Attractions and Places To See in Muddy Creek Wilderness - Top 7
Best attractions and places to see in Muddy Creek Wilderness include a rugged and remote landscape spanning 98,023 acres in Utah. This area is defined by the deep Muddy Creek Canyon, which cuts through various geological formations within the San Rafael Swell. The wilderness features layered sedimentary rocks, volcanic evidence, and historical sites, offering a blend of natural wonders and human history. It provides opportunities for backcountry recreation and exploration of its diverse topography.
Best attractions and places to see…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Little Wild Horse Canyon
Highlight (Segment) • Canyon
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Bell Canyon
Highlight • Canyon
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Wild Horse Window
Highlight • Cave
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Narrow part with boulders to climb
Highlight • Canyon
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Narrow, twisty going, but it’s unbelievably beautiful here.
Highlight • Canyon
The sandstone, polished by wind and tide, has almost human curves, hips, waves, …
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It's a living corridor, a ribbon of winding sandstone, a succession of walls that meander and undulate. The sandstone, polished by wind and tide, has almost human curves, hips, waves, draperies, and folds of fabric frozen in the colors of the surroundings. At this point, we exchanged our water shoes for our hiking boots. After that, the paths remained dry.
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Little Wild Horse and Bell Slot Canyons, unfortunately the unfinished ones for us 😥🙁😥 Today the Little Wild Horse Canyon and possibly the Bell Canyon should be visited. The two canyons can be explored in an approximately 13 km long circular tour. Here you can find my planned complete tour: komoot.de/tour/822561321 We left Goblin Campground very early because it was the weekend and all hell is supposed to break loose in the canyons on the weekend. The road to the trailhead is now paved, so it wasn't a problem even for our motorhome. When we arrived at the trailhead we were the very first ones 😃 So much for my phobia the previous days: we're pretty sure we won't get a parking space 😱 After a good breakfast we went to the Little wild horse canyon. At the beginning you go up the common wash to the junction and turn right there to Little Wild Horse Canyon. A signpost shows the way. My recommendation: Be sure to go through Little wild horse Canyon first, as most people do that. Because at the bottlenecks there is no way to get past each other in oncoming traffic!!! Now it became wonderfully nice to fight your way through the sometimes narrow and then wider places. However, after about a kilometer we were forced to make a decision in a narrow area with a boulder. Either climb over the boulder and not know whether we can overcome it again on the way back or continue walking the entire 13 km circular route or turn back here. We decided to turn back, especially since I had also pre-booked a slot canyon “Cardiac Canyon” with Page. In 2012 I was nearby in the world-famous Lower Antelope Canyon: flickr.com/photos/pharoahsax/albums/72157641505310913 On the way back we wanted to walk at least a little bit into Bell Canyon. But unfortunately a smooth rock barrier blocked the way for us old men, so we surrendered here too and ended the tour. In conclusion: Despite the cancellation, it was worth going on this tour😊 For younger people it is certainly no problem to overcome the rock and complete the circular tour, especially since you come from above at the rock barrier and you can always get down 😉
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Wild Horse Window is a large hollowed out grotto, creating a natural skylight. It is sometimes referred to as Skylight Arch.
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Little Wild Horse is a classic Utah slot canyon with a long stretch of "narrows", or tight, high canyon walls. It is a great introduction to exploring slot canyons.
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Bell Canyon is in the heart of San Rafael Swell and goes from the Little Wild Horse Trailhead to the Behind the Reef Road. While not quite as narrow as its neighbor Little Wild Horse, it's still worth checking out.
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In the lower part of Bell Canyon there is a smooth rock barrier. Coming from above, from the direction of the circular tour (starting with Little Wild Horse Canyon), it is easy to cross or descend. However, it is not quite so easy from below. We stopped the climb into Bell Canyon here for health reasons and fear of slipping, sprains or worse. Unfortunately :-( This is also why I recommend: Please do the circular tour anti-clockwise via Wild Horse Canyon.
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This part of the Little Wild Horse Canyon is probably the narrowest part of the tour and it is precisely in this bottleneck that a boulder blocks the easy passage. The rock can be climbed with skill and easy climbing inserts. A group of youngsters helped me to carry stones and with that it would have been easy to cross the obstacle. However, I wasn't sure if I would be able to get over this boulder on the way back and the 14 km round trip over Bell Canyon was too long for me. The teenagers managed the crossing with ease. Like me, many are likely to start their way back here. But even so far it has been a fantastic experience.
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The Wild Horse window objective is a lesser-known highlight. It's just outside of Goblin Valley State Park. The trail runs on sloping rock slabs in the blazing sun. The wild horse window can only be seen shortly before the finish and it is at the end of a valley. You should definitely walk the route with a GPS device It is an impressive site with rock carvings, which are not supposed to be real. You can find more information in German here: https://www.redrockspirit.com/home/utah/wildhorse1.htm
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary natural features to explore in Muddy Creek Wilderness?
The Muddy Creek Wilderness is defined by the dramatic Muddy Creek Canyon, which cuts through various geological formations within the San Rafael Swell. You'll find deep gorges, twisted landscapes, and layered sedimentary rocks. Other notable natural features include the spectacular 'Chute of Muddy Creek', a narrow slot canyon, and the Muddy Creek Gorge, showcasing various sandstone layers. The area also features volcanic evidence and the Blue Hills Badlands.
Are there any historical or cultural sites in the Muddy Creek Wilderness?
Yes, the region has a rich history. You can find the Rochester Rock Art Panel, featuring Fremont Culture petroglyphs, which demonstrates millennia of human presence. Muddy Creek also served as a vital crossing point for the Old Spanish Trail between 1829 and 1848. More recent history includes the abandoned Hidden Splendor Uranium Mining Area with old mining ruins and a bunkhouse, and an old miner's cabin in Chimney Canyon.
What kind of hiking experiences can I expect in Muddy Creek Wilderness?
The wilderness offers diverse hiking, from classic slot canyons to rugged backcountry trails. Little Wild Horse Canyon is a popular choice, known for its long stretches of 'narrows' and challenging sections with boulders to climb. For more options, you can explore various routes, including easy, moderate, and challenging trails. Find more hiking details at Hiking in Muddy Creek Wilderness.
Are there family-friendly activities or hikes in the area?
While many trails can be challenging, there are options for families. The Little Wild Horse Canyon can be a great introduction to slot canyons, though some sections are more difficult. For easier walks, consider trails like the Wild Horse Window Trail or Crack Canyon Trail. You can find more easy hiking options at Easy hikes in Muddy Creek Wilderness.
What is the best time of year to visit Muddy Creek Wilderness?
The Muddy Creek Wilderness is best visited during the **spring and fall** months. Temperatures are more moderate, making hiking and exploration more comfortable. Summer can be extremely hot, and flash floods are a risk during monsoon season. Winter can bring cold temperatures and snow, making some areas inaccessible.
What are some unique geological formations in the wilderness?
Beyond the canyons, the wilderness is part of the San Rafael Swell, a prominent geologic dome with uplifted and eroded mesas and buttes. You can observe layered sedimentary rocks from Carboniferous to Jurassic ages. The Jurassic Morrison Formation is particularly notable for dinosaur fossil discoveries. Look out for Hondu Arch near the Tomsich Butte trailhead and volcanic dikes in Chimney Canyon.
What other outdoor activities are available besides hiking?
Besides hiking and canyoneering, the wilderness offers opportunities for backcountry recreation. For intrepid explorers, the San Rafael Badlands, where Muddy Creek originates, provides an extraordinary 70-mile kayak trip to the Dirty Devil River during high-water years, featuring rocky rapids and incredible scenery. While motorized use is restricted within the wilderness, some surrounding areas offer off-road trails with remarkable landscape views.
What do visitors enjoy most about the canyons in Muddy Creek Wilderness?
Visitors frequently praise the unique experience of navigating the narrow, winding sandstone walls of canyons like Little Wild Horse Canyon. The polished sandstone, shaped by wind and water, creates almost human-like curves and folds. The sense of adventure in squeezing through tight 'narrows' and overcoming small obstacles like boulders is a highlight for many.
Where can I find a natural skylight or arch in the area?
You can visit Wild Horse Window, a large hollowed-out grotto that creates a natural skylight. This lesser-known highlight is just outside Goblin Valley State Park and offers an impressive site, though the trail runs on sloping rock slabs in the sun, so a GPS device is recommended.
Are there any specific challenges or considerations for hiking in the canyons?
Yes, canyons like Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon can be challenging. Expect narrow sections, potential wading through the muddy creek, and obstacles like boulders that may require scrambling or climbing. In Bell Canyon, there's a smooth rock barrier that is easier to descend than ascend. Always be prepared for remote conditions and check weather forecasts for flash flood risks.
What kind of wildlife can be seen in Muddy Creek Wilderness?
The remote and rugged landscape of Muddy Creek Wilderness supports a variety of desert wildlife. While specific sightings can vary, common animals in such arid environments include various species of lizards, snakes, birds of prey, and small mammals like rabbits and rodents. Larger mammals such as deer or bighorn sheep may also be present, particularly near water sources.
What should I wear when hiking in Muddy Creek Wilderness?
When hiking in Muddy Creek Wilderness, it's advisable to wear sturdy hiking boots, especially if you plan to tackle challenging canyon trails. For sections that involve wading through the creek, water shoes can be beneficial. Dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures, and always bring sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Carry plenty of water, as the area is remote and arid.
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