Miner's Point Trail

Miner's Point is an easy walk on a mostly flat dirt doubletrack along the park's far east rim. The named spur is about 0.9 mile each way from its junction with Big Chief; the 1.7-mile round trip includes the small loop at the point and returns over the same corridor. Occasional Kayenta sandstone slabs break through the dirt. Allow about 45 minutes on the spur itself, without a long stop. It suits an easy canyon walk with a bit of mining history, not a strenuous hike.

The spur begins at a trail junction, not at a car park. The primary trailhead for the far east mixed-use system is one mile south of the entrance station. Follow the posted map to Big Chief, where the Miner's Point track branches off. The north side of the Visitor Center lot is a secondary access; the park directs riders to use it only when the primary lot is full. The 1.7 miles is the spur alone, so include the approach from your chosen lot in your day.

About 0.3 mile from Big Chief, Upper Dark Horse drops downhill to the right. Keep straight and uphill for Miner's Point. The dirt road is smooth and nearly level, with scattered sandstone showing through; the trail then curls into its small rim loop before returning to Big Chief. Upper Dark Horse is a separate route to other overlooks.

The terminal loop follows the mesa edge and passes low mounds of mine tailings. Views open north and east across the Colorado River canyon country, with the La Sal Mountains to the east. For a useful phone photo, keep a nearby sandstone slab in the foreground so the canyon's depth reads in the frame.

The park identifies Miner's Point as the historic endpoint of an oil line that reached the Colorado River below. Its account of the far east trail system also describes early-1950s oil workers using an equipment cable to reach their operation about 2,000 feet beneath the rim. The tailings are still visible on the loop; the mine and operator are not identified in the available records.

Hikers share these trails with mountain bikers, and dogs are allowed on leash at all times. This is the park's most remote section: maps are posted at junctions, basic route-finding is needed, and cell reception is spotty. Stay on the track near the rim and check the junction map before setting out.