Weekend trips on the Colorado Plateau

Ellen Heyn by Ellen Heyn, Communications Associate

Mild winter have you confused? Consider a trip to the reef!

Forget your swimsuit and snorkel – slot canyons, crags, and pools sub for tropical waters and coral at the San Rafael Reef. The steeply slanted eastern edge of the San Rafael Swell in south central Utah offers fantastic hiking and canyoneering. Grab your shoes and hit the trails!

Ding & Dang Canyons

Combine these two sister canyons for a semi-technical loop hike through the San Rafael Swell. Hike up Ding, skirt Ding Dang Dome, and return down Dang. Now that’s a tongue twister! Obstacles include: sculpted narrows, pools chockstones, and dry falls. Rope may be needed. Check out this hike ›

Eardley Pool

A short, easy walk along Straight Wash to lower Eardley Canyon. Pass several small pools and boulder hop until the trail dead ends at an impassable pouroff. Be sure to bring your swimsuit to this summer respite and take a dip in the cool water of Eardley Pool! Hike details ›

Wild Horse Canyon

Wild Horse Canyon cuts through the San Rafael Reef on a fairly long, but easy walk. This family-friendly hike follows the canyon floor through two mini slots, exiting into a wash. Either retrace your steps back to the trailhead, or set up a shuttle in advance and cut the length of the hike in half. See the views ›

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