Roadside Attraction Wedge Overlook
Northern Swell
Overview
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Tue 39 | 24 |
Wed 40 | 25 |
Thu 34 | 19 |
Fri 35 | 20 |
Sat 36 | 20 |
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Tue 39 | 24 |
Wed 40 | 25 |
Thu 34 | 19 |
Fri 35 | 20 |
Sat 36 | 20 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
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.
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.
Photos
Maps
| Restroom |
12S 520859mE 4327152mN N39° 05' 36" W110° 45' 32" |
| Overlook |
12S 521673mE 4327461mN N39° 05' 46" W110° 44' 58" |