Gecko - Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance: 0.6 miles (from The Gap trail - 0.61 miles total)
TRAIL SUMMARY
The trail for Gecko is a short and easy path along the rim of Paradise Canyon. It can be accessed from The Gap trail about 100 meters from the trailhead and parking. It is 0.6 miles round trip and is often hiked as an alternative connection for the loop between The Gap and Paradise Rim. The single dirt path is sandy and rocky with a steady elevation. This hike provides a great view over Entrada and Snow Canyon. Through trail connections, the hike can provide access to many other trails within the Chuckwalla area. With full sun exposure, the Gecko trail is best hiked in the morning/evening and is a quick hike great for kids, walking dogs, and hikers of all skill levels.
TRAIL DETAILS
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
ROUND TRIP LENGTH
0.6 miles (from The Gap trail - 0.61 miles total)
AVERAGE HIKE TIME
GPS COORDINATES
Trailhead: 37.144667, -113.618361
Connection with Paradise Rim: 37.147750, -113.619917
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
DISTANCE FROM ST GEORGE
5.5 Miles (12 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, Evening
GROUP LIMIT
No Limit
PERMIT INFORMATION
No Permit Required
COST
No Cost
WATER SOURCES AVAILABLE
No Water Sources Available
CAMP SITES
No Camping Available on Trail
TRAIL CONDITIONS
Dirt Single Track, Sandy, Rocky
SUN EXPOSURE
Full Sun Exposure
DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD
Gecko Trailhead is accessed about 100 meters into The Gap trail. These directions lead to The Gap Trailhead. After arriving at The Gap Trailhead, follow The Gap trail for 100 meters to Gecko Trailhead which starts on the left. The path is marked, so look for marker indicating Gecko trail.
Directions to The Gap Trailhead: Follow S 700 E to Bluff St. Turn right onto Bluff St to head north towards Snow Canyon. At Bluff St intersection, keep right on the Ivins exit and take the left exit to turn onto W Snow Canyon Pkwy at the light. Continue west on W Snow Canyon Pkwy for 1.5 miles then turn right onto N Castle Rock Rd. Then, continue straight to turn right onto N Cascade Canyon Dr, the last street in the neighborhood. The Gap Trailhead is located about 350 feet on the left. Entrance to Trailhead is well marked and easy to notice.
Streetside or curbside parking is the only parking available.
Follow The Gap trail for 100 meters to access Gecko Trailhead.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Plants: Typical plant life for Southern Utah lowland hiking.
Animals: Typical animal life for Southern Utah lowland hiking.
TRAIL REPORT
Located right outside St. George, Gecko trail is great for anyone looking for a short hike with a great view. The trail contains numerous wildlife and flowers as well as a view of the Paradise Canyon Area. There are great opportunities for pictures and observing wildlife.
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.
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