Slot Canyon San Rafael Swell Utah

One outing, two canyons, countless challenges. This popular loop hike takes experienced hikers through two slot canyons. Where Little Wild Horse can be crowded, Ding and Dang Canyons offer solitude and a more challenging trek, and at times require semi-technical scrambling. The Swell is a playground for the whole family. With several popular hikes in the region that take you through slot canyons (Little Wild Horse Canyon) to breathtaking vistas (the Wedge Overlook) and in an amongst the goblins in Goblin Valley, this area offers a wide variety of family adventures. The Ding & Dang Canyon loop hike is located in the San Rafael Swell and suitable for experianced hikers. Ding & Dang Canyons are fun slot canyons in Utah. Located near Goblin Valley State Park. Ding & Dang Canyons - San Rafael Swell. Technical Slot Canyon. Joe's Valley Ice Climbing. Knotted Rope Canyon Technical Slot Canyon. Music Canyon Technical Slot Canyon. Quandary Canyon Technical Slot Canyon. Upper Black Box - San Rafael Swell Technical Slot Canyon. The Squeeze Technical Slot Canyon. Zero Gravity Technical Slot Canyon. Hardcore. Ding & Dang Canyon Slot Canyon. Bluejohn Canyon in the San Rafael Swell is both river wash and slot canyon that requires some technical skills. This is one of the most popular technical slot canyons in the state. Travelers attempting the full breadth of the canyon need technical and canyoneering skills.

Overview

Moonshine Bridge

San Rafael Swell Utah Petroglyphs

Moonshine Canyon is one of my favorite non-technical canyons. I've visited it a half dozen times or so over the years, and never tire of it. The route is easy, and well within most hikers abilities, while the scenery, history, and old sheep bridge make the hike outstanding. For hikers looking for a narrow canyon experience, this is very highly recommended.

This area of the San Rafael desert is not often visited, so expect much solitude and exquisite scenery. There is great primitive camping throughout the area, but please practice Leave No Trace Principles when camping in the area. Three Canyon, just across the road from Moonshine, and Chaffin Ranch Cold Water Geyser also provide interesting diversions while in the area.

The area was popular with bootleggers during prohibition (hence its name). The west fork contains a few remnants of the old stills built during this time. The sheep bridge, however, likely pre-dates the bootleggers. As of 2009, it is in poor shape, yet still standing proudly over the canyon. It's common sense, but do not try to use the sheep bridge. It is no longer stable but is fascinating to view and try and image ranchers moving sheep over such a narrow bridge.

Getting There

From downtown Green River, follow the main road to the airport sign (Long Street). Go south on Long Street several blocks until its junction with Green River Avenue. Go left (east) on Green River Avenue a block to the junction with Airport Road. Follow Airport Road over the railroad tracks, and under the highway. Reset your odometer on the other side of the highway, as you cross the cattle guard.

• Continue on Airport Road for 1.9 miles to a junction signed Horseshoe Canyon. Go left here, resetting your odometer. The road is now dirt, and usually passable by any vehicle when dry. ( 12S 570374mE 4312884mN / N38° 57' 44' W110° 11' 16' )
• There are many side roads, but continue to stay on the main road for 19.6 miles to where the road crosses the San Rafael river. Reset your odometer at the bridge. ( 12S 574411mE 4290260mN / N38° 45' 28' W110° 08' 37' )
• Continue on the main road past the bridge for 5.4 miles to where a road goes off on the right (west). This side road is rough, but can be walked if needed. ( 12S 573540mE 4282406mN / N38° 41' 14' W110° 09' 16' )
• At 0.3 miles from the main road there is a junction. Go left here . ( 12S 573079mE 4282619mN / N38° 41' 21' W110° 09' 35' )
• Continue an additional 0.6 miles to the end of the road and trailhead. An ATV trail continues from this point, but most should park here. ( 12S 572178mE 4282116mN / N38° 41' 05' W110° 10' 12' )

The depths of Moonshine

San Rafael Swell Utah Camping

Route

From the 4x4 trailhead, follow the ATV trail as it winds its way down the wash to join Moonshine proper in 15 minutes or so. Once in Moonshine, head down the canyon. The canyon quickly begins to narrow and deepen. There are a few boulders in this section to climb over and around. None are particularly difficult, especially with a little teamwork. Once in the depths of Moonshine, easy walking takes you to it's narrowest point, underneath the sheep bridge. Turning around at this point and returning makes a great short hike for those just wanting to see the narrows. (2-3 hours round trip)

If you are looking for a longer hike, continue down the canyon as it begins opening and getting wider. A little over a mile from the sheep bridge (30-40 minutes), the West Fork comes in on the left (looking down canyon). Heading up the West Fork provides an interesting challenge. Just up from the junction is a 10-12m / 35-40 ft. dryfall. This can be climbed by most with little risk, it is fairly easy and very secure climbing. The pool beneath the dryfall, however, changes with every flood and can be shallow or fairly deep.

Above the dryfall the slot has a few more relatively easy boulder sections before opening up. Again, however, this section seems to change a bit with each flood. Keep following the West Fork up to the ruins of an old concrete vat used for moonshine production. Just past the vat the canyon forks. A short visit up the right fork will take you to Moonshine spring. To visit, got up the right fork until it forks again. Here, go west into the vegetated fork a short distance to the spring in an alcove.

Continue up the west fork of Moonshine. When you reach another prominent junction, go right (up the west fork) climbing a couple of short dryfalls in the process. Once the canyon opens up, travel due east to reach the east fork of Moonshine at about the spot you started. Return up the ATV trail you came in on.

Maps

Slot Canyon San Rafael Swell Utah Weather

San Rafael Swell Utah

Slot Canyon San Rafael Swell Utah State