San Rafael Swell
Tue
Hi:90 Lo:56 |
Wed
Hi:78 Lo:47 |
Thu
Hi:73 Lo:51 |
Fri
Hi:80 Lo:53 |
Sat
Hi:73 Lo:49 |
The San Rafael Swell is a large remote area in central/east Utah. It extends from near Hanksville to near Price, and from near Green River for many miles west. Access is usually made via I-70, or Price for the northern Swell. I-70 and highway 24 from I-70 to Hanksville provides access to the southern portion of the swell.
The swell is very diverse. The eastern and southern reef sections contain many great narrow slot canyons, while the interior of the Swell boasts expansive flat areas, broad canyons, cliffs, and towers. There are many remnants of old uranium mines, homesteads, and signs of Indian occupation. It goes without saying, but always stay out of, and away from any old mines you may come across. They are unstable, and may contain deadly gases.
Due to the remoteness, always have extra food, water, and fuel when venturing off pavement. Most areas of the swell require a significant drive from pavement to access them.
For more information on the location, history, and geology, check out wikipedia.
Season To Visit
Due to the large elevation difference between the reef, and the interior of the Swell, something can be found to do most anytime of the year. For technical canyons, spring and fall can be pleasant times, but may require wetsuits. Summer can be hot, and may be better suited to hiking and exploring the higher elevations. In winter, hiking and exploring the eastern and southern reefs can be perfect.Bugs can be brutal in the spring and summer months, go prepared.
San Rafael Swell Classics
There are many great hikes, climbs, and canyons in the swell.Hiking Little Wild Horse, spending the day at Goblin Valley, or visiting petroglyphs in Buckhorn Wash are great recommendations for family fun. For the more technically inclined, canyoneering the Upper Black Box, Quandary, Knotted Rope and many others offer great beauty and fun. Some of the technical canyons contain keeper potholes. Go prepared!
The Beta
Canyoneering
Climbing
| Trip | Rating |
|---|---|
| Assembly Hall Peak - Heavy Metal Route - San Rafael Swell | 5.10 A0 3-Pitches |
| Chimney Rock - San Rafael Swell | 5.6 PG-13 (5.3 in some books) |
| Sid and Charley - Northern Swell | 5.7 C0 or 5.10+ |
| Tomsich Butte - San Rafael Swell | 5.5 |
| Window Blind Peak - North Rib - San Rafael Swell | 5.7 3-Pitches |
Floating
| Trip | Rating |
|---|---|
| Little Grand Canyon - San Rafael Swell | Backpacking, Horseback, or Float |
| The Chute of Muddy Creek - Southern Swell | River Hiking or Class II Float |
Hiking
| Trip | Rating |
|---|---|
| Chute Buttress - Southern Swell | Class 4 hiking |
| Crack Canyon - San Rafael Swell | Hiking (Class 4) |
| Ding and Dang Canyons - San Rafael Swell | Hiking (Class 4) |
| Goblin Valley - Southern Swell | Easy hiking |
| Grotto Canyon - Northern Swell | Hiking (Class 4-) |
| Little Grand Canyon - San Rafael Swell | Backpacking, Horseback, or Float |
| Little Spotted Wolf Canyon - Southern Swell | Easy hiking |
| Little Wild Horse / Bell - San Rafael Swell | Hiking (Class 3) |
| Lower Black Box - San Rafael Swell | 2C |
| Pinnacle #1 - San Rafael | A little 4th class / easy 5th class climbing |
| Rochester Art Panel - San Rafael Swell | Easy Walking |
| San Rafael Knob - Southern Swell | Hiking with some scrambling (class 4) |
| Smith Canyon - Horsethief Canyon - Northern Swell | Moderate Hiking |
| The Blocks - San Rafael Swell | Easy Hiking, Moderate Route Finding. |
| The Chute of Muddy Creek - Southern Swell | River Hiking or Class II Float |
| Train Robbers Mesa - San Rafael | A little 4th class scrambling |
| Upper Muddy Creek - San Rafael Swell | Easy Hiking |
Roadside Attraction
| Trip | Rating |
|---|---|
| Black Dragon Wash - San Rafael Swell | Easy Walking |
| Buckhorn Wash Art Panels - San Rafael Swell | Easy Walking |
| Crystal Geyser - Green River | Easy Walking |
| Dutchman Arch - Locomotive Point - San Rafael Swell | Easy Walking |
| Goblin Valley - Southern Swell | Easy hiking |
| Wedge Overlook - San Rafael Swell | Roadside Attraction |