Roadside Attraction Wedge Overlook

Northern Swell

Overview

( Rated 5.0 / 3 Ratings )

19 Todo Lists / 6 Ticks

RATING: Roadside Attraction

LENGTH: 1 hour+.

MAPS: BOTTLENECK PEAK, UT; SIDS MOUNTAIN, UT

Sat

33 | 17

Sun

34 | 16

Mon

38 | 19

Tue

40 | 22

Wed

40 | 23

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SEASON: Any

NOTES: The trailhead is reachable by most vehicles in most conditions.

Sat

33 | 17

Sun

34 | 16

Mon

38 | 19

Tue

40 | 22

Wed

40 | 23

View Full Weather Details

roadside

dog friendly

family friendly

beginner

access: 2wd

Looking not far downstream from Virgin Spring Canyon

The Wedge Overlook, standing proudly high above the San Rafael River, is one of the premier attractions of the Northern San Rafael Swell. The gorge also goes by the name "Little Grand Canyon" as it has some resemblance to the Grand Canyon. This is an easy roadside attraction not to be missed by the Swell aficionado.

The area has many designated camping sites, and pit toilets, but does not have water available. It is a fantastic place for mountain bikers, ATV's, or families to camp with some of the best sunsets and sunrises around.

The addition of the Good Water Rim trail, a 15-mile (one way) trail that follows along the rim of Good Water Canyon, has become a mountain biking classic and has quite a few options for shorter loops using roads if desired.

Note: Camping is only allowed in designated campsites. The overlook area is only open to day use.

Geology sign pointing out the sights.

Getting There

Take highway 10 south out of Price for about 28.2 miles.

Just before the town of Castle Dale, at milepost 39.4, go east on the signed San Rafael Swell Access road. Reset your odometer as you turn off the highway onto the dirt road. ( 12S 500218mE 4341289mN / N39° 13' 15" W110° 59' 51" )
Continue on this road, passing a cattle guard after 12 miles, and reaching a 4 way junction at 12.7 miles. ( 12S 518059mE 4336281mN / N39° 10' 32" W110° 47' 27" )
At 0.5 miles, stay left on the main road (right goes to Fuller Bottom). ( 12S 518128mE 4336087mN / N39° 10' 26" W110° 47' 24" )
2.15 miles - Stay right. ( 12S 519870mE 4333612mN / N39° 09' 05" W110° 46' 12" )
4.4 miles - Good Water Rim camping to the left, stay right. ( 12S 520999mE 4330479mN / N39° 07' 24" W110° 45' 25" )
6.6 miles - Pit toilet area just before the rim. Go left at the rim. ( 12S 520856mE 4327140mN / N39° 05' 35" W110° 45' 32" )
7.2 miles - Parking loop and spur trail to overlook. ( 12S 521671mE 4327460mN / N39° 05' 46" W110° 44' 58" )

Wedge at Sunset

Route

The San Rafael River is below, with Bottleneck Peak, Windowblind Peak, and the San Rafael Campground are visible downstream in the distance. The views in all directions stunning. I feel photographs never quite capture the scale of the canyon.

From the overlook at mile 7.2 in the description, those with keen eyes or binoculars may be able to spot a pictograph panel across the river. From the overlook, the panel is on a small sandstone butte almost due east and across the river, not far above the river. The butte has red dirt to the right of it, and behind it, making it somewhat distinct from all the other buttes. It is interesting to see if you can spot it.