Panorama Viewpoint

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

What many folks don't realize is that the Slickrock Trail is not the same trail it originally was: it has changed over the decades. The features and edges that routinely injured or killed people have been bypassed. These side spurs, however, are still the original lines.

Were you to ride the whole way out this stub, you'd find ups and downs that are as steep as anything on the main loop, with the added spice of some exposure and loose surface rock. The original trail builders even felt it wise to paint a "Danger" sign on the rock of this spur.

The terrain is lumpier than it looks on the satellite images, and quite committing. Also, the paint marks have been allowed to wear away, making it really hard to ride without stopping every 10-m to check the map.

If you can spare the energy, this spur is definitely a worthy detour to reach views of the Colorado and the Crocodile above Goose Island campground. But you are better off leaving your bike on the high point just before the downs get serious, and hiking out and back. On the way back, your bike will help you find the right dome to head for--it's more confusing than seems possible from the map/satellite image.

Don't obsess too much about reaching the "right" overlook point--it's hard to stay on the trail in the last quarter, and you might end up on a different rib. But the views are good everywhere.