Cove Wash East - Santa Clara River Reserve
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
TRAIL SUMMARY
Cove Wash East follows the main cove that runs through the Santa Clara River Reserve. There is a sign at the start of the trail that leads towards the wash. After locating the wash, continue east. The wash is easy to follow and runs through various landscapes. There are no signs other than at the begin so just but the trail is just the wash. It continues along somewhat narrow rock walls to wide open desert. Unique rock formations are seen throughout the majority of the hike. The path is mostly sandy and there is a stretch of slick rock around Stucki Springs Road. There is a 9 foot drop just before the wash crosses Stucki Springs Road at about 1.3 miles. Hikers can detour up and around the wash until descending again on Stucki Springs Rd. The wash then continues to until reaching developments near Plantations Dr. Many off road vehicles and bikes are found along the trail and hikers are asked to share the path. The area near Stucki Springs Rd is also used to shoot firearms.
TRAIL DETAILS
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Moderate
ROUND TRIP LENGTH
5.4 miles round trip
AVERAGE HIKE TIME
GPS COORDINATES
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
BLM, Santa Clara River Reserve
DISTANCE FROM ST GEORGE
7.5 miles (20 mins driving)
RESTROOM FACILITIES
No Restroom Available
HIKERS ALLOWED
Yes
DOGS ALLOWED
Yes
BIKERS ALLOWED
Yes
EQUESTRIAN ALLOWED
Yes
HIKE TYPE
Out & Back
BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO HIKE
Spring, Fall, Winter
BEST TIME OF THE DAY TO HIKE
Morning, Afternoon
GROUP LIMIT
No Limit
PERMIT INFORMATION
No Permit Required
COST
No Cost
WATER SOURCES AVAILABLE
No Water Sources Available
CAMP SITES
Dispersed Camping Available
TRAIL CONDITIONS
Dirt Single Track, Dirt Double Track, Slick Rock, Sandy, Rocky
SUN EXPOSURE
Full Sun Exposure
DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD
Cove Wash Trailhead – From I-15 Exit 6 turn north on Bluff Street. Turn left on Sunset Blvd. Continue on Sunset Blvd as it turns into Santa Clara Drive. Turn left on Gates Lane (just before reaching the Jacob Hamblin Home on the right). Cross the river and at 0.4 miles turn left (leaving the pavement). Note that the road from this point is steep and rocky, and can be eroded. At 0.7 miles turn right (at sign for Reserve). At 0.7 miles turn right (at sign for Reserve). Pass the water tank, and at 1.3 miles turn right (at sign for reserve). Follow the road around to the left and park in the trailhead at 1.5 miles.
The link will only direct to Clary Hills Dr. From there, enter dirt road and follow directions about until Cove Wash Trailhead. The dirt road is rocky and may not be suitable for all vehicles.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Plants: Typical plant life for Southern Utah lowland hiking.
Animals: Typical animal life for Southern Utah lowland hiking.
TRAIL REPORT
Coming Soon.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Spencer McMullin
Spencer McMullin is originally from Connecticut but has deep ties to the Southern Utah area. His passion for adventure and photography has lead him to HikeStGeorge.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!