4×4 Off-Road ~ Page Arizona ~ Glen Canyon
Trip Overview
The Ropes is a two-track dirt road near Page, Arizona that winds through extremely soft sand and occasional rock sections, requiring a capable 4×4 vehicle and sand-driving skills. The road is part of the Ferry Swale Trail System, passes an overhanging cavern, and ends under transmission lines on a sandstone bench with views north of Glen Canyon; a short walk from the terminus brings you to an overlook above the Colorado River.
Type of Road: Two track dirt road
Length: 2 miles one way, 4 miles round trip
Difficulty: 4×4 Truck = Challenging ~ ATV = Moderate
!WARNING! Extremely soft sand 4×4 only. No AWD.
Terrain: Extremely Soft Sand, Moderate Rock Crawling
Destination: Glen Canyon Overlook and a Cavern
Directions to the Road
The turnoff to the Ferry Swale Trail System is 100 yards south of the South Entrance to Wahweap, just 1/4 mile west of the Glen Canyon Bridge. Use the same turn as for Beehive Campground. Immediately turn right onto a gravel road and avoid the “Authorized Personnel Only” road. Pass the campground on your right, then turn left around Beehives/New Wave Mesa, where the road becomes 4×4 sand. Continue straight and past the cavern. After the cavern, you’ll reach a T-intersection. Turn left and be prepared for very deep sand; keep your RPM high to avoid getting stuck. After 100 yards, the road turns to gravel; turn right towards the electrical transfer station. Keep the station on your left and go about 300 yards past it until the road ends under transmission lines. 4×4 trucks should park on the flat sandstone above the hill, as the road becomes very steep and doesn’t go far. The most challenging part will be the return, where a small, extremely soft hill at the junction with Ferry Swale Road on the southwest corner of Beehives Mesa will require advanced sand-driving skills and airing down your tires might be necessary.
The Ropes Trail Drive Description
This local road, part of the Ferry Swale Trail System, offers lesser-seen views from the north side of Glen Canyon. Along the way, you’ll encounter impressive sandstone formations, a cavern that overhangs the road, and challenging terrain. The drive ends before reaching the canyon edge, requiring a short hike to view the Colorado River. For a longer adventure, consider combining this route with the Ferry Swale Trail or the Radio Towers. Expect very soft sand and some minor rock crawling—airing down your tires, especially in summer, may be wise.
