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The Wedge Overlook

Visitors to the Wedge Overlook can take in spectacular views of the deep gorge carved over millennia by the San Rafael River. But the Wedge, also known as Utah’s “Little Grand Canyon,” isn’t just one of the most breathtaking scenic vistas in the state. Adventures abound for bikers, hikers, rafters, sightseers, and campers.

When you are standing on the edge of the Wedge, the San Rafael River is more than 1,200 feet below you. This river weaves its way through the canyon below.

As you drive along the northern slope of the San Rafael Swell toward the Wedge Overlook, observe the transformation of the vegetation along the road as you gain elevation. Eventually, you’ll find yourself in the midst of a dense “pygmy forest” of pinyon pine and Utah juniper. When you reach the Wedge Overlook, the view will take your breath away!

The Wedge Overlook is in an isolated area with no services. Be sure to fill your gas tank before embarking on your adventure, and bring water and anything else you may need.

As you enter the Swell from the northwest, you follow geologic history back in time. From youngest on the top to oldest on the bottom, the strata include mostly sandstones of the Carmel Formation, Navajo Sandstone, Kayenta Formation, Wingate Sandstone, Chinle Formation, and Moenkopi Formation, which were formed in a variety of depositional environments (rivers, deserts, and shallow seas).

The Swell is an uplifted area where sedimentary rock layers were pushed upward into a dome-like mountain formation called an anticline. Forces in the Earth’s crust created this formation about 40–70 million years ago.

Millions of years after the anticline was formed, erosion wore away at the Swell’s crest, exposing millions of years of natural history. The oldest rocks (around 300 million years old) are near the center of the Swell, surrounded by a ring of younger rocks (100 to 230 million years old).

Outlaws, like Butch Cassidy once hid from lawmen in these cracks, caves, and canyons. In the late 1800s the “Dirty Dozen” and Cassidy’s “Wild Bunch” made their homes in the plateaus of southeastern Utah and along the famous Green River. In fact, one of the boldest robberies in US history was pulled off in Castle Country.

Driving Directions: From the north, traveling south on SR-10, take a left on to the Buckhorn Draw Road (also known as the Backways, the River Road and Buffalo Road). Travel approximately 23 miles following signs for the Wedge Overlook. From I-70, take exit #131 and travel approximately 36 miles following signs for the Wedge Overlook.

 

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