Aspiration Trail, St. George, Utah

Another trail only about 30 minutes from my home that I had never explored before is the Aspiration Trail. I didn't think Aspiration Trail was really something I'd enjoy because what makes the hike unique are the hundreds of painted rocks that line the trail. But because my wife suggested it, I thought I'd give it a shot.

Here's a general look at where the trail starts. A more detailed description can be found below.

Aspiration Trail is located just a short distance from where I-15 and SR-7 meet in south St George, Utah. In fact, you'll take the first exit east of I-15 on SR-7 to head north on Astragalus Drive. We parked our car where the road ends in front of the "Road Closed" signs and began walking up the rocky dirt road off to the east. You can also drive up the dirt road for about .3 of a mile to a small parking area to save a small amount of elevation gain and rocky terrain.

The trail is a moderately strenuous 2 mile loop hike. (It is only a 1.3 mile loop hike from the dirt parking area, should you drive up the dirt road a little ways). Despite calling this a "moderately strenuous" hike, it is very family friendly and was only given that label because some explorers might find the 465 foot elevation gain to be somewhat difficult. Also, be mindful that the trail is exposed to the elements making this an extremely hot hike in the summer months.

Once up the dirt road to the secondary dirt parking area, the well defined trail begins at the north side of the parking area. The painted rocks line the trail, particularly on the way up to the summit, which is marked with an American flag on top of a large cairn. Typically I like to see nature while I hike, not painted rocks on a trail, but as I continued on the trail, I found myself enjoying the sayings, pictures, and creativity of those who had placed their rocks on the trail.

After taking in the views, you can head back the same way you came or take the loop trail along the cliff edge. The loop trail does take a little longer to get back (maybe .2 of a mile) but offers better views. There are two trails that joined the main trail on the right-hand (north) side on the way back but we didn't explore them.

We all enjoyed the hike and started thinking of what creative things we could paint on rocks to leave on the trail in the future. Here's a look at the hike in pictures:

This is where we parked our car at the end of Astragalus Road. The dirt road you take to get to Aspiration Trail is just off to the right of this picture.

Here's the rocky, dirt road that we started hiking on. You can also drive up it .3 of a mile to another small parking area.

Here's the small parking area a short ways up the dirt road.

This is the beginning of the unmarked but well defined trail.

A look at Surveyor's Circle and the summit of the hike.

This is the sign that marks the summit of Aspiration Trail.

Here's a look at the trail that leads from the summit to the cairn with the flag that can be seen from I-15.

Liz, Judi, and I stop for a picture...

Here's a look at the trail as it starts it's descent...

This is a look at the parking lot from above as the trail heads back down. The trail actually heads off to the right (north) of the picture before reconnecting to the parking area.

And I'll end this trip report with a look at a couple of my favorite rocks:

"This is fine..."