house rock valley road

ken240

We traveled here in November, the road is very dry. With a 4x4 pick up, we had little trouble moving around, I tried rear wheel drive, it worked too. If you come from Page, it's very easy to miss the entrance. I don't want to echo other people's comments, they are true. I prepared shovels and plywood for the sand, but the sand never got me. Instead, my front tire was punched by a small rock. I was lucky enpugh to meet a nice BLM employee and warmhearted traveler to get out of trouble. I drove to a tire shop in Kanab, the owner told me he's seen a lot of blowouts, all-season tires are not designed for rough road, and normal tire pressure is too high for that road. That's a great experience and I learned from it too.

westernu_12

We one the lottery and were able to go to the Wave. If you aren't so lucky, there are other good hikes in the area.

shardguard

Found where the condors are released, descriptive signs need replacing with weather proof materials, wonderful views.

Dan1886

House Rock Valley Road is a scenic backcountry dirt road located between Page and Kanab, that is most well known for leading 8 miles from Highway 89 to Wire Pass Trailhead - the starting point for hikes to Buckskin Gulch and The Wave.In good conditions this road can be driven without any problems by most cars and even RVs. Yes it is bumpy, rocky & washboarded but take it steady and you should be OK. However, in bad weather the road deteriorates badly and can become impassable even to HC-4WD after heavy rains. It's a good idea to have a selection of food, snacks, water, blankets & shovel for a worst case scenario situation. Be aware that in most cases you will void your contract if you drive a rental car on this road and will be responsible for any costs associated to get the vehicle towed out or repaired if you get into trouble.This is a fun, scenic road, use it to access some of the most stunning desert backcountry and slot canyon locations in Southern Utah. But be prepared and go steady on the drive!

DesertTraveler10

It's not a well-traveled road because most of the places to go require a permit for South and North Coyote Buttes. You don't want to use it for a speedway, of course, it is dirt and not constantly maintained because of the isolated destinations. Just take it easy, watch where you're going, try to take in the scenery or the pull off the road. There's a lot of color to see.

DebraE784

We took this road to reach Wire Pass Trailhead. I would advise ONLY taking this road if you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle or an ATV. The road is not paved and very rough with several areas with large rocks that must be dodged. We loved the scenery, however! Definitely off the beaten path...which we always look for!

freds911

not mentioned is that "THE WAVE" is also off that road but, after 6-lottery tries and missing each time, hiked Wire Pass twice to Buckskin Gulch and down the Gulch a distance. Also, won the lottery for "South Coyote Butte" and spent some 5-6-hours enjoying that place. Finally, viewed the Condor "Nesting Sites" further south on that road -- but didn't see and birds, just bird-poop down the cliffs.

Jewella72

This road has access to what you want to see in Vermilion Cliffs. The road is rock for part of the way but beware it is only maintained so far and turns into deep sand mixed with sandstone and is impassable when wet. Check road conditions with the BLM office and be cautious when driving. A four wheel drive is best suited to the road but a high clearance 2 wheel drive can make it to Wire Pass trailhead IF the road is in good condition and the driver is cautious.

107susanj

Awesome hike of about 11 miles if you go in at Buckskin Gulch and come out at WirePass. You need to leave a vehicle at one or the other so you don't have to walk all the way back. Nice canyons and slots. Pictographs and Petroglyphs.

TP5002013

Used this road for access to Wire Pass. Nice views on drive. Seems to be well maintained by rangers. You can call or check GSENM for road conditions before your drive.

Dusty_Sander1

We drove down to the Wire pass trailhead. The northern 2 miles of the road had been freshly graded the day before and that was OK. The remaining 6 miles were an "adventure". It is passable without 4-wheel drive and we saw several regular low-clearance cars that had made it to the wire-pass trailhead just fine. We had no problems either in our minivan. Just take it slow and expect some rocking back-and-forth and you will be OK. The Buckskin Gulch hike was well worth the bumpy ride!!!!!!

SteveK490

After driving down this road to stay at a BLM campground a couple miles past Wire Pass Trail parking lot, we set up camp and started to wind down for the night, when a couple came walking up and asked if they could get a ride back to the main road because they had a flat tire and couldn't change it. So I drove them back, and on the way, also got a flat tire! A very expensive friendly gesture that turned out to be. The road itself has beautiful views, but the sharp gravel has to be carefully driven on (go less than 10mph). It's very frustrating to have to go so slow, but considering the alternative, it's worth it.

JackieC3253

Had read various things about the area & sounded interesting. We had stayed at Cliff Dwellers lodge the night before & luckily they had told us where to turn. If we hadn't been looking for it we would have gone right by the dirt road. Keep your windows up because the dust goes right in. Can get very bumpy in spots, so make sure your car, and you, can handle it. Definitely something that most kids and adults would get bored with. It is a long drive to go straight through but was in ahh of the beauty of it all. We started in AZ & came out in UT, was great! Got out at one of the side areas to go for a hike which took us to a mini slot canyon. Make sure you carry with water!

Vancouverski

Drove this road many times while waiting to get access to White pockets. The north end of the road was an issue for many family cars (non high clearance or 4x4) but from the south more acceptable. From this road there is good hiking and the sand road to White pockets and the Paw hole. The campsite at the Utah / Arizona boarder was a delight with free camping and good washrooms ( no Water). Tent areas were not flat but that may have been due to recent rains.

TanZimSa

One river pass was steep and sandy -- two drivers were temporarily stuck. We worked ourselves free. The drive is diverse, from rocky desert to high green pastures up on the plateau. Great to get off the beaten track. Great trails to walk off of this road.