Thursday, March 28, 2013

Spring Break = Road Trip

There are so many great places to explore in Utah.  Hidden treasures in our own backyard!  Here's a real gem!

Little Wild Horse Canyon

 

Little Wild Horse is a slot canyon in the San Rafael Swell of Emery County. (Place of my birth)  It is a bit challenging to get to but is well worth the effort.  From Price, Utah take US 6 eastbound to I-70 (about 60 miles), then travel west on I-70 for about 8 miles until you reach the Hanksville/SR-24 exit 147.  Take exit 147 and travel south for 24 miles.  Follow signs leading to Goblin Valley State Park.  Just before you reach the entrance to Goblin Valley you will see the sign for Little Wild Horse Canyon on your right.   Turn right and follow the road another 5.3 miles before coming to the parking lot and trail head.  The hiking trail follows a wash lined with very old cottonwood trees for about half mile before you arrive at a trail  junction.  Left begins the Bell Canyon trail and right is Little Wild Horse Canyon.  Little Wild Horse is family friendly and kids love it!  It is possible to hike Bell Canyon and Little Wild Horse as an 8 mile loop.  (Don't take the little kiddos on that one).  The best time of year to hike Little Wild Horse is spring and fall.  Summer is too hot in the desert.  Also take plenty of water and food and don't hike during a rain storm.  Flood waters can make this canyon very dangerous!  The textures in the walls of this canyon are amazing!  Love, Love, Love this desert hike!  Oh, and don't forget to visit Goblin Valley while you're in the neighborhood!  The state park entrance fee is $7.00.  Take a picnic and spend some time playing hide and seek or steal the flag among the goblins.


 So many different textures in the walls of the canyon.
Grandson Eric leads us through the slot.  Kids love this hike!




 The entire group thanks to a kind hiker!
 Entrance to one of several slots.

 Home, home on the range where the deer and the antelope play!
 Three sisters stand guard.


   Did you know that the original name was Mushroom Valley?


"Not all those who wander are lost."      JRR Tolkien


2 comments:

  1. I grew up hiking this canyon! I love it, and Goblin Valley! So much fun and such beautiful things to see! The absolute wonders of nature!

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  2. That's a great group picture!!

    cory

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