A remote desert wash hike following a sandy streambed through colorful badlands, scattered cottonwood groves, and quiet canyon landscapes shaped by ancient geology.
Motorcycle: $30 (7-day pass)
Individual (walk/bike): $20 per person (7-day pass)
How to Get There
From Springdale (6 mi): Drive west on UT-9 through Rockville and continue toward Virgin, then pull into the dirt turnout at the Coalpits Wash crossing along the highway where the trailhead is located.
Overview
The Coalpits Wash offers a quieter and more expansive hiking experience defined by its wide, sandy drainage and low desert surroundings. Instead of towering canyon walls, the landscape opens into broad valleys lined with colorful clay formations, scattered vegetation, and occasional flowing water that supports a surprising range of plant and animal life. The trail follows the wash itself, where hikers navigate soft sand, shallow stream crossings, and rocky sections while passing remnants of early mining activity and traces of ancient petrified wood embedded in the terrain.
This route reveals a different geological story, showcasing some of the oldest rock layers in the region and a more subtle beauty shaped by time and erosion. The sense of solitude is one of its defining features, as far fewer visitors venture into this remote area. Seasonal changes transform the experience, with spring bringing wildflowers and active streams, and fall offering comfortable temperatures and golden foliage, while summer conditions are typically too harsh for safe travel due to intense heat and lack of shade.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Coalpits Wash, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
