Little Wild Horse Canyon (2AII)

Location: San Rafael Swell / Goblin Valley region, UT
Rating: Basic Canyoneering 2A II
Length: 3 to 6 hours
Mileage: ~8 miles loop with Bell Canyon or shorter out and back options
Longest Rappel: None
Start: Little Wild Horse Trailhead
End:  Loop or out and back
Permits: None typically required
Wet Suit: Not typically needed
Shuttle: No

Overview: Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of the most popular and accessible slot canyon hikes in Utah, located within the San Rafael Swell near Goblin Valley State Park. The canyon features long stretches of narrow sandstone corridors, sculpted walls, dryfalls, twisting passages, and occasional scrambling obstacles.

Most visitors combine Little Wild Horse Canyon with neighboring Bell Canyon to create a scenic loop route through contrasting canyon environments. The route is non-technical but still provides an excellent introduction to slot canyon travel and canyon exploration.

The canyon is especially popular among families, photographers, hikers, and first time slot canyon visitors.

Approach: From Goblin Valley State Park, continue north on Temple Mountain Road toward the signed Little Wild Horse Trailhead. The road is typically passable for most vehicles in dry conditions but may become difficult after storms.

From the parking area, follow the wash toward the entrance of Little Wild Horse Canyon.

Route Description: The canyon quickly narrows into winding sandstone corridors featuring smooth walls, narrow passages, dryfalls, and short scrambling sections. Several obstacles may require light scrambling or careful movement depending on current conditions and debris from flash flooding.

Most hikers continue through Little Wild Horse Canyon before looping back via Bell Canyon. Bell Canyon is generally wider and more open with easier travel. Out and back variations are also common for shorter visits.

Water Conditions: Little Wild Horse Canyon is typically dry, though pools, mud, or shallow standing water may occasionally be encountered after storms. Flash flooding is an extremely serious hazard due to the narrow confined nature of the slot canyon.

Exit: Continue through the canyon and return via Bell Canyon for the standard loop route, or retrace your steps through Little Wild Horse Canyon as an out and back.

Important Notes:

• Flash flooding is a major hazard
• Extremely popular during weekends and holidays
• Narrow sections may become congested with visitors
• Sandstone surfaces can become slick when wet
• Summer temperatures can become extreme outside shaded canyon sections
• Cell service is limited or unavailable

Little Wild Horse Canyon is widely considered one of the best introductory slot canyon hikes in the Southwest, offering classic narrow canyon scenery without requiring technical canyoneering equipment.