Trails

Sam’s Mesa Trail

Fifteen miles south of Hanksville, Sam’s Mesa offers high-desert solitude and 4x4 tracks leading to the massive, 1,000-foot drop-offs of the Dirty Devil River canyon.
Distance
30 miles
Elevation Gain
1150ft
Difficulty
moderate
Est. Time
4-6 hrs

The Experience

Accessible via the rugged Roost Road, this trail serves as a gateway to the high desert wilderness of the Robbers Roost area. Hikers and riders will traverse a sandy, high-plateau landscape dotted with rocky outcroppings and juniper trees, leading to breathtaking viewpoints like the Happy Canyon and Mesa Towers overlooks. The experience offers a deep sense of solitude and "Old West" history, featuring dramatic vistas of the Dirty Devil River canyon and the distant Henry Mountains, with sections of the road cutting directly through twin rock pinnacles.

Trail Coordinates / Points Of Interest

Roost Rd/Sams Mesa Rd Junction
N 38d15’58” W 110d16’06”
38.266111
-110.2683
Sams Mesa Staging Area
N 38d11’27” W 110d19’23”
38.190833
-110.323056
Happy Canyon Overlook
N 38d09’55” W 110d20’42”
38.165278
-110.345
Mesa Towers Overlook
N 38d10’19” W 110d25’21”
38.171944
-110.4225
Sams Mesa Canyon Overlook
N 38d11’41” W 110d23’15”
38.194722
-110.3875
North Mesa Overlook
N 38d12’03” W 110d23’11”
38.200833
-110.386389
Sams Mesa Drill Site
N 38d11’48” W 110d21’58”
38.196667
-110.366111

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Weather by Season

Spring & Fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring.
Spring
65°F
Summer
88°F
Fall
70°F
Winter
30°F

Trail Safety & Ethics

Help us preserve Capitol Reef Country for future generations and ensure your own safety in the desert.
Leave No Trace Pack out everything you pack in. Stay on designated trails to protect fragile desert crusts and native vegetation. Leave what you find for others to enjoy.
Flash Floods Check the forecast. Canyons and washes can flood instantly from rain occurring miles away. Avoid narrow areas if rain is predicted in the region.
Pets Know the rules. Leash laws and pet access vary by trail and land management area. Always carry extra water for your four-legged hikers.
Emergency Be prepared. Cell service is unreliable in the backcountry. Carry a physical map, a first aid kit, and always notify someone of your planned route and return time.