Little Wild Horse Canyon Utah
Explore the breathtaking, family-friendly slot canyons of Little Wild Horse in Utah, a natural playground of sculpted sandstone.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds and heat
Little Wild Horse Canyon Utah
Best Time
Avoid crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the breathtaking, family-friendly slot canyons of Little Wild Horse in Utah, a natural playground of sculpted sandstone.
"It seriously feels like nature’s gym—scrambling over rocks, squeezing through slot canyons, and hiking through stunning landscapes."
Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Grab an offline map on AllTrails or similar apps before you go! :iphone:
Pack Plenty of Water
Desert hiking requires hydration. Bring more water than you think you'll need, especially in warmer months. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sculpted Sandstone Walls
Little Wild Horse Canyon
Wander through towering, smooth sandstone walls that twist and turn, creating a natural maze.
Family-Friendly Slot Canyon
Little Wild Horse Canyon
Perfect for all ages, this canyon offers gentle climbs and narrow passages for an accessible adventure.
+1
Bell Canyon Scenery
Bell Canyon
Explore the adjacent Bell Canyon for a different, though less narrow, desert landscape with beautiful rock formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
The Loop vs. Out-and-Back
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Grab an offline map on AllTrails or similar apps before you go! :iphone:
Pack Plenty of Water
Desert hiking requires hydration. Bring more water than you think you'll need, especially in warmer months. :droplet:
Scramble with Care
Expect some rock scrambling. Assess your comfort level and turn back if a section feels too challenging. :athletic_shoe:
Go Early to Avoid Crowds
This popular spot gets busy. Arrive early to enjoy the solitude and best light.
Tips
from all over the internet
Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Grab an offline map on AllTrails or similar apps before you go! :iphone:
Pack Plenty of Water
Desert hiking requires hydration. Bring more water than you think you'll need, especially in warmer months. :droplet:
Scramble with Care
Expect some rock scrambling. Assess your comfort level and turn back if a section feels too challenging. :athletic_shoe:
Go Early to Avoid Crowds
This popular spot gets busy. Arrive early to enjoy the solitude and best light.
Consider the Loop
The Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon loop offers a varied experience, but an out-and-back is also great. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Little Wild Horse Canyon's stunning sculpted sandstone walls and family-friendly nature, calling it an accessible slot canyon adventure. While some find certain boulder scrambles challenging, most enjoy the unique textures and narrow passages. It's a highly recommended stop for its natural beauty and ease of exploration.
"Easy slot canyon with a bit of rock scrambling and challenges. This is a wide slot that is easy to hike through. We hiked 3.5 miles into Little Wildhorse and then turned around rather than doing the loop. It is pretty inside with interesting textures. I recommend downloading the map on All Trails before starting."
Karen Flach
"This can be a loop, but we hiked in and out of Little Wild Horse slot canyon. Our group of 4 turned around when we reached a boulder in the canyon that was difficult for us to climb over. The trail is easily found. There are times when the canyon is quite narrow, but this only added to the experience. As we were planning on hiking about 3 miles total, we also hiked in and out of Bell Canyon, which was not as narrow but also offered beautiful canyon scenery."
Carol Schwinghammer
"Make sure you leave early in the morning, have enough water, and take sunscreen."
Mike Glad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Little Wild Horse Canyon is about a 1.5-hour drive from Moab. Take I-70 West to exit 175, then head south on UT-24. Turn right onto Wild Horse Road (a dirt road) just before the entrance to Goblin Valley State Park. The trailhead is accessible from this road.
Wild Horse Road is a dirt road and can be rough. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, especially after rain or snow. Check local conditions before you go.
Yes, Little Wild Horse Canyon is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Salt Lake City, making it a feasible day trip or part of a longer road trip.
Yes, there is a parking area at the trailhead for Little Wild Horse Canyon. It can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early is advised.
The closest major attraction is Goblin Valley State Park. The nearest towns with services are Hanksville or Green River, both a significant drive away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee or permit required to hike Little Wild Horse Canyon. It is part of the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area, which is managed by the BLM.
Little Wild Horse Canyon is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
Little Wild Horse Canyon is located outside of Goblin Valley State Park. You do not need to pay the park entrance fee to access the canyon trailhead.
Dispersed camping is allowed in many areas of the San Rafael Swell. Goblin Valley State Park also offers camping facilities.
No booking is required. It's a first-come, first-served trailhead. Planning your visit during off-peak times can enhance your experience.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Little Wild Horse Canyon is generally considered an easy to moderate hike. It involves some scrambling over rocks and navigating narrow passages, making it family-friendly but requiring some agility.
An out-and-back hike into Little Wild Horse Canyon can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on how far you go and how often you stop. The full loop with Bell Canyon can take 4-6 hours.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip for scrambling. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended. Consider bringing a light jacket as it can be cooler inside the canyon.
Basic vault toilets are typically available at the Little Wild Horse Canyon trailhead. It's always a good idea to use facilities before you leave more populated areas. :toilet:
Yes, it's very family-friendly! Kids enjoy the climbing, squeezing through narrow spots, and the unique rock formations. Supervise children closely, especially near any water.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the sandstone textures. Midday sun can be harsh.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the narrowness and height of the slot canyon. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions, but be mindful of space.
The entire canyon is photogenic! Look for areas where the light streams in, the curves of the sandstone, and any unique rock formations. The entrance and narrower sections are particularly striking.
Drone usage is generally restricted in BLM lands and national parks. Check current regulations before flying a drone in the area.
Experiment with different angles to emphasize the height and narrowness. Look for patterns in the rock and play with the light and shadow.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 It's a great way to introduce children to the wonders of Utah's unique geology. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and keep a close eye on little ones as they navigate the terrain. The relatively short approach to the slot canyon also means you can tailor the hike to your children's energy levels. 🎒 Budget Travelers
The main costs will be fuel to get there and any food or water you pack. Downloading an offline map is crucial, saving you from potential data charges. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for golden hour to capture the warm glow on the rock. A wide-angle lens will be your best friend here to convey the scale and depth of the slot canyon. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Slot Canyon Experience
+1While the main path is straightforward, you'll encounter sections with boulders and rock formations that require some climbing. These are generally manageable for most hikers, but it's wise to assess your comfort level and that of your group. For those seeking a longer adventure, the Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon loop offers a more comprehensive experience, combining the iconic narrow passages of Little Wild Horse with the broader desert scenery of Bell Canyon.
Remember that flash floods are a potential hazard in slot canyons. Always check the weather forecast before your visit, and if there's any chance of rain, it's best to postpone your hike. The BLM often posts advisories, but personal vigilance is key.
Planning Your Utah Slot Canyon Adventure
+1When planning your visit, consider the time of day. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the most dramatic lighting for photos and help you avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds. The canyon walls create a natural shade, but the approach and open areas can be exposed.
For those looking to extend their stay, dispersed camping is an option in the surrounding BLM lands, offering a more primitive experience. Alternatively, Goblin Valley State Park provides developed campgrounds. Always pack out everything you pack in to preserve the pristine desert environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit