Hanging Garden Trailhead

Take the family down this short desert walk to a lush garden

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

Quarter mile east of Carl Hayden Visitor Center on US Highway 89

Significance:

trailhead

Amenities

3 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead

Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) round-trip
Easy to Moderate

This hike leads you to a luxuriant Hanging Garden on a mesa high above Lake Powell. Securely hidden by Jurassic Navajo sandstone, this seep spring quickly takes hostage every drop of rainwater it can absorb. Slowly it liberates this water over time to create a surprisingly lush plant and animal habitat that delights and surprises those who discover it. The desert is astonishingly subtle and delicate. If you walk quietly, you will see and hear more. It can refresh observations and awaken inactive senses with each step you take.

Trailhead: The turn-off is 1/4 mile (0.4 km) east of Glen Canyon Bridge (the opposite side of the bridge from Carl Hayden Visitor Center) on Highway 89. Trailhead parking is 500 yards (455 m) off of Highway 89.