Mesa Drive is the lower access road onto Smith Mesa, climbing away from the Virgin River valley on the west side of Virgin, Utah. It is the gentle end of a much longer network that eventually connects to Kolob Terrace Road, and this lower stretch is graded, wide, and easy to read. It makes a good warm up run or a family-friendly outing before tackling the rockier sections higher on the mesa.
Trail Summary
- Location: Virgin, Utah, off Highway 9 (Smith Mesa Road / Mesa Drive)
- Distance: 9.4 miles
- Difficulty: Level 1 - Suitable for high clearance 2WD
- Minimum Elevation: 4,964 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 5,849 ft
- Elevation Gain: 843 ft
- Travel Time: Approximately 30 to 40 minutes
Difficulty
Suitable for high clearance 2WD
Stock equipment is sufficient and no special equipment is needed. The road surface is dirt and rocky in places, with occasional dips and ruts under 5 inches. Grades are gentle and traction is good throughout, making this section safe for most 4WD and high clearance 2WD vehicles. The road is typically two vehicles wide.
Elevation
The route starts near 4,964 feet along the base of the mesa and climbs steadily to 5,849 feet at its high point. Total gain over the run is 843 feet, with only about 99 feet of loss recorded, so the drive is a consistent, gradual climb rather than a series of ups and downs.
Terrain
This is mountain shelf road and rocky two-track. The route follows a long, rolling climb up the western face of Smith Mesa on a graded dirt and rock surface. The road stays wide and predictable for its entire length, with sweeping curves rather than tight switchbacks, and there is no exposure or off-camber travel on this lower section.
4WD Experience
A high-clearance 4WD will handle this stretch of Mesa Drive without any drama. Low range is not needed. Expect a washboard surface in spots and some embedded rock, but tire placement is not critical anywhere on this run. This makes a solid shakedown drive for a newer rig or a relaxed cruise for anyone wanting mesa views without technical obstacles.
Travel Time
The recorded track covered the 9.4 miles in about 26 minutes of moving time. For a high-clearance 4WD vehicle driving at a comfortable pace with stops for photos or to check the road ahead, plan on 30 to 40 minutes for this section one way.
Highlights
Open views back down into the Virgin River valley and toward Zion National Park's western reaches build steadily as the road gains elevation. The upper end of this section sets up nicely for a continuation onto the broader Smith Mesa plateau, where pinyon and juniper woodland opens into old farmland meadows with views of Red Butte and the Pine Valley Mountains.
Trail GPS File
Map