Guide to San Rafael Swell

San Rafael Swell, a massive anticline formed eons ago, spans over 2,000 square miles. This geologic marvel, featuring canyons, mesas, and buttes, is divided by I-70 into northern and southern sections, drained by the San Rafael River and Muddy Creek, respectively. San Rafael Swell has numerous unique areas to visit. Below, we've listed a few of the best.

The Wedge (Little Grand Canyon)

Main attraction: Views of the San Rafael River



The Wedge, also known as Little Grand Canyon, is a scenic area 1,200 feet above San Rafael River. The Wedge Overlook is considered one of Utah's most scenic overlooks. At the overlook, you'll get fantastic views of the San Rafael River as it flows through Little Grand Canyon, below. Near the Wedge Overlook, you'll find restrooms, handicap access, and plenty of areas designated for hiking and mountain biking. Note that The Wedge is very isolated and no services are available. You'll need to have a full tank of gas and plenty of food and water before visiting.

Little Wild Horse Canyon

Main attraction: Narrow canyons

Little Wild Horse Canyon is probably the best known slot canyon in San Rafael Swell. It's an extremely popular hike for folks of all skill levels. The canyon is easy to access and is just a few miles from Goblin Valley State Park. As you hike thorouh Little Wild Horse Canyon, you'll wind through a number of serpentine twists and tight narrows.

You can hike the most interesting sections of the canyon in around a couple of hours, although you can combine the hike with Bell Canyon, which makes the total distance about eight miles and time to complete around six hours.



The best time to visit Little Wild Horse Canyon is March through November. Dogs are welcome. Note that, as previously mentioned, this canyon is very popular. This is not the place to go if you're looking for solitude. At times, the trail through the canyon can be crowded. In addition, like most slot canyons, it is prone to flash floods. Make sure you check the weather before going to Little Wild Horse Canyon.

Goblin Valley State Park

Main attraction: Hoodoos



Located on the southeastern edge of the San Rafael Swell, Goblin Valley is one of the most unusual places you’ll ever visit. It’s covered with all sorts of unusual geologic formations, such as sandstone goblins and three square miles of hoodoos. The park is a great place to hike and mountain bike, with a dozen or so hiking trails and miles of interconnecting mountain bike trails (the Wild Horse Trail System).

Goblin Valley State Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park, meaning that it is an excellent place to do night photography, astrophotography, or simply spend an evening stargazing. 

You can also do some canyoneering in Goblin’s Lair, a 70-foot sandstone cave, located on the east side of Goblin Valley. You’ll need some experience canyoneering, and you’ll need a backcountry permit, as well.

San Rafael Reef

Main attraction:  Slot canyons



San Rafael Reef is located along San Rafael Swell’s eastern edge. The area is filled with multi-colored cliffs and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This is a great location for landscape artists and photographers looking for inspiration. San Rafael Reef is also home to numerous slot canyons, such as Chute Canyon and Crack Canyon. Canyons in San Rafael Reef can rum from 200-feet deep to around 1,000-feet deep. Because of the abundance of canyons, San Rafael Reef is a very popular place for canyoneering and rock climbing.