Black Brush Trail, located at the Cove Wash Trailhead in Santa Clara, is chalked full of scenic views, with NO people!
Let’s face it, folks. Seeing no people makes for the best hike. I say that because I’ve been social distancing long before it was cool. My 2 dogs are also spaz-cases, so the fewer people to distract them, the better.
The trails at Cove Wash Trailhead (including Black Brush Trail) are famously known in the Southern Utah area as amazing mountain biking trails as well as hiking.
Getting to Black Brush Trail
Black Brush trail is one of the many trails that start at the Cove Wash trailhead.
This trailhead is located in Santa Clara, just outside St George, and just before Ivins.
Directions
- From St. George, head north on Bluff Street and turn left on Sunset Blvd.
- Drive 3 miles west on Sunset Blvd through Santa Clara. As you’re reaching the end of Santa Clara, look for a road with a bridge crossing the river on your left. It’s about 200 feet before the Jacob Hamblin Home (which will be on your right if you pass the turn). Turn and cross the river and follow the road as it turns right.
- You’ll see a dirt road – Stucki Springs – as it climbs steeply south. Take that dirt road. At mile 0.7, turn right at the metal sign, “Cove Wash Trailhead.”
- Pass the water tank, and at mile 1.3, turn right again through the fence. This road will veer left to a log-fence parking area at mile 1.5, N37 07.253 W113 40.508.
- You’ll see the Black Brush Trailhead sign. Start walking!
This trail is VERY easy to follow once you start. There are multiple signs showing you that you’re on the correct trail.
Black Brush Trail starts as a dirt road and turns into a smaller trail path.
Black Brush Trail is a LOOP trail. It loops back around to the parking area, so it’s pretty much impossible to get lost, if you stay on the trail.
#couplesgoals amirite?
This is the perfect off-leash trail for your pups! I literally only saw one other person the entire 5.5 miles! (They also had a dog, and loved that the dogs played for a minute, before you hate on me)
I love the views of Red Mountain – the mountain that literally drew me to move here over 5 years ago!
The Ivins/Santa Clara area has my heart.
Can we just stop and have a moment of silence for the invention of selfie-timers and tripods?!
Cheers to solo hiking and not needing someone to follow me around like a lost puppy while taking photos of my back.
I DON’T NEED A MAN.
jk. I need you Micah.
Planned it or candid?
I already told you about the tripod, so I digress.
Whatever.
Black Brush Trail winds around this mountain pictured. You’re in for a surprise when you come around the bend and see this awesome gorge.
It’s GORGEous.
^ See what I did there. ^
Full disclosure: this was my first time doing this trail, so I wasn’t aware you would see the ridge closer from the trail. I went off-trail to see the gorge.
Spoiler alert: no need to add miles to your hike to get these views, if you have patience (unlike me) you’ll see it on the trail.
A big bonus to making my own path:
Finding these awesome Indian writings! Definitely a little hidden gem.
I’m a Victoria’s Secret model.
It’s such a secret, not even Victoria knows.
One thing I really loved about the Black Bush trail is the convenient signs pointing to the best views and lookouts along the way. This makes for some killer photos and great areas to just relax and take in the sights.
I just hiked this trail (end of November 2020) and it hit 63 degrees (yes, Southern Utah weather is the best) – that being said, it got HOT.
As you wind your way around the backside of the loop, the sun is beating directly down on your face and it’s an uphill climb. It’s not that this trail is hard, but if you’re not much for the heat, it could get difficult.
I’d suggest wearing a hat. (Like I wish I had!)
Make sure you bring plenty of water, and wear sunscreen, even in the “colder” seasons.
As mentioned previously, Black Brush Trail is a loop. You’ll simply follow the path as it loops back around to the parking lot!
And voila! There you have it.
The Ivins/Santa Clara area is super underrated. There are a ton of awesome hikes right nearby, such as Snow Canyon, Anasazi Trail, the Kayenta area, and even a dormant volcano to hike, just to name a few!
To see a video play-by-play of the Black Brush Trail hike, check out my Instagram highlight, HERE!
22 Responses
I didn’t know this place existed! Can’t wait to check it out for myself! I’m excited to explore and especially to see the Indian writings! Thanks for posting! Love your puns! Your posts are always fun to read!
Thanks for taking the time to check out the post! I can take you some time!
I love your posts! It’s awesome you can take the dogs too. The Indian writings are seriously awesome!
Thanks so much! It’s a great hike!
AHHH I can’t wait to travel again!! My pups would love this.
Yes! Come play! We are actually open, unlike most places!
This looks like a great hike with gorgeous views! Thanks for sharing your memories and adventures!
Appreciate that! Thanks for checking out the post!
I just want to start with that I loved all of the puns and your dog is SO cute! This looks like a fun and challenging hike! Thank you for sharing it!
Thank you so much! I actually have 2 dogs they just look alike ? one is just a lot smaller than the other, but people assume one is the baby. One is actually two and the other is four ?
awesome place! great captures as well
Thank you Hazel!
After last nights feast I’m gonna need a new hike thanks for the motivation!
Haha! I feel that one!
Cool post! And good pictures! I used to stayed in Utah for five years. I haven’t visit there for more than 10 years. I miss Utah a lot. Thank you for sharing.
That’s awesome! What part of Utah did you live in? It’s such a beautiful place and I’m so grateful to be here! Thanks for taking the time to read ♥️
This looks so gorgeous! Also, love the tripod setup lol (:
Why thank you. Love that tripod life ?
Blackbrush trail so beautiful place for photography. Love ur images so beautiful place.
Thank you! It was a unique spot I hadn’t been to before!
oh my! This place looks so awesome & you doing solo hiking makes you even more awesome ❤️
Thank you! I truly love solo hiking!