Hype:

If you only do one hike in the San Rafael Swell, Little Wild Horse should be the one. It is often hard to choose a favorite hike in an area, but for the San Rafael Swell, I would have to say Bell and Little Wild Horse is it. This loop hike includes a narrow winding slot, great views of the back of the reef, and another great canyon on the return. Tough to beat, it is easy to see why Little Wild Horse is likely the most popular hike in the Swell. As such, don't come here if you are looking for the lonely scenery and solitude much of the southern Utah desert provides, you are likely to see other people here. Depending on the time of year, this hike can be crowded, as the large parking areas at the trailhead can testify to. Hot in the summer, this is a great fall, winter, or spring hike, and family friendly.

Trailhead:

South of I-70 about 25 miles on Highway 95 (about 25 miles north of Hanksville), a signed road goes off to the west signed Goblin Valley. Follow this paved road 5.1 miles to a junction. Go south (left) on the signed road toward Goblin Valley, resetting your odometer. Just before Goblin Valley, 6.0 miles, another junction occurs. Go right here, resetting your odometer once again. Follow the now dirt road 5.3 miles to the signed Little Wild Horse trailhead. There is a parking area, restroom and information kiosk at the trailhead. This final section of road is generally passable by all vehicles, but can be very difficult if wet.

Route:

From the trailhead, follow the well defined trail up the wash. About 15 or so minutes from the car, the wash narrows and turns to slickrock. This short slickrock section has one small up climb that may prove difficult for some. If so, back track to the start of the slickrock slot, and follow a trail on the left (looking up canyon) that bypasses the obstacle.

Shortly after this first slickrock section (5-10 minutes), be on the lookout for Little Wild Horse coming in on the right. Many have missed this junction in the past, but as of winter 2009, the junction is signed. Go right, up Little Wild Horse. The canyon in sublime. As it cuts and winds its way through the reef, it gets very narrow and deep. Beautiful. It takes 1.5-2 hours to hike this section of canyon, depending on how often you stop for photographs. Once the canyon opens and begins exiting the reef, watch for the trail to leave the canyon on the left (looking up canyon).

The trail follows the back of the reef before reaching an old mining road that is followed down to the bottom of Bell Canyon. Go down Bell Canyon. The canyon is a much different character than Little Wild Horse, more open and wide. There are no major obstacles in Bell, just follow the path of least resistance. This will lead you back to the junction with Little Wild Horse, and back to the trailhead.

Photos:

Maps:

Download map(s): Map 1

My History:

I've hiked Bell and Little Wild Horse many times over the years, most recently in the winter of 2009.

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