Overview

Though there are no hiking trails that directly follow the Lake’s shore, the surround Glen Canyons Recreation Area is choked full of hiking opportunities. Expect beautiful slick rock canyons, perennial streams, unique rock formations, and even waterfalls.

Remember, the summers here are hot and during winter, flash floods can be a concern. Spring and fall are considered the best seasons to hike.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Trail Overview: This short 1.4 mile hike leads to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, the largest known stone bridge in the world. This trail is great for people of all ages and ability levels.
Trailhead: The trailhead is not accessible by car and must be reached by boat at mile marker 50. Boat tours are available.

• Distance: 1.4 miles
• Average Time of Hike: 2 hours.
• Elevation Gain: Minimal
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Type: Out and back

Forbidden Canyon
Trail Overview: This beautiful hike follows Forbidden Canyon, a breathtaking slot canyon near Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Along the way, expect deep pools, a perennial stream, and a 50 foot cascading waterfall. A 25-foot friction slab must be negotiated towards the end of the hike. For most, this is not difficult, but a rope maybe useful.
Trailhead: Though this trail can be reached by car, it is extremely difficult, and road conditions are primitive at best. Your best bet is to approach from the water, near mile marker, where you park for Rainbow Bridge National Monument.

• Distance: 8 miles
• Average Time of Hike: 3 -6 hours.
• Elevation Gain: 150 feet.
• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Trail Type: Out and back.

Notes: Don’t be fooled by the clean look of the water. Always filter your drinking water.

Davis Gulch
Trail Overview: Though this trail is suitable only for experienced hikers, those with the requisite skills will find this is to be a trip to remember. You’ll negotiate a breathtaking slick rock drainage, scrambling up and down rocks, boulders, and escarpments. Route finding skills are necessary.
Trailhead: Follow Hole-in-the-Rock Road southeast from UT-12 for approximately 45.5 miles to the Fiftymile Creek Trailhead. Continue straight, then enter the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. At 50.5 miles for an unsigned drainage. This is Davis Gulch.

• Distance: 10 miles
• Average Time of Hike: 6 -7 hours.
• Elevation Gain: 1,150 feet.
• Difficulty: Difficult. Route finding skills are necessary.
• Trail Type: Out and back.

Llewellen Gulch
Trail Overview: This hike is suitable for people of all age’s and ability levels. On the trail you’ll wind up a beautiful canyon, wade through shallow beaver ponds, and experience a perennial stream.
Trailhead: This hike is best accessed from water. Find beach acces to this hike is at mile marker 62.5.

• Distance: 6 miles
• Average Time of Hike: 3 -4 hours.
• Elevation Gain: 210 feet.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Trail Type: Out and back.

Notes: This trail is best attempted from March to June when the water levels are lower.

Fiftymile Creek
Trail Overview: This difficult hike follows a breathtaking (albeit remote) slick rock canyon. Highlights include a perennial stream, imposing canyon walls, and an active beaver population. This trail is for experienced hikers only as some scrambling and route finding is required.
Trailhead: Follow Hole-in-the-Rock Road southeast for 45 miles miles from its Junction with Utah-12 where you’ll cross a cattle guard. After crossing, turn right onto an unsigned road, that leads to the foot of cave point. Park off the road.

• Distance: 10.4 miles
• Average Time of Hike: 5 -6 hours.
• Elevation Gain: 520 feet.
• Difficulty: Difficult. Occasional scrambling is required.
• Trail Type: Out and back.