the trail climbs a steep slickrock hill. Watch for white blazes and eventually you'll see metal domes with white blazes marking the way. When in doubt, follow the tracks here. At the highest point, you'll have great views of Snow Canyon. Be sure to look down to see thousands of Moqui Balls.

The trail descends from this high point and ends on the Butterfly Trail. Follow the Butterfly Trail until it ends on the Lava Flow Trail. Turn right and retrace the trail back to the trailhead.

Contacts

Shared By:

John Maurizi with improvements by Bob King

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 5 votes

#1583

Overall
  4.8 from 5 votes
5 Star
80%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#112

in Utah

#1,583

Overall
42 Views Last Month
4,088 Since Jun 4, 2018
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
25%
25%
25%
25%
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Photos

View of the south end of Snow Canyon from the overlook spur. It's well worth the small climb to the top of the hill.
Nov 2, 2019 near Ivins, UT
View from Lava Flow Trail
Jun 4, 2018 near Ivins, UT
Moki Balls along the Petrified Dunes Trail
Jun 4, 2018 near Ivins, UT
Petrified Dunes trail
Jun 4, 2018 near Ivins, UT
Petrified Dunes trail
Jun 4, 2018 near Ivins, UT
Petrified Dunes trail
Jun 4, 2018 near Ivins, UT

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 82 days ago
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