Government Trail

About Government Trail

Government Trail is a popular access route into Grand Gulch. The 3.6 mile trail to the junction with Grand Gulch is easy to moderately difficult. Grand Gulch is a popular area for hiking and backpacking to see Ancestral Puebloan cliff ruins and rock art in a natural setting. Grand Gulch and its tributaries feature miles of winding canyons lined with cliffs that provided sheltered overhangs to people in the past. Some ruins are amazingly inaccessible, perched high on ledges and under overhangs. Other attractions include the scenery and wildlife, as well as the solitude of desert canyons. Hiking and backpacking in Government Trail requires a permit or day pass. For permit information click on the following links:Cedar Mesa Backpacking PermitsCedar Mesa & Comb Ridge Day Hiking

How to Get There

Drive 10 miles south of the Kane Gulch Ranger Station on State Route 261. Just before Milepost 19, across from the Cigarette Springs Road turn right on a dirt road (County Road 203/245). Travel 2.4 miles, then turn right at the fork (County Road 245); continue 3.1 miles to the sign at the turnoff and go right (at this point high clearance is required). The trailhead is 1.5 miles from the sign. It is 3.1 miles to the junction with Grand Gulch and the hike is easy to moderately difficult.

Plan Your Visit to Government Trail

Heading to Government Trail? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)