Black Gulch – Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
Black Gulch is labeled as a trail by the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve but the path is not marked or clear. The trail is named after the gulch it follows as it connects...
Trail Facts
Overview
Black Gulch is labeled as a trail by the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve but the path is not marked or clear. The trail is named after the gulch it follows as it connects Lange’s Dugway trail and Winchester trail. Without the proper footwear or ability, this hike is almost impossible. Hikers climb over large rocks occasionally dropping from heights. Impressive rock formations and some abandoned cars are found along the path. Watch weather to avoid flash floods. Black Gulch could be a great place to explore with a dog but this hike is for the adventurous. For this reason, hikers need to be prepared for a strenuous hike.
Know Before You Go
Trail Map
Map of the route “Black Gulch – Red Cliffs Desert Reserve”: 5,737 m, 244 m of climbing and 250 m of descent, elevation between 1,140 m and 1,285 m, time 01:51:57. It is a loop that starts and ends at 37.20967, -113.58508 (latitude, longitude).
Getting There
From St. George: 9.1 miles (19 mins driving)
Directions to Trailhead: From St George, head north on S 700 E toward E 600 S. Turn right onto St George Blvd. At the intersection, turn left onto N 1000 E then turn right onto E Red Hills Pkwy at the light. After 0.9 miles, turn left onto Cottonwood Springs Rd. Continue straight as road turns into Old Dump Rd and keep a left when road bends.
The Black Gulch trailhead and parking will be on the right after about 5 miles. There is a parking lot at the trailhead with multiple places to parking. Access to the trail is found across the street. The trail for Black Gulch begins at the mouth of the valley after about 700 feet.
Important: Old Dump Rd is becomes a dirt road.
Trailhead GPS: 37.209639, -113.585168
Trail Report
This hike is for the adventurous. Black Gulch might not even be considered a trail anymore. The hike is on Red Cliffs Desert Reserve maps and websites but there was no real sign of a path.