Sundance Trail

The primary access route into the lower section of Dark Canyon.

Trail description

Note: this trail has little shade and no water until you reach the perennial creek in Dark Canyon. Carry an entire day’s worth of water with you (at least a gallon per person), and bring a filter for refilling just to be safe.

A small brown sign, located across from the trail register box, marks an old two-track road that takes you around the head of a tributary. Cryptobiotic crust lines both sides of the trail, punctuated by junipers, piñon pines, and yuccas on the slickrock benches. The two-track gradually descends, winding past swirly sandstone hills to a wash that you follow to the canyon’s rim.

Continue west along the edge, enjoying views of the rugged Henry Mountains that extend over a distance of 30 miles. The southernmost peaks, which include Mt. Holmes and Mt. Ellsworth, are called the “Little Rockies” for their jagged slopes.

Around 1.75 miles, a signed foot trail branches off from the old road. Veer right on the single-track trail, which weaves across a flat desert shrubland. In a half mile, cairns start to mark the route across slickrock patches. The trail drops down a series of benches as you work around to the far north side of the tributary.

A knee-busting descent

Around 2.9 miles from the trailhead, you start down a 50-degree talus slope that drops 1,200 feet in less than a mile. A mess of cairns proves more confusing than helpful – pick your route wisely as you make your way down this seemingly vertical descent. A brief moment of relief comes when the trail traverses west across the slope, but the merciless grade resumes as you plunge the rest of the way to the bottom of the tributary.

Progress is slow, and you won’t find any shade until you’re on flat ground again. Around 3.9 miles, you reach the canyon floor. Follow the cairned route past boulders, across washes, and along the banks toward Dark Canyon. In a quarter mile, the tributary reaches the perennial creek that flows through the lower section of Dark Canyon. You can retrace your steps back to the trailhead, or find several good campsites here, shaded by cottonwood trees beside the creek.

Extended trip options

The mileage given above indicates a day hike of the Sundance Trail. But after the effort to reach Dark Canyon, there’s much to explore both down and up canyon. Marine fossils, waterfalls, and sculpted pools lure you deeper into the towering canyon walls.

A great option is to set up a basecamp at the end of the Sundance Trail and spend a few days in Dark Canyon. From here, it’s only about 3 miles downstream to the Colorado River. Or, you can venture up canyon towards the high country of Elk Ridge. 

Directions

From the turnoff to Natural Bridges National Monument, drive west on Hwy 95 for about 38 miles. Slow down when you pass over the White Canyon Bridge, and look for the next dirt road on your right (just before milepost 53). Turn right onto San Juan County Road 2731 (unmarked), and continue for 5 miles to a Y intersection with San Juan County Road 2081 (marked). Veer right onto 2081, and travel about 3.4 miles to another Y intersection. Stay left, merging onto San Juan County Road 256. White signs mark the last 3.5 miles to the trailhead, which has a small parking area, trail register box, and a BLM information board.

Note: Road conditions vary depending on the weather and can be impassable if wet.