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An epic destination run in central Utah with breathtaking views.


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Map Key

15.4

Miles

24.7

KM

98%

Runnable

6,246' 1,904 m

High

5,988' 1,825 m

Low

835' 255 m

Up

866' 264 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

26%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers

Overview

The Wedge is an epic destination about 3 hours southeast of Salt Lake City. Here you can run roughly 16 miles of trail atop cliffs that resemble The Grand Canyon. This is in fact called the "Little Grand Canyon" of the San Rafael River, which you'll see flowing far below. The trail is not technically difficult, but does have some rocks and roots and gets close to the cliff at times. You'll be rewarded with endless views the entire time.

Need to Know

This trail is best traveled in the Spring or Fall, due to the extreme heat and lack of shade in the Summer.

Runner Notes

Incredible trail run! The surface is mostly hard packed with some sandy spots, and minimal rocks and roots with negligible elevation gain.

Description

The trail travels right along the rim of the canyon, providing unbelievable views the entire way. The surface is mostly smooth, with occasional rocks and sandy spots, and it weaves throughout some desert scrub and trees. There is minimal elevation gain, though the trail dips in and out of washes or climbs over small hills occasionally. At every twist and turn you'll have some new, incredible view of the huge canyon walls beneath your feet.

There are many ways to run this route, but the most common is to park at The Wedge Overlook and start running from there. You can do any distance out and back, or you can park another car at any of the access points to make it a one-way. A full out-and-back run between both ends of this trail makes roughly a 50k.

At about the 9-mile mark (if starting from Wedge Overlook), there is a primitive campground. This makes an alternative start/end point. You could leave a second vehicle here, or you could stash water/food in advance for a long run.

There are toilets and picnic tables at The Wedge Overlook, but no other services (such as water). Bring everything you need for a big day out.

Flora & Fauna

This is a high desert landscape with minimal flora and fauna.

Contacts

Shared By:

Trail Run Project Staff

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 9 votes

#390

Overall
  4.2 from 9 votes
5 Star
56%
4 Star
22%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
11%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#37

in Utah

#390

Overall
37 Views Last Month
16,099 Since Jun 19, 2024
Intermediate Intermediate

11%
11%
56%
0%
22%
0%

Photos

The Wedge.
May 19, 2015 near Ferron, UT
San Rafael Swell
May 19, 2015 near Ferron, UT
Little Grand Canyon from the Wedge in San Rafael Swell Trail
Apr 7, 2015 near Castle…, UT

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Check-Ins

Oct 23, 2021
Offir H
flat and comfortable singletrack, with some views of the canyon. the last 6 miles on that road are so boring and not worth the ascent effort. 22mi — 3h 50m
Apr 24, 2020
Caleb Porter
Beautiful run! Perfect weather. The only thing I would add to the description is that the last five miles you run back on the campground trail 1-7 22mi — 4h 30m
Jan 26, 2019
Gwyn Fisher
May 15, 2018
Joe Harrington
Beautiful trail, in good shape. Nice cool breeze with almost no traffic. Just remember to stash some water. 21.3mi
Nov 9, 2017
Tomsen Reed
Awesome rim trail, I did half of the entire route but it was great, the Little Grand Canyon overlook is awesome 11.6mi — 1h 50m
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