Tempi’po’op Trail

The Tempi’po’op trail is the one we know best in Utah.  We have the pleasure of living very close to the trailhead and complete it often for exercise and enjoyment.  The trail has an initial short, steeper climb. It levels off onto a flat area for a stretch, then I recommend taking a left at the split. This section of the trail runs right along the edge of the canyon, giving you a beautiful view of the Santa Clara River, petroglyphs, and the greenery along the river. Canadian geese, ducks, herons, and hawks live in this area, as do many lizards. It is an active area for fauna. We have even seen Desert Tortoise. The flora is beautiful in the spring, with blooms in the desert bushes and plants, and brilliant fuchsia cactus blooms as well. The trail continues along the canyon edge, eventually opening up to a vista of the vast open country beyond Santa Clara, untouched and splendid. The trail continues upward to the crest, at which point you can view more petroglyphs.

Difficulty: Mild related to elevation gain. 

Trail Stats: Mileage varies, to the crest and the top petroglyphs is approximately 1.5 miles. You can go up and over the crest and down to the Anasazi trailhead, or return to the Tukupetsi trailhead. You can add additional mileage by looping into one of the other trails that are part of the Santa Clara River Reserve. 

Trail Finding: Somewhat well-marked. This is a network of trails and each junction is not necessarily marked. When you are on the main trail, it is obvious where you should be. The petroglyphs at the top have a marker, but there are many along the way to watch for that are not marked. Look at the rock faces at the top of the cliffs and on the rock surfaces near the edge of the cliff for many cool petroglyphs. 

Conditions: Some exposure to heights though you don’t have to be right next to the edge.  Also, there is no shade on this hike. Please be aware of what you are stepping on if you are near the edge and make sure you are on a stable surface and the rock below you is solidly connected. 

Would I Repeat This: Yes. I have done this hike more times than I can count and will continue to hike it. We often bring out of town visitors to do this hike, it is a good one for a novice hiker, offering a big yield for view and a taste of the geography and history of Southern Utah. 

Parking: Ample parking at the Tukupetsi trailhead.

Timing: If temperatures will be high, complete earlier or late in the day, there is no shade on this hike. 

Downloaded Map: Nice to have when you are first completing the hike, but unnecessary once you know the network of trails. There is also a large map at the trailhead.

Fees: None. 

Trails: Santa Clara River Reserve has numerous options, including Upper and Lower Graveyard, Enepitsi, and Cholla trails.Black Brush is a beautiful four mile hike on the other side of the canyon. Cove Wash Trailhead, where Black Brush begins, also is the start of some epic mountain biking/hiking trails. These include Sidewinder, Barrel Roll, and Precipice.