Hanging Garden Trailhead, Antelope Canyon Travel Guide

The Hanging Garden Trail offers a unique opportunity to witness a desert oasis within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This easy 1.2 to 1.5-mile round trip hike leads to a hanging garden, where a natural spring seeps through the sandstone, creating a lush environment for ferns and other plant life.The trail itself is well-marked, with a path lined by rocks that guide hikers across the sandy and rocky terrain. The route is mostly flat, making it suitable for families and hikers of all skill levels. As you approach the hanging garden, the trail transitions to slickrock, offering views of the surrounding landscape. A short scramble up a sandstone bench leads to the alcove where the hanging garden flourishes.The hanging garden is formed by a seep spring that captures rainwater and slowly releases it, allowing vegetation to grow vertically on the sheltered wall. This creates a cool and moist microclimate, a stark contrast to the surrounding desert. While the hanging garden itself may be considered a relatively mundane destination by some, a short diversion to a scenic lookout offers rewarding views of Navajo Mountain, Lake Powell, and the Glen Canyon Dam.While hiking, be aware that there is little to no shade, so it's best to hike in the early morning or late afternoon. Also, watch out for poison ivy near the alcove.