Wire Mesa

Wire Mesa is one of our getaways near Saint George where we feel like we travelled to somewhere far, but really didn’t have to. The mesa is near the more famous Gooseberry Mesa, home to world famous mountain biking. You will share the trail with occasional bikers, but mostly you will have this trail to yourself. 

You will travel down a washboard gravel road that winds around Smithsonian Butte. The road is the Smithsonian Butte Back Country Scenic Byway, so your drive in will not be disappointing. Arrive at the parking lot and begin your hike. We recommend completing the loop in a counterclockwise direction. You will get the best views initially. We often complete just the first half, the latter half is a bit underwhelming as compared to the initial portion of the hike.

The trail winds along the rim of the mesa. You will be treated to expansive views of Zion in the distance, as well as Smithsonian Butte and the vast openness below you of the canyons. Listen carefully and you will hear water flowing below you at the first overlook and you can see a seep spring at the end of the canyon.

This is also a rock hounder’s paradise. There are many colors, textures, sizes, and shapes of rocks. Keep your eyes peeled and you will even find petrified wood. Please be cautious stepping off trail, this area has an abundance of cryptobiotic crust. 

Difficulty: Mild difficulty, though I would give a moderate rating to overall length.

Trail Stats: 7.3 miles, loop, 528 feet elevation gain. If you have the downloaded map, there is an access road about half-way around the loop where you can return to the parking lot more expeditiously.

Trail Finding: Relatively easy.

Conditions: Packed dirt and sandstone.

Would I Repeat This: Absolutely, and we have many times.

Parking: Parking lot available, there are no facilities.

Timing: Intermittent shade but mostly exposed to the sun.

Downloaded Map: Not necessary but it is nice to reference when the viewpoints are coming up or for ‘how much longer’.

Fees: None, enjoy this one for free.

Trails: Windmill Trail, Gooseberry Mesa, and Grafton Ghost Town and cemetery are all nearby. Zion National Park is not too far either depending on how you access Wire Mesa.