Trachyte Falls - Trachyte Creek

Trachyte Falls

Trachyte Creek
Hiking

Trachyte Falls are a short and interesting diversion to a fun desert oasis. This trip is suitable for all family members.

General Information:
Trachyte Falls are a great hike for those looking to spend an hour with friends and family in a desert waterpark. The route is suitable for all family members as the hiking is short with no elevation change. Total time required form trailhead to trailhead is approximately one hour. Trachyte Falls are rated 1B I using the Canyon Rating System. The canyon is easily accessible year round.

Navigation for this route is easy. There is no established trail but you simply follow the stream. A GPS is useful. Good map reading skills and the USGS 7.5' Map titled "Black Table" are nice to have along. All waypoints and maps for Trachyte Falls use the WGS84 datum.

Maidenwater Trailhead:
From the Utah town of Hanksville drive south on highway 95 for 26 miles to the signed turn-off to State Road 276 and Bullfrog Marina on Lake Powell. Follow State Road 276 south for just over 4 miles to mile marker 4.8. There is a small spur road just before the bridge over Trachyte Creek on the east side of the highway. The spur road leads down to the creek and provides abundant parking. This is also the trailhead for this short hike.

Trachyte Falls Route Information:
From the Trachyte Falls Trailhead (N37° 57' 29", W110° 34' 36"), just follow the stream east for approximately 1/2 mile to where the stream drops through a layer of sandstone and creates Trachyte Falls (N37° 57' 22", W110° 33' 57"). Sometimes there is no water visible where the stream flows under the bridge, but it usually reemerges before the falls when the water flowing underground reaches the same sandstone layer that creates Trachyte Falls. Enjoy splashing in the water before returning the way you came.

GPS Waypoints:
Trachyte Falls Trailhead - N37° 57' 29", W110° 34' 36"
Trachyte Falls - N37° 57' 22", W110° 33' 57"