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"Thread the Needle" on this highly exposed trail.


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Map Key

4.1

Miles

6.6

KM

Point to Point

4,070' 1,241 m

High

3,433' 1,046 m

Low

645' 197 m

Up

553' 169 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

15%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Description

To reach the beginning of the trail, take either Barrel Roll Trail or Precipice Trail to Sidewinder Trail. Note that the round trip from the Cove Wash Trailhead and back is about 13.2 miles. From the top of Sidewinder Trail, Suicidal Tendencies immediately drops down a steep slope with exposed switchbacks. You should expect a steep descent, filled with switchbacks and precipitous exposure. After you navigate down the edge of Sidewinder Mesa, youll wind across the valley floor before ascending up the next mesa.

The ascent is similar in technicality to the previous descent, a few technical rock sections with some exposure. Near the top of the climb is Hangover, a large rock that hangs above the trail. Watch your head. Past the Hangover is a technical rock move nicknamed Thread the Needle, because you must fit between rocks on each side of the trail. After this section, youve reached the top of the Mesa.

Once on top of the mesa, the hiking changes dramatically. The technicality drops significantly and you simply follow gentle switchbacks to the high point of the mesa. Here you are rewarded with views of the Beaver Dam Mountains to the west. Continuing on after the point, you descend through Juniper trees and occasional slick rock sections to complete the loop back to the top of Thread the Needle. From this point you'll hike the first part of the trail in reverse. Enjoy the journey but keep an eye out for other users and desert wildlife.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#2351

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  5.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#109

in Utah

#2,351

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1,238 Since Apr 13, 2015
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Photos

Sunrise on the climb up to the Mesa.  Suicidal Tendencies Trail
Apr 13, 2015 near Santa C…, UT
St. George overlook
Jun 25, 2018 near Santa C…, UT
Running down the first section of Suicidal Tendencies.
Apr 13, 2015 near Santa C…, UT
The view from the start of the lollipop section of the trail on top of the mesa.
Apr 13, 2015 near Santa C…, UT

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