Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
898.00 ft (273.71 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.30 mi (5.31 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The trailhead for the Historic Babylon Trail has space for about three or four cars. Watch for an obvious gap in the cliffs very close to the trailhead; this is where you should park. Hike toward the obvious gap in the sandstone cliff. Enter the gap and continue through.

The trail follows a dry wash through some heavy vegetation for a short distance. When you emerge from the vegetation, the Little Purgatory Trail will be on your left. Continue straight as the Historic Babylon Trail works its way uphill across varied terrain. At some points the trail is difficult to follow. Watch for cairns, some of which are small. There is no protection from the sun, so be prepared with plenty of water, a hat, and sun protection.

At about 2.5 miles the trail reaches a barbed wire fence overlooking the town of Leeds. Make a sharp left and the trail will steadily climb, at times passing through the fence in several locations. After one long switchback the trail ends and the Little Purgatory Trail begins. Return the way you came or continue on the Little Purgatory Trail to complete a loop hike.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Scenic open desert.

Cons

Exposure to sun entire trail. Difficult to follow trail at times.

Trailhead Elevation

2,979.00 ft (908.00 m)

Highest point

3,821.00 ft (1,164.64 m)

Features

Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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