Experience the Swell
The San Rafael Swell is a wonderland of slot canyons, crazy rock outcroppings, and plenty of adventure. Make sure the car has plenty of gas and stop by the Melon Vine Food Store on Broadway to grab snacks and lunch for your day out (there’s no food available where you’ll be going). Get on the interstate and head west. Admire the magnificent, otherworldly rock formations of the San Rafael Swell as you take Highway 24 south for some excellent canyon exploration. The below destinations are all within a few miles of each other, and we suggest you pick two adventures for a full day of fun. Here are some suggested itinerary pairings with full descriptions following:
Family Fun and Leisurely Exploration
Goblin Valley State Park
The otherworldly landscape of Goblin Valley State Park was created by years of wind and water erosion wearing away goblin-like “hoodoo” formations out of the sandstone. Visitors can freely wander among the ghoulish and goofy natural sculptures and seek out secret caves and nooks within the rock.
50 minutes, 50 miles to the park entrance
Little Wild Horse Canyon
For adventures for all ages and skill levels, head to Little Wild Horse Canyon, one of the most spectacular and easily accessible slot canyons in Utah. The committed can finish the whole Little Wild Horse-Bell Canyon loop (about 8 miles), but those content with less can hike as far as they like and then return the way they came.
1 hr 10 minutes, 54.7 miles to the trailhead
Eye of Sinbad
For a short, easy hike (3 miles roundtrip) over slickrock, the Eye of Sinbad offers a unique and surprising destination—a hollowed slickrock chamber complete with natural oculus that frames the sky above. After turning on to Goblin Valley Road from Temple Mountain Road, look for a dirt road heading west after about 0.3 miles. Drive down this road 0.25 miles to a dirt parking area and follow the trail to the slickrock. You can see the cave to the west from the parking area.
44 minutes, 44 miles to the trailhead
Yoga in the Wild
Looking for a restorative experience in the wondrous landscapes of canyon country? Get in the Wild Adventures offers wilderness yoga excursions that combine the perfect balance of invigorating hiking and rejuvenating yoga practice.
50 minutes, 50 miles to Goblin Valley State Park
Ding and Dang Canyons
Those looking for a more adventurous slot canyon experience can drive one mile past Little Wild Horse to Ding and Dang Canyons. This five mile loop provides some more intense scrambling and climbing than Little Wild Horse, but doesn’t require technical skills or gear.
1 hour 15 minutes, 56 miles to the trailhead
Rappelling in Goblin Valley
If you’re looking for a true canyoneering experience, get in touch with Get in the Wild Adventures who host technical canyoneering trips in Goblin Valley’s Chamber of the Basilisk and Robbers Roost. Learn how to rappel and access otherwise forbidden canyon treasures.
50 minutes, 50 miles to the park entrance