The Wedge / Buckhorn Wash

Type: Out and Back
Rating: Intermediate / Advanced
Length: Int. 13 miles; Adv. 34 miles
Notes: Roads have occasional traffic

THE RIDE: This is one of the best scenic vistas in the state. The Wedge overlooks the San Rafael River as it flows through the "Little Grand Canyon," and is a dizzying viewpoint of this fantastically eroded gorge. The ride out to the viewpoint is across the wide open desert that supports sporadic clumps of grass, sage, juniper and pinion pine. Occasionally a jackrabbit may dart in front of you, and if you are lucky, you may spot a herd of pronghorn antelope. The ride to the Wedge is a 13 mile out-and-back route that is well suited for intermediates. Advanced riders can add an additional 21 miles by combining the Buckhorn Wash route, also an out and back. All total, the entire route would be 34 miles along graded dirt roads. Numerous petroglyph panels adorn the canyon walls along Buckhorn Wash.

Directions: From Price, travel south on Hwy. 10 to the turnoff between mileposts 39 and 40. There is an old wooden corral and sign for Buckhorn Wash/ Wedge Overlook. Go left and travel down the dirt road for 13 miles. The road forking right (south) from here is the route to the Wedge. This is the beginning of the inter- mediate level ride to the overlook. About 11 miles further along the main road, you reach the campground on the San Rafael River. There are two bridges here, an old swinging bridge built in 1937 by the Civil- ian Conservation Corps, and a more modern concrete structure. Advanced riders can begin their tour here.

From Green River, head west on 1-70 for about 30 miles to exit 129, signed Ranch Exit. Go north on the dirt road for 21 miles to the bridges. Begin the advanced ride here. The turnoff to the Wedge intermediate ride is 11 miles further.

For the advanced ride, begin by pedaling up the dirt road through Buckhorn Wash. The climb is gradual and the pedaling is mostly easy, although it may be sandy in spots and there may be occasional vehicle traffic. Take time along the way to enjoy the outstanding petroglyph panels. About 2.5 miles from the bridge is the largest panel, and has recently been restored from moronic vandalism. After 8 miles, there is a cattle guard, and a short hike to the cliff to the north reveals another outstanding collection of pictographs. Another 2 miles of climbing leads to the open desert plain, and the turnoff (signed) to the Wedge Overlook. It is about 6 miles along this graded road to the brink. Enjoy this outstanding vista before retracing your route back to the bridge. The return trip is pure cruising.

For the intermediate ride, the road out to the Wedge is smooth, and the route is obvious. The road rises and falls occasionally, and there may be some vehicle traffic. After about 6 miles you reach the brink, and the world drops away into the beautiful canyon. There are several spur roads along the rim to explore and to enjoy different viewpoints of Utah's Little Grand Canyon.

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