Little Wild Horse Canyon / Bell Canyon: Hike Review
The Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon loop within Utah’s Crack Canyon Wilderness Study Area, near Goblin Valley State Park, is one of our all-time favorite slot canyon hikes. At 8.0 miles round-trip, this loop hike rewards visitors with amazing canyon scenery. In addition, the hike’s non-technical accessibility enables hikers of most skill-levels to enjoy the incredible splendor of these slot canyons.
Of the two canyons, Little Wild Horse Canyon is by far the more interesting given long stretches of extremely narrow slots. Thus, some visitors choose to hike Little Wild Horse Canyon out-and-back, rather than extending the hike. But we think including Bell Canyon and making the hike into a loop provides a fuller perspective and experience of the San Rafael Swell. Our hike review covers the entirety of the loop in a counter-clockwise direction, heading though Little Wild Horse Canyon first. You’re sure to have company on this hike, as this area is very popular, but these canyons are absolute gems that shouldn’t be missed!
Hike Review Series: Little Wild Horse Canyon / Bell Canyon
Trail Guide
Route Information
Route Instructions
Step 14
You’ll now backtrack through the first portion of your hike, heading about .5 miles back towards the parking area. Head through the pothole section and through the wash to the trailhead to complete your amazing adventure.
Planning Tips
Regulations
Entrance Fees: None.
Pets: Dogs are permitted on the trail, but not recommended. Heat exhaustion is a serious risk and rugged terrain makes this a fairly difficult hike with an animal.
Camping: Goblin Valley State Park has established campgrounds for a fee; free dispersed camping on BLM land nearby.
Getting There
Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon are located in the Crack Canyon Wilderness Study Area, not far from Goblin Valley State Park. From Moab, the drive to the trailhead is about two hours.
Starting on I-70 W, take exit 149 for Highway UT-24 W toward Hanksville. Follow UT-24 W for about 25 miles until you reach Temple Mount Rd. Turn right onto Temple Mount Rd. for about five miles, and reach Goblin Valley Rd. Turn left onto Goblin Valley Rd. for about six miles and then turn right onto Wild Horse Rd. for another five miles until reaching the Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon Trailhead parking area on the right.
Parking
Park at the Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon Trailhead parking area. There are about 15 parking spots at the trailhead, which fill up extremely quickly. Overflow parking along Wild Horse Road is common, but can also be crowded. A restroom is located at the parking area.
Weather Forecast
It can get very hot in the Utah desert (particularly during the summer), so it’s best to hike early in the morning during cooler temperatures. In addition, slot canyons are very prone to flash flooding. Please check the weather before heading into the canyons. If there is a forecast for rain in the area, consider choosing an alternative day to hike here. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water to maintain hydration.
Recommended Hiking Apparel and Gear
Ten Essentials
Even on a day hike, you should carry the appropriate type and amount of gear, clothing, food, water, and other essentials. For certain, make sure that your packing list includes the Ten Essentials.
Hiking Shoes
The Vasque Breeze LT hiking shoes are incredibly lightweight, provide excellent traction, and are quite affordable for their versatility. We like the Vasque Breeze LT’s for everyday hiking that includes a bit of scrambling. In addition, with the “Naturetex” construction, you don’t have to worry about damp feet if the weather turns or you have to splash through streams or puddles along the way.
Hiking Pants
We opt for pants when hiking through slot canyons because you are bound to scramble and scrape along the rocks. We like Prana’s pants lineup because they are well-made and often multi-functional. Indeed, their Zion (for men) and Halle (for women) are great on- and off-trail, especially for travel. Constructed with a durable UPF-50 fabric, a water-repellant finish, and utility pockets, these have become a staple in our wardrobe. If you end up hiking through some water during your hike in the canyon, these pants are also quick drying.
Hiking Shirt
The sun is very strong in Utah, so wear clothes that protect your skin but keep you cool. For extra sun protection, we like to wear an ultralight, UPF-rated long-sleeve shirt with a hood. Many outdoor clothing gear companies make such shirts (e.g., Patagonia, Outdoor Research, North Face, etc.). Look for extremely lightweight construction made of technical, non-cotton fabrics.
We often wear Outdoor Research’s Echo Hoody because of its UPF sun protection qualities and lightweight (4oz.) breathable construction. The shirt has a hood for added neck protection and has thumbholes to protect your hands from sun exposure, if you are not wearing sun gloves. Outdoor Research also makes different varieties of the Echo shirt (e.g., quarter zip, long sleeve without hood, t-shirt, etc.).
Headwear/Face Covering
We often wear a Buff as a neck gaiter to protect from the sun, given its UPF 50 protective construction. Buffs are also a great option to use as a face covering on the trail. In fact, there are 12+ ways of wearing a Buff, so it’s a versatile piece of gear.
Day Pack
We like REI Co-op’s Flash 22L pack for its affordability, lightweight design, and overall versatility. This pack has enough storage for a day hike and side pockets are available to store Nalgene bottles or other equipment. It is also hydration reservoir compatible. We think the 22L version has the perfect capacity, though REI does have an even smaller Flash 18L with a drawcord top.
Sunscreen
Sun Bum is our go-to sunscreen nowadays. We like its non-greasy feel and neutral fragrance. Any quality sunscreen will do, but Sun Bum SPF 30 is our choice for long days in the sun. Definitely don’t forget sunscreen when heading out in the Utah sun, no matter the time of year.
Trail Snacks
Bearded Brothers energy bars taste great and are organic and vegan. These are great trail snacks for on-the-go while on a hike. Available in multiple varieties, such as Blueberry Vanilla (our favorite), Coconut Mango, Raspberry Lemon, Vanilla Pecan, Ginger Peach, and Almond Butter Chocolate.
Recommended Books
If you plan to visit more of the San Rafael Swell area, which we highly recommend, consider picking up “Non-Technical Canyon Hiking Guide to the Colorado Plateau” for more non-technical slot canyon hike ideas. In addition, we recommend picking up a few naturalist guides related to the area’s geologic history for general awareness of how the San Rafael Swell came to be. Below are a few of our recommended readings. Happy hiking!
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