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Wahweap Creek: A Utah Oasis

Discover Utah's hidden gem: hike through red rock canyons and explore the otherworldly Wahweap Hoodoos along the serene Wahweap Creek.

Wahweap Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, flows through Utah's stunning red rock canyons, offering a serene escape into nature. It's known for unique geological formations and the popular Wahweap Hoodoos trail, making it ideal for hiking and photography.

A brief summary to Wahweap Creek

  • Utah, US

Local tips

  • Hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light and to avoid the heat, as the trail offers little shade.
  • Bring plenty of water (2-3 liters), sunscreen, and a hat, as the desert environment can be harsh.
  • Check the weather forecast before heading out, as Wahweap Creek is prone to flash floods.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes suitable for walking in sand and potentially slippery creek beds.
  • Download a trail map or carry a GPS device, as the trail is not always well-marked.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Page, Arizona, take US-89 N towards Kanab, Utah. After approximately 14.4 miles (measured from the Glen Canyon Visitor Center), turn right onto Ethan Allen Road in Big Water. Continue 0.6 miles and turn left onto Fish Hatchery Road. Drive 2 miles to the Fish Hatchery, where Fish Hatchery Road becomes Nipple Canyon Road. After 0.5 miles, Nipple Canyon Road becomes BLM327/Nipple Creek Road. Continue 0.2 miles to Wahweap Creek. If you have a 2WD vehicle, park before crossing the creek. 4WD vehicles can cross the creek and continue 0.5 miles to the 4WD trailhead. There are no parking fees.

  • Walking

    From the 2WD parking area, hike along the Nipple Creek Road until you reach Wahweap Creek. Carefully cross the creek (when dry) and continue along the road until you reach the 4WD parking area. From the 4WD parking area, follow the BLM trail sign north along a sandy path that drops you into Wahweap Creek. From here, choose your own path as you make your way up the broad creek bed. The hike to the hoodoos is approximately 4 miles each way. Be prepared for a long, exposed hike in a sandy wash.

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Discover more about Wahweap Creek

Wahweap Creek is a 55.6-mile-long intermittent stream in southern Utah, ultimately feeding into the Colorado River. The creek's name, derived from the Paiute word meaning "bitter water," reflects the alkaline seeps found along its course. Before the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam, Wahweap Creek meandered through the landscape. In the 1950s, the area was transformed into Glen Canyon City, a Bureau of Reclamation camp that supplied gravel for the dam's concrete. Today, Wahweap Creek flows into Lake Powell at Wahweap Bay, home to the Wahweap Marina, a popular access point for the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The creek is also known for the Wahweap Hoodoos, unique white sandstone formations capped with Dakota Sandstone. These "goblins" and "ghosts" attract hikers and photographers. The trail to the hoodoos follows the Wahweap Creek bed, offering a relatively flat but exposed hike. Along the way, hikers may spot various wildlife and wildflowers, with the "Tower of Silence" being the most photographed hoodoo. While generally dry, Wahweap Creek is prone to flash floods, requiring caution when traveling in the area.

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