Sandbench Horse Trail - 3.8 Miles Round-Trip

The Sandbench Horse Trail runs along the Sand Bench plateau above the Virgin River in the heart of Zion Canyon. Unlike most trails here that scale steep sandstone walls, the Sand Bench Trail rises gently across wide, elevated banks of the river.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

This diversely vegetated space is ideal for seeing wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. Deer, turkey, coyote, fox and mountain lion are drawn to the bench's shade and proximity to water.

Hikers will enjoy excellent views of The Streaked Wall, The Sentinel (7,157') and Court of the Patriarchs. Mount Spry (5,823'), The Twin Brothers (6,863') and Mountain of the Sun (6,722') can all be seen across the canyon.

Much of the trail passes just above an area hit by landslides, and shuttle operators will explain these events and resulting consequences in detail.

A few things hikers should know before heading out:

• As the name suggests, this is primarily used as a horse trail. Expect to see - and yield for - horse riding tour groups that run regularly throughout the day.

• You'll need to sidestep plenty of horse droppings, and the trail itself - intended for livestock use - is comprised almost entirely of deep sand that can challenge tired legs and slow travel.

• Very few hikers visit this trail, and you'll likely have it all to yourself.

• Most tours end no later than 5 pm, so it's very easy to avoid both man and horse with a late afternoon start. Such a time features excellent lighting, wildlife viewing opportunities and cooler temperatures.

From Court of the Patriarchs shuttle stop, go west on the service road and continue over the bridge to the trailhead. There's little signage here, but know that the bridge crossing puts you on the correct path.

The trail rises nominally for .3 miles to the 'main' Sand Bench Horse Trail (4,290'). Turn left (south) and continue to the 'Loop' junction at (.6 miles : 4,345'). The following description travels counter-clockwise on the loop:

Turn right at the loop junction and rise into pinyon-juniper stands with clearings filled by manzanita, yucca, cacti, grasses and small brush. A good map will help identify many landmarks in the canyon.

The trail crests at 4,680' after 1.4 miles, then descends through an open, sage-filled meadow. The descent levels off at a hitchrack and picnic area used for horse tours; this is the Loop's 'turnaround point' (1.75 miles : 4,545').

The trail continues through deep sand to another crest at 4,710', then drops through intervals of timber and meadow back to the start of the loop (3.2 miles). Retrace your steps .6 miles back to the Court of the Patriarchs Trailhead and shuttle stop.

Note: The Sandbench Trail can also be accessed from Emerald Pools Trailhead at the Zion Lodge shuttle stop. This will add 1.8 miles to the total distance. However, with the shuttle, it's not necessary to return to the Zion Lodge...Simply complete the hike and exit at the Court of the Patriarchs shuttle stop.