Aspiration Trail
NOTE: The original path for Aspiration Trail has been modified at the request of the land owners, but most of the trail remains the same. Aspiration Trail is becoming...
Trail Facts
Overview
NOTE: The original path for Aspiration Trail has been modified at the request of the land owners, but most of the trail remains the same.
Aspiration Trail is becoming one of the most popular hikes in St. George, and for good reason. Along the path are hundreds of colorful rocks painted by individuals to express personalities and to motivate hikers. There is not a trailhead or any official markers on the trail, but the path is very clear. A United States flag can be seen at the top of the hill throughout the hike which marks the viewpoint as well as where the trail leads. The single dirt path has a strong incline and a few big steps which is why the hike is classified as easy-to-moderate. Though classified as easy-to-moderate, this is a great hike for families (not a hike for strollers). The path does occasionally fork as it winds up the the hill but is easy to follow as everything eventually connects. Some rocks even give advise on the forks. This hike has full sun exposure and can be difficult if not properly prepared. Bring plenty of water. While it is part of the experience, carrying a big rock up the hill can be very challenging. Please respect the rocks placed by others and always consider nature. Following trail guidelines, Aspiration Trail is dog friendly and a great place to walk a dog.
Know Before You Go
Trail Map
Map of the route “Aspiration Trail”: 2,444 m, 277 m of climbing and 272 m of descent, elevation between 762 m and 845 m, time 00:47:51. It is a loop that starts and ends at 37.04038, -113.59538 (latitude, longitude).
Getting There
From St. George: 5 miles (9 mins driving)
Finding the trail can be confusing as there are two common entrances. The more popular entrance is accessed off of Pioneer Road. Hikers can park on the curb near Calvary Chapel then cross to the side of the street with a “RV Storage” sign. There is a dirt road along the RV Storage wall that leads to the towards the highway. A short tunnel allows hikers to easily go under highway and access trail entrance. There are some painted rocks that with directions that can be used for reference.
*See pictures and tracks below for reference regarding this entrance.
Hikers can park and access a part of the trail through Astragulus Drive, but this entrance starts about 0.3 miles into the other entrance.
Directions to Pioneer Road: Follow S 700 E and S Main St to Bluff St. Turn left onto Bluff St and use the right 2 lanes to merge onto I-15 S via the ramp to Las Vegas. Take exit 4 for Brigham Road and keep left to continue onto Pioneer Rd. Continue on Pioneer Rd for 1.5 miles.
Directions to Astragulus Drive: Get on I-15 S from S 700 E and S Main St. Continue on I-15 S to Black Mountain Drive. Take exit 1 from UT-7 E/Southern Pkwy. Turn onto Astragalus Drive.
Trailhead GPS: 37.031639, -113.591278
Trail Report
Aspiration Trail is an outdoor project created by Kevin and Anne Hanson. Their inspiration came from their desire to help parents find activities to do together with their kids. This hike ultimately bring families closer together. Many families have enjoyed decorating rocks, hiking up the path, and placing their message among the thousands of other painted rocks. At the summit, a wood sign surrounded by hundreds of colorful rocks reads, "Congratulations! You have reached the summit. Please leave a rock on our monument signifying your achievement." This rare sight is worth the climb to the top. Many leave feeling accomplished and unified with the shared experience of everyone else.
Visit aspirationrocks.com for more updates.
I went on this a few months ago and it was really fun, sadly some of the trail burned down during the 4th of July. Although it doesn’t affect the actual trail, it instead of making it alot more of painful its even MORE fun to hike up the side and see what burned. I would HIGHLY recommend this trail.
The trail seems to have 2 parts. If you want to get to the flagpole, keep to the trails that go left. We followed trails that go right, which are also lined with rocks & realized we were on the wrong trail when we got near the top of that knoll & could see the flagpole on the next knoll over. Fortunately, we had time to go back down & take the correct trail to the left that leads to the flagpole. But if you’re on a time limit you won’t have time to make that mistake