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    • 4.4 miLoop
    360 ftVertical gain
    MinimalTechnicality
    DirtDesert singletrack

    Runnable desert singletrack near Zion

    Sheep Bridge Loop is a 4.4-mile loop from the Sheep Bridge Nature Preserve Trailhead in Virgin. It links a few trails into a fun, runnable route with about 360 feet of climbing and big views of the Virgin River and Zion National Park.

    You start on a gravel road for a few minutes before turning onto singletrack. From there it is mostly non-technical desert running with some minor hills. The second half of the loop is the scenic part, above the Virgin River with Zion’s peaks on the skyline.

    Part of the route crosses land the Nature Conservancy bought, so instead of a new subdivision you get continued access to these trails. Parts of the Zion 100 run through this area, which makes the loop a good pre-race shakeout or training run.

    Sheep Bridge Loop trail facts

    Distance
    4.4 miles (loop)
    Vertical gain
    360 ft
    Terrain
    Dirt singletrack
    Technicality
    Minimal
    Navigation
    Easy
    Trailhead
    Sheep Bridge Nature Preserve
    Parking
    Gravel lot
    Fees
    None
    Dog friendly
    No
    Cell coverage
    Yes
    Amenities
    None at trailhead
    Best time
    Early morning or evening

    Sheep Bridge Loop map & elevation

    Map of Sheep Bridge Loop: from the trailhead by the Virgin River the route heads west along the river, climbs south toward the Carne Asada Trail, and loops back north.
    Loop from the Sheep Bridge Nature Preserve Trailhead (green dot), west along the Virgin River and south toward the Carne Asada Trail.
    Elevation (ft) 3,400 3,450 3,500 3,550 3,600 3,650 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 miles High point 3,609 ft
    Trailhead 3,465 ftHigh point 3,609 ftRecorded gain 300 ftGPS distance 4.38 mi
    From the GPS track recorded Oct 16, 2026. Watch and phone distances vary a little from the posted 4.4 miles.

    The first half mile along the river is nearly flat. The route then climbs gently, about 160 feet, to its high point a little past mile 2. The second half is a long, gradual descent with the river and Zion views, finishing back at the trailhead.

    Download GPX Trailhead in Google Maps

    What you’ll see on Sheep Bridge Loop

    Virgin River canyon with Zion National Park peaks on the horizon
    Zion on the skyline above the river
    Singletrack heading toward a banded red and white mesa
    Singletrack below the mesa
    Rocky side canyon below a layered mesa
    Side canyon near the river
    Yucca beside a dirt singletrack with a mesa beyond
    Yucca along the trail
    Narrow dirt singletrack through sage with distant cliffs
    Easy singletrack early in the loop
    Gravel parking lot and fence at the Sheep Bridge Nature Preserve trailhead
    The preserve trailhead

    Before you run Sheep Bridge Loop

    • Trail or road shoes.The terrain is mostly smooth dirt with minimal technical sections, so light trail shoes or road shoes both work.
    • Leave the dog at home.Pets are not permitted in the Sheep Bridge Nature Preserve.
    • Watch for bikes.These trails are popular with mountain bikers, and parts of the network are one-way for bikes. Stay alert on corners and descents.
    • Go early or late.There is zero shade. Mornings are quietest on these bike-heavy trails, and evenings are cooler with great light on the cliffs.
    • Load the GPX.The loop links several trails. Put the GPX track on your watch so you make the right turns.
    • Respect the preserve.Part of the route crosses Nature Conservancy land that is open to the public. Stay on the trail and pack out everything.

    Getting to the Sheep Bridge Nature Preserve Trailhead

    Sheep Bridge Nature Preserve: a Nature Conservancy preserve on the Virgin River in the town of Virgin, on the way to Zion.

    Sheep Bridge Road at the Virgin River, Virgin, UT
    1. From St. George, take I-15 north to Exit 16 and follow State Route 9 east through Hurricane and La Verkin.
    2. As you reach Virgin, turn right onto Sheep Bridge Road.
    3. The preserve trailhead is by the bridges over the Virgin River.
    4. Start on the gravel road for a few minutes, then turn onto the singletrack.
    Open directions

    Parking: free gravel lot. Mountain bikers are asked to park at the BLM Sheep Bridge Trailhead to the south instead, so this lot is for hikers and runners.

    Amenities: none at the trailhead. Bring your own water.

    Dogs: pets are not permitted in the preserve.

    Road shoes or trail shoes?

    This loop works with either. Stop by the shop and we’ll help you pick.

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