Little Wild Horse Canyon
Unveiling the Hidden Wonders of Utah's Slot Canyons
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 11/11/2024
Little Wild Horse is a classic slot canyon located in south-central Utah, near Goblin Valley, on our way to Capitol Reef. It is
a popular hiking spot for families and youth groups. The main attraction is a long stretch of "narrows," where the canyon walls
are so close you have to turn sideways to get through. The rock walls are sculpted and very beautiful.
Hikers are drawn to Little Wild Horse Canyon for its captivating slot canyons, sculpted by centuries of water erosion. The towering sandstone walls create an otherworldly ambiance, with sections so narrow that hikers must squeeze through, adding an element of excitement to the experience.
The canyon offers various trails suitable for different skill levels, making it accessible to both beginners and seasoned hikers. It's a great place for families, offering an opportunity for children to explore the wonders of nature. The slot canyons offer cool relief from the desert heat, making it an ideal destination during the warmer months.
Little Wild Horse Canyon provides a sense of wonder, adventure, and connection with the natural world that lingers in the memories of all who venture into its depths. It's an excellent example of the extraordinary landscapes that make Utah a haven for outdoor exploration.
Where is Little Wild Horse Canyon? Map
Click Image to view a larger Google Map112 miles from Moab, UT and just 5.2 miles north of route 24 - we had been looking for a place to allow us to get out of the car for a while and work up an appetite for lunch. Celeste did a bit of map research, and noticed that we would be able to hike through a slot canyon and it looked interesting - so we decided to give it a try.
We drove on Utah route 24 and took a right turn onto Temple Mt. Road. We then proceeded north to Goblin Valley Road where we turned left (west) - just before the Goblin State Park entrance we turned right onto Wild Horse Road. In approximately 5.5 miles, you will arrive at the parking lot.
You can see in the lower left corner of this map, that our eventual destination of Torrey, UT was only 55 miles away from Little Wild Horse Canyon, and since we could not check into our motel until 3PM, a decision to stop and hike was easy to make.
If you hiked in through the slot canyon to the top and then crossed over onto the Bell Canyon trail, you will have walked 8 strenous miles by the time you return to the parking lot. We did not have the time (or the energy) to hike that far, so we turned back after the slot canyon. Not sure of the exact distance we hiked, but it was easily 2.5 to 3.0 mile round trip.
What makes Little Wild Horse Canyon particularly inviting is its accessibility to hikers of all skill levels. The hike can be tailored to suit your preferences, whether you're seeking a short and easy stroll or a more challenging, longer trek. The main attraction is the winding slot canyon, where hikers can squeeze through tight spaces, admire towering sandstone walls, and marvel at the play of light and shadow.
Trailhead and Parking:
- The trail starts at the Little Wild Horse Canyon/Bell Canyon Trailhead, with a spacious parking lot equipped with restrooms.
- A round-trip hike into Little Wild Horse Canyon alone is about 4–6 miles, depending on how far you choose to explore the slot canyon before turning back. For the full Little Wild Horse-Bell Canyon Loop, it’s 8 miles.
The Hike:
- From the parking lot, the trail begins in a dry wash with loose sand and small rocks. Follow the clearly marked trailhead signs toward Little Wild Horse Canyon.
- After about a mile, the canyon walls begin to close in, creating the narrow, winding pathways characteristic of a slot canyon.
Canyon Features:
- Some sections are just a few feet wide, requiring hikers to squeeze through or navigate around obstacles.
- The walls of Little Wild Horse Canyon display beautiful layers of red, orange, and yellow sandstone, smoothed by years of erosion.
- Minor scrambling over rocks and boulders is required in some areas, but it’s manageable for beginners and children.
- Depending on recent rainfall, you may encounter shallow pools or mud, adding an adventurous element to the hike.
Challenges:
- Slot canyons are prone to flash floods. Always check the weather forecast before hiking, and avoid the canyon if storms are predicted.
- Little Wild Horse Canyon is very popular, especially during weekends and holidays. Arrive early to enjoy a quieter experience.
- The trail is well-marked, but the similar-looking terrain can be disorienting. GPS or maps can help, especially if attempting the loop.
What to Bring:
- Water and Snacks: The hike can be hot and dry, especially in summer and there are no facilities there.
- Sun Protection: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.
- Sturdy Shoes: Trail runners or hiking boots with good grip are recommended for navigating rocky sections.
- Weather Awareness: Always be prepared to exit quickly if there’s rain in the forecast.
Click here to read a good description of the entire hike.
It is approximately a mile from the parking lot to the slot canyon, it was a bright & sunny day so it got warmer as we hiked in. We brought enough water to stay hydrated and enjoyed the walk. Even though the parking lot was full, we did not see that many people on the trail - they must have been scattered out across all of the full trail.
Some Useful Links for Little Wild Horse Canyon
- Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
- Google Search Results list for "Little Wild Horse Canyon"
- Google Search Results list for "accommodations near Little Wild Horse Canyon"
- Google Images set for "Little Wild Horse Canyon"
- Little Wild Horse Canyon on the "Get Your Guide" Website
- Amazon Search Results for "Little Wild Horse Canyon Utah"
- Youtube Search Results for "Little Wild Horse Canyon"
- Visit our Youtube Channel
- Our Image Gallery for Little Wild Horse Canyon
- Wikipedia Article for Little Wild Horse Canyon
- Google Image Gallery for Little Wild Horse Canyon
- Google Reviews for Little Wild Horse Canyon
Trip Itinerary
Click above map to view a larger Google Map As you can see by the this map, our trip covered 3 different states, approximately 1,600 road miles and allowed us to see some spectacular geography. You might think that a trip of this distance would be something that would result in a "tired of driving" mood - but our stops were so diverse with such incredible geography and fun things to do, that we found that we looked forward to each morning to where we could continue our adventures!
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