Muddy Creek (The Chute)

Location: San Rafael Swell
Rating: Basic Canyoneering 2B IV
Length: 8-14 hours
Longest Rappel: None
Start: Tomsich Butte
End:  Hidden Splendor Airstrip
Permits: None
Wet Suit: No
Shuttle: No

Overview: The Chute of Muddy Creek is a 15 miles long adventure. The Canyon narrows into a long chute with high walls and wading or swimming.  Because Muddy Creek is runoff from Manti-La Sal National Forest, water levels during the spring are typically higher.  Flash flooding can potentially be very dangerous because there may be no warning. If a storm comes to the La-Sal’s you won’t know what hit you till it’s too late. Check weather reports for Emery, Utah before proceeding.  

Approach:

From Hwy 24 head west on the Temple Mountain. At the fork in the road take the left fork (Hidden Splendor Rd). After about 4 miles Stay left as you will meet another road coming in from the right (Tan Seep). After about 1 mile stay left again as you will come to yet another fork in the road. Continue 10 miles across McKay Flat. The next intersection takes you to Tomsich Butte and Reds Canyon on the right, but stay left once more. Follow another 15 miles to the Hidden Splendor Air Strip. Spot a car here. Head back to the last intersection (Tomsich Butte and Red Canyons). Follow to Tomsich Butte. From Tomshich Butte head south into the Muddy Creek and follow to your spotted car.