Historic Babylon - Little Purgatory Loop

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Features Birding · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The loop incorporates two trails, Historic Babylon Trail and Little Purgatory Trail. This loop offers no shade from the blistering sun, but the sights are incredible. It is best to run the loop in a counter-clockwise direction because of the more gradual ascent on the Babylon Trail.

The trail has full exposure to the sun. Run very early in the morning.

The trailhead has space for about three or four cars. Watch for an obvious gap in the cliffs very close to the trailhead, this is where you should park. Just before exiting the gap, look to the left for some interesting petroglyphs. The trail follows a dry wash through some heavy vegetation for a short distance.

When you emerge from the vegetation, the Little Purgatory Trail will be on your left. Continue straight as the Historic Babylon Trail works its way uphill across varied terrain. At some points, the trail is difficult to follow. Watch for cairns, some of which are small.

At about 2.5 miles, the trail reaches a barbed wire fence overlooking the town of Leeds. Make a sharp left and the trail will steadily climb, passing through the fence in several locations. After one long switchback, the trail ends and the Little Purgatory Trail begins. This spot is marked by a three-foot high plastic marker.

Continue on the Little Purgatory Trail as it works its way back toward the trailhead. To the right are great views of the Red Cliffs. This trail is very steep at times and has many switchbacks. When Little Purgatory meets the Historic Babylon Trail, turn right and return to the parking area.

The Historic Babylon Trail is named for the tiny town of Babylon that existed in the 1870-80s. It was a short-lived mill town along the Virgin River nearby. This trail does not actually go by the ruins of the town, but you can see even older historical sites on your run. Native American petroglyphs are preserved on rocks near the trailhead. You can also find fossilized dinosaur tracks near the parking area.