Big Water Utah ~ Glen Canyon ~ Wahweap Creek
Hike Overview
A moderately difficult out-and-back hike near Big Water, Utah, descending into Resurrection Canyon and Wahweap Creek through white and tan sandstone with natural windows, hoodoos, and spires.
Type of Hike : Out and Back
Length: 4.4 Miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Sand, Hills and Slickrock
Elevation Gain: 385 feet one way, 770 feet round trip
Dog Friendly: Yes
Park Pass/Permit Required: No
Direction to the Trailhead
Turn off Highway 89 in Big Water, Utah onto Ethen Allen Street and drive for 1/3 mile. Turn right at the sign between two large yellow warehouse buildings marked “Glen Canyon National Recreation Area – Highway 12” (Hwy 12 is also known as County Road NP 230). After a mile, the road will become a well-maintained gravel road suitable for all vehicles. You’ll cross Wahweap Creek; under normal conditions, the crossing is passable for any vehicle, but be cautious during rainy periods. Continue on Hwy 12 for two miles past the creek until you reach a series of impressive boulders on the left side of the road. Park at the base of a large rounded boulder with a small pullout. The trail heads south through a notch between two prominent shale mesas.
Resurrection Canyon Hike Description
This 2.2-mile (4.4 mile round trip), moderately difficult out-and-back trail descends into Wahweap Creek and then climbs back up. It traverses battleship-gray Tropic Shale and can be challenging to follow in places as it meanders over flat mesa tops before dropping into a white sandstone wash. The wash features arches, windows, hoodoos, and otherworldly rock formations resembling a moonscape. When you reach the end of the hike, dip your toes in the soothing waters of Wahweap Creek before retracing your steps back up the canyon to your vehicle.