Wire Mesa Trail

Wire Mesa is one of those trails that just lets you settle in and breathe. Tucked above the Virgin River near Zion, its a 7-ish mile loop of red dirt, slickrock, and views that'll make you forget you're even out there to run. Its not too steep, not too technical just enough flow and rock to keep it honest.

I like running it counterclockwise. The first mile eases you in, then you're cruising the rim with wide-open desert on one side and the canyon dropping off on the other. The kind of place where you stop mid-run just to stare.

There's no water, no shade, and no mercy if you go mid-day Summer but hit it early and its magic. That soft light, the cool air, your shoes crunching sandstone. Its the kind of loop that doesn't ask much, but gives you everything. Just you, the trail, and a whole lot of sky.

Wire Mesa Trail is best rated as moderate for most trail runners:

Distance: 7.4-mile loop — manageable for most runners with a base.
Elevation: Rolling terrain with mild ups and downs (~400 feet gain/loss).
Terrain: Mostly smooth dirt and slickrock, with a few rocky sections that require attention but aren’t overly technical.
Exposure: Fully exposed to sun — adds a challenge in hotter months.

Directions from St. George, Utah to Wire Mesa:

Head north on I-15 for about 7 miles.
Take Exit 16 and follow Highway 9 toward Hurricane.
In Hurricane, turn right on Main Street, then left onto Highway 59.
Drive about 15 miles on Highway 59, then turn left onto Smithsonian Butte Road (a well-graded dirt road).
Go about 6 miles, pass the Gooseberry Mesa turnoff, and continue straight.
Look for the Wire Mesa sign and turn left onto a smaller dirt road.
Follow it a short distance to the trailhead parking area.

Note: The dirt road is usually fine for regular cars if it’s dry, but avoid it if it's recently rained. Total drive time from St. George is about 50–60 minutes.