Mayor’s Message

Grapevine Trailhead Improvements

You may have heard people talk of “having a little red dirt in their shoes” as a way of expressing a deep connection to Southern Utah. Well, if you haven’t gotten that connection just yet, the Grapevine Trailhead may be just what you need to help you get there. This trailhead, currently under construction, will facilitate access to a variety of trails in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, where there is plenty of red sand to get in your shoes, and if you’re not careful, maybe even between your toes.

This newly designed and enhanced trailhead is one of three existing public trailhead accesses into the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve being substantially improved in conjunction with the new Solenté  development north of Washington Parkway. The Grapevine Trail itself is the result of a service road for water infrastructure. This out and back trail is clearly defined and a relatively easy path for even novice hikers who want to explore a little. Additional value is in the access it provides to the network of intersecting and more challenging trails in the Reserve like Sand Hill, Dino Cliffs, Prospector, and Church Rocks. You can even get to the popular Elephant Arch from the Grapevine Trailhead. It’s an ideal starting point for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

My favorite is Bracken’s Loop. This trail spurs off Grapevine to the northeast and winds through some exceptional canyon country at the base of red peaks that form the southern border of the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness Area. This trail has some elevation changes, and in places requires going through deep sand, which keeps it interesting. If you go in early spring, when the desert plants and cacti are blooming, you will see vibrant purple, pink, orange, and yellow colors that contrast with the native landscape backdrop.  

The Grapevine Trailhead now includes modern facilities for hikers, bikers, and the equestrian community. These amenities include a permanent outdoor shade structure with restrooms and running water. Split rail fencing and desert landscaping has been installed around and throughout the trailhead and defines the new parking areas. There’s plenty of room for all types of vehicles, including horse trailers. The trailhead also has a very functional and common sense dual purpose, it is built around a much needed new power substation site, with the walls already built, and ready to accommodate future demand on the grid.

With fall just around the corner, now is a great time to explore the beauty of our natural surroundings. Whether you’re on foot or in the saddle, the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve is waiting for you and the Grapevine Trailhead provides quick and easy access. As you enter the trailhead, keep your eyes peeled for the lone cottonwood tree that our parks department went out of their way to save and preserve!

Join me on September 27th at 9:00 AM at the Grapevine Trailhead north of the I-15 Washington Parkway exit as we cut a ribbon to celebrate the completion of this amazing project. If you’re up for it, join me at 8:00 AM that morning for a short hike before we cut the ribbon! We’ll even provide a small breakfast for the early risers. I am grateful to the skilled workers, our parks department and staff, and our partners at GWC Capital and Solenté who have made this project a reality. Washington City truly is the best place to live, work, and recreate!

-Kress Staheli

Mayor

kress@washingtoncity.org