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Red Canyon Paved Trail
The Red Canyon Trail is a 5.5 mile paved trail through one
of Utah's most scenic canyons. Slope is fairly gentle, with only 1000 feet
of altitude change (200 feet per mile). But not all youngsters are capable
of riding up from the bottom. Consider a shuttle ride, coasting the trail
downhill, if you're out of shape or have young children.
View of the canyon walls from the
trail. The red rock is Claron Formation Limestone, formed at the bottom of
a large freshwater lake about 20 million years ago. This same rock is
found in Bryce Canyon. Initial review and photos August 15, 2002. |
| Most of the riders you'll see on this trail are paying
customers of the shuttle services. They'll be heading in the downhill
direction. If you want to join them, do an on-line search for the local
businesses that offer these services. Rental bikes are also available.
Typical trail terrain: long-leaf pine, pinion, and
red dirt.
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The paved trail continues east another 6 miles beyond the
upper Red Canyon trailhead. It runs parallel to Highway 12 all the way to
where Highway 63 turns to enter Bryce Canyon National Park. This upper
portion of the trail is very flat, with only 150 feet of elevation change
over the 6 miles.
The full length of the paved trail is 11.3 miles one-way, a worthy
out-and-back ride. But all the good stuff is in Red Canyon.
Approaching Highway 63 and the end of the trail.
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| The trail has a well-built base and is very smooth. It's
marked for uphill and downhill lanes. Curves are slow and easy. The trail
crosses two campground entrances, but that's the only traffic you'll
encounter. The trail is cut through the bumps, like a road, rather than
following the natural contours. This makes for a very smooth ride.
Vincent Bria leads the charge
downhill, followed by Kristen (Bruce's daughter), Vince's sister Savannah,
then Alex and Jessica. The longleaf pines along the trail smell like
vanilla. Stick your nose up to the bark. |
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Besides the widely spaced pines, there are a few juniper and
cedar. Rabbitbrush, manzanita, and sage are found in open areas.
Paintbrush blooms in the spring.
At 7000 feet, the summer temperature is usually nice. But in early
afternoon the trail can get a little warm for climbing.
Jessica pauses to admire the scenery. |
| The Red Canyon Trail is also the uphill route for mountain
bikers who
are doing the Thunder Mountain Trail as a loop.
It also serves as a connector for riders who are looping back from Casto
Canyon (via the Fremont Trail) or Cassidy Canyon. The
trail crosses the (usually dry) creek.
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Getting there:
Upper Trailhead: Drive about 8 miles south of Panguitch on US-89, then
turn east on U-12. Go all the way up Red
Canyon on U-12 until the road levels out in a steppe area at the top (about 8
miles from US-89). Watch for a gravel road GPS N 37° 43.169' W 112°
15.322' (on both the right and left sides of the road) about 1/2 mile
after reaching the top of the hill. The road is labeled "Fremont ATV
Trail." Turn right into the parking area. There is a bathroom at this
trailhead.
Jessica is followed by her mom Diane,
while Jackie serves as official pace-dog. |
| Thunder Mountain (lower) Trailhead: Find Bryce Canyon
on your Utah map. Now look a bit west and north and find the town of
Panguitch. Head to Panguitch, then drive south on US-89. Turn east from US-89 on U-12
and drive about 3 miles
until you reach the Thunder Mountain parking area on your right, just
before the Dixie National Forest and "Red Canyon" sign. GPS is N 37° 44.595' W 112° 19.747'.
There is a bathroom here.
Note that both the upper and lower trailheads are used by shuttle
services that take paying riders to the top of Red Canyon.
A ride well done. L to R: Vince,
Jessie, Alex, Kristen, Savannah. |
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Copyright 2002 Mad Scientist Software Inc
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