The first leg of my wife and I’s trip to Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (GSENM), was a stop in Page to check out the Hanging Gardens, at the base of Manson Mesa. Though only two miles roundtrip, the trail was still double the length I expected. Not a big deal to most of us, but fair warning to the elderly or those who — like my wife — have bad feet. It was very warm, and incredibly windy, but she was a trooper: My comment to her was that Page is a giant sand dune being slowly blown into Utah.
Truth be told, I was kind of disappointed by the “gardens”, as it was only a small section of unflowering green, and hardly moist at all. Oh well, it was a good way to stretch the legs after the long drive from Phoenix. (Btw, Highway 89T is a pretty darn nice road; hope they make it permanent.)
Unfortunately, no pictures, for reasons which will be explained in a future triplog. I do remember seeing a smiley face etched in some rock, not too far from the trailhead. My comment was “The ancient Hohokam were a happy people.” 🙂
Distance: 1.99 mi.
AEG: 250 ft.
