Sidewinder - Santa Clara River Reserve
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance: 3 miles round trip (Overall: 4.6 miles from Cove Wash Trailhead)
TRAIL SUMMARY
Sidewinder is a popular trail within the Santa Clara River Reserve. The trail is usually accessed off of the Precipice trail from the Cove Wash Trailhead. This adds an extra 0.8 mi just to reach the traditional start of the Sidewinder trail. With connections to Suicidal Tendencies and Barrel Roll, Sidewinder features some incredible views of the Santa Clara and Snow Canyon area. After about 1.5 miles, the trail splits into a loop around the rim of the mesa. The map below follows the trail as it curves to the right. Here, an incredible view can be seen which gives an impression of a mini Grand Canyon. Sidewinder is often used by bikers and hikers should be prepared to share the trail. Overall, Sidewinder is an easy to moderate trail that offers a great view of the Santa Clara and Ivins area.
TRAIL DETAILS
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
ROUND TRIP LENGTH
3 miles round trip (Overall: 4.6 miles from Cove Wash Trailhead)
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
No
BIKERS ALLOWED
Yes
EQUESTRIAN ALLOWED
No
HIKE TYPE
Out & Back
BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO HIKE
Great Year Round
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
No Camping Available on Trail
TRAIL CONDITIONS
Dirt Single Track, Slick Rock, 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.
Trail begins from Precipice after 0.8 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.
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