Short little hike, mainly flat. Best part was under the little hanging garden. There is no shade on this trail so I would suggest doing it either early or late.
Trip Snapshot
Best Time to Visit
Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures; March‑May & Sept‑Oct for mild weather
Open
Open now · 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Price Range
Free
Time Needed
30–45 minutes for the round trip including time at the garden.
Parking
Small gravel lot at the trailhead (≈15 vehicles), free
Ideal For
Trail signage and rock cairns, interpretive panels, free gravel parking lot, pet-friendly (leash required), no restrooms or potable water – bring your own, shade only at the garden alcove
Superb quick hike! Beautiful green ferns living on natural spring against the rock. Lucky if you see any blooms on the green plants! Trail winds around and around but easy enough to do.
Hanging Garden Trail was a short very nice hike. Excellent views. Took a total of 20-25 minutes there and back. Very close to Page and we snuck this hike in before our tour. The path is well marked with rocks.
What a nice little hike! About 20 minutes to get to the garden with some good views along the way. The garden was a surprising, cool and beautiful spot hidden there in the desert.We wholeheartedly recommend to stop there.
We had such a fun time hiking this trail. The terrain was a mixture of rock and gravel. The stones leading the way were fun to follow. It’s a good hike for all ages.
Why Visit Hanging Garden Trailhead
A short, family‑friendly approach to one of Glen Canyon’s rare hanging gardens. The 0.6‑mile (one‑way) trail crosses open slickrock to a shaded sandstone alcove where lush ferns and columbines thrive year‑round above Lake Powell.
Highlights
Lush Desert Oasis: See ferns, maidenhair and monkey‑flower clinging to a sandstone wall fed by a perennial seep.
Panoramic Vistas: Wide‑open views of Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell and the Vermilion Cliffs from the slickrock approach.
Quick & Easy: 1.2‑mile round trip, minimal elevation gain—perfect leg‑stretch on the drive to or from Page.
Description
The Hanging Garden Trailhead marks the start of a short interpretive hike to one of the Colorado Plateau’s most accessible hanging gardens. Water seeping through Navajo Sandstone supports a surprising pocket of greenery—an oasis once used by ancestral Puebloans and now protected within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The route is well‑marked with rock cairns and interpretive panels that explain the geology and fragile plant community. Expect full sun on the approach and welcome shade once inside the alcove. Dogs are allowed on leash; please pack out waste and stay on slickrock to protect the delicate cryptobiotic soil.
History
1956‑1963
Construction of Glen Canyon Dam opens the area to paved access.
1972
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area established, protecting the hanging gardens.
1996
National Park Service formalizes the Hanging Garden Trail, adds signage and parking.
Features
Trail signage and rock cairns
Interpretive panels
Free gravel parking lot
Pet‑friendly (leash required)
No restrooms or potable water – bring your own
Shade only at the garden alcove
Getting There
From Page, drive US‑89 north toward Glen Canyon Dam. ¼ mi (0.4 km) east of the dam bridge, turn right (signed “Hanging Garden Trail”) onto Chains Drive. The trailhead parking lot is on the left after 0.2 mi.
Insider Tips
Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.
01Good to know
Start at sunrise or an hour before sunset for the best light on the garden and surrounding cliffs.
02Be prepared
Wear shoes with good traction
slickrock can be slippery when wet.
03Local tip
Bring a zoom lens
tiny wildflowers and hanging ferns make great macro subjects.
04Save time
Keep children close; cryptobiotic soil off the trail is easily damaged.
Want the perfect day plan?Checkout our planning guides.
What to Expect
- A short interpretive hike to a hanging garden.
- Full sun on the approach and shade in the alcove.
Photography Opportunities
- Best light at sunrise or sunset.
- Macro shots of wildflowers and hanging ferns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the hike take?
Most visitors complete the round trip in 30–45 minutes, including time at the garden.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome on a leash; bring water and pack out waste.
Is the trail shaded?
Only the final alcove is shaded. The approach is fully exposed to sun.
Do I need a permit?
No permits or fees are required for day use at the trailhead.
