Page Arizona ~ Dead Dog Dirt Roads ~ Glen Canyon
Type of Road: 4×4 only – ATV trails
Length: 5 miles east to west & 5 miles north to south
Difficulty: 4×4 Truck = Difficult ~ ATV = Moderate/Difficult (depending on route choice)
!WARNING! There is extremely soft sand to contend with.
Terrain: Very Soft Sand, Rock Crawling.
Destination: Sand Dune, Canyon, Cavern, Arches
Directions to the Trails
The turn off to the Ferry Swale Trail System is diagonal to the South Entrance of Wahweap, just 1/4 of a mile west of the Glen Canyon Bridge. It is the same turn you would take if you were going to the Beehive Campground. Take an immediate right once you turn off of highway 89 onto a gravel road and avoid going straight onto the “Authorized Personnel Only” road. You will pass the campground on your right and then hook left around the Beehives/New Wave Mesa where the road will quickly turn to 4×4 sand and the fun begins. From there, there are many options to choose from.
Ferry Swale Trail System Description
It doesn’t get better than this trail system, also known as “Dead Dog.” A favorite among Page locals, this area offers varied terrain and fun for everyone, all within close proximity to town. The five-mile square network features two-track roads and ATV trails extending from the edge of Glen Canyon to the rim of a prominent mesa. With options ranging from rock crawling to wide-open dunes and wash bottoms, this trail system requires mandatory 4×4 (NO AWD!). Expect extremely soft sand conditions, and note that these trails are not recommended for novice off-roaders.
Ferry Swale Trails Highlights
~ Dead Dog Dune: A very clean sand dune that is ultra fun to spin brodies on.
~ Dead Dog Cavern: A perfectly scooped out amphitheater that you can drive right up to.
~ Ferry Swale Canyon – An enjoyable off-road trail that takes you into a beautiful sandstone canyon that eventually empties into Glen Canyon.
~ Tiny Arch Ridge: An easy half mile hike along a dark colored ridge, through some Dr. Seuss looking sandstone formations that are adorned with several small arches.
