Hiking to Powell Point

Hiking to Powell Point

At 10,188 feet, Powell Point showcases the highest geologic layer of the Colorado Plateau’s iconic Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, offering panoramic views and rich geological history.

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4.1 Check out my Memorial Day video

5 Trail Map

6 Nearby Hike

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About

This colored layer, known as the Pink Cliffs, is the same geologic layer that forms Bryce Canyon National Park. In 1872 the Powell Expedition, led by John Wesley Powell, took a team of two men and three horses to make the first summit of Powell Point, then called Table Mountain, and later Pink Point (as the locals still call it to this day) to make the first ascent via the Water Canyon route.

The White Wasatch Limestone soil in this area is highly erosive and littered with talus. These loose sections are very dangerous and care should be taken for getting too close to the edge, as they can collapse from under you. Keep children and dogs close by at the point.

When visiting in summer, keep in mind that afternoon thunderstorms occur daily, so getting to the point before noon is typically the safest. Because you are over 10k feet, elevation sickness is a possibility and health should be taken care of immediately. The best months to visit are typically late May through October, or whenever snow is fully melted. There is no official winter gate, but only snowmobiles are advised in winter months.

There is plenty of shade but zero water, so make sure to carry enough for 10 miles of hiking for you and your dog. Always carry a light jacket even in summer, as the temperatures can be up to 20-30F cooler than in the valley.

Directions

From Bryce Canyon National Park, drive north on John’s Valley Road for 10 miles. Look for a sign directing you to Pine Creek Lake and Powell Point. Continue 11.5 miles up the canyon road, past Pine Lake Campground, until you reach the saddle. Note: a high-clearance vehicle is required beyond the campground due to narrow and steep road sections. We parked at the saddle due to downed trees, but those with an ATV or truck can continue the last 5 miles to the official trailhead. Click here for a driving map.

Trail Info

Distance: 4.7 miles one way from the road split (0.75 miles from official TH)
Elevation Gain: 345 ft
Time: 4–6 hours RT from the road split; 1–2 hours RT from the official trailhead
Dog Friendly? Yes, off-leash
Kid Friendly? Yes, from official TH only
Fees/Permits: None required

The last turn off from Pine Canyon Road, with a trailhead sign. From here the “official trailhead” is 5 miles. I was only able to drive another 100 yards before there were large downed trees so I parked there.

What most of the “hike” looks like – dirt road with tall pine trees lining the way. The road wasn’t bad in sections, but other times was worse. I think trucks would drive the whole way as long as there aren’t snow patches or downed trees.

Passing through the one and only meadow. I’m sure later in summer this field is green with small wildflowers.

About 1.5-2 miles from the road split you will see another TH sign on your left – this is an alternate route you could hike to Powell Point, and was in fact, the original trail that John Wesley Powell took for the first ascent to Powell Point with his team of horses.

Keep hiking until you reach the “official trailhead” sign, at the end of the ATV road.

Make your way downhill for a few minutes.

And… boom! Your first view of the side of Powell Point! Wow.

Along the trail there are several areas you can walk out to get a better view.

We took so many photos just along the last 3/4 miles – we couldn’t get over the views!

For the ladies – if you need an awesome, reusable pee rag for day hikes, check out Wander Woman Gear! Their wipes are sooo soft, and easy to dry by hanging on the back of your pack like I am here. Simply wash, hang dry, and its ready to use on your next day hike!