Wedge Overlook | Northern Swell

Roadside Attraction Wedge Overlook - Northern Swell Roadside Attraction Wedge Overlook

Northern Swell

Overview | Getting There | Route | Photos | Maps | Comments

Overview

Tue Sunny, with a high near 72. South southeast wind 2 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph.
72° | 47°
Wed Sunny, with a high near 60.
60° | 45°
Thu Sunny, with a high near 59.
59° | 35°
Fri Sunny, with a high near 61.
61° | 35°
Sat Sunny, with a high near 61.
61° | 35°
View Full Forecast
RATING: Roadside Attraction
LENGTH: 1 hour+.
MAPS: BOTTLENECK PEAK, UT; SIDS MOUNTAIN, UT
SEASON: Any
NOTES: The trailhead is reachable by most vehicles in most conditions.
Tue Sunny, with a high near 72. South southeast wind 2 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph.
72° | 47°
Wed Sunny, with a high near 60.
60° | 45°
Thu Sunny, with a high near 59.
59° | 35°
Fri Sunny, with a high near 61.
61° | 35°
Sat Sunny, with a high near 61.
61° | 35°
View Full Forecast
roadsidedog friendlyfamily friendlybeginneraccess: 2wd
Looking not far downstream from Virgin Spring Canyon
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.
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 500218E 4341289N / 39°13'15"N 110°59'51"W
Continue on this road, passing a cattle guard after 12 miles, and reaching a 4 way junction at 12.7 miles. 12S 518059E 4336281N / 39°10'32"N 110°47'27"W
At 0.5 miles, stay left on the main road (right goes to Fuller Bottom). 12S 518128E 4336087N / 39°10'26"N 110°47'24"W
2.15 miles - Stay right. 12S 519870E 4333612N / 39°09'05"N 110°46'12"W
4.4 miles - Good Water Rim camping to the left, stay right. 12S 520999E 4330479N / 39°07'24"N 110°45'25"W
6.6 miles - Pit toilet area just before the rim. Go left at the rim. 12S 520856E 4327140N / 39°05'35"N 110°45'32"W
7.2 miles - Parking loop and spur trail to overlook. 12S 521671E 4327460N / 39°05'46"N 110°44'58"W
Wedge at Sunset
Wedge at Sunset

Route Description

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.


Photos

Maps

Printable Maps:

Restroom
12S 520859E 4327152N 39°05'36"N 110°45'32"W
Overlook
12S 521673E 4327461N 39°05'46"N 110°44'58"W

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