North Rim of Gooseberry Mesa

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Geological Significance · Views

This 10.6 mile out-and-back run takes you along Gooseberry Mesa's North Rim, a trail with breathtaking views of Zion National Park, the Pine Valley Mountains, and surrounding mesas. The trail is mostly flat and meanders along cliff edges that rise over one thousand feet above the valley floor. Set on the Chinle sandstone layer, the trail sparkles with scattered pieces of petrified wood and beautiful quartz rocks.

The Juniper trees offer some shade along the run, but as with all mesa trails, there is still significant sun exposure and no drinking water, so be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection. Some sections of the trail move inward, away from the cliff edges, and follow painted white dots marking the trail as it contours rolling slickrock bowls. The trail ends at a remarkable viewpoint with tall cliffs and stunning views in every direction, arguably one of the most iconic views in the area.

This trail starts by parking at the Windmill Trail. Follow the dirt singletrack trail past the abandoned Windmill. Once you have reached the edge of the mesa, continue following the Windmill Trail southwest on a well built singletrack trail that follows the cliff edge.

Next, you'll reach the slickrock slab trail Bowls and Ledge's, clearly marked by a sign and white dots painted directly on the slickrock. Follow these to the right and west towards the North Rim trail.

Once you have reached the North Rim trail, you'll continue along cliff edges, making your way West until you reach the White Road (this is a doubletrack road with minimal traffic other than mountain bikers and the occasional OHV). Follow the White Road until you hit the South Rim, taking a final right for a section of trail that takes you to an extremely exposed section of trail and breathtaking viewpoint. Return the way you came, or continue on the South Rim to complete a loop.

Birds and lizards frequent this area, along with a wide variety of flora including sage, yucca, and prickly pear. Coyote scat is common on the trail, but the coyote less so. You may see an occasional mule deer foraging the desert grasses. Avoid stepping on any cryptobiotic soil you see!