Little Grand Canyon
We have normal 9 to 5 jobs. We just both happen to work at companies that allow us to work remotely when needed or work late to take off early on a Friday. For us we are constantly on the go and fortunately we don’t have anything holding us back at the moment from enjoying life. We live in Salt Lake City and are only a few hours away from the desert or backpacking in the mountains. Our decision to live in Salt Lake is simple. We love the access to the mountains and desert.
The first thing you have to know about the San Rafael Swell is that if you’re looking at a map of Utah you’ll notice this large geologic feature in the middle of the desert. The swell is a rock formation located in south-central Utah about 30 miles west of Green River, Utah. There are vast canyon overlooks, cliffs, slot canyons all revealing vibrant geological rock layers. When the skiing is lacking up north we enjoy spending nights in the south. Visiting the desert in the winter offers no crowds, views to yourself and for us rim camping.
If you can snag a camp spot on the rim, that is the place to be.
The Wedge is this a gorge that overlooks the San Rafael River. There is parking, camp spots, rest rooms and pick nick tables but be aware there is no water. none. From the overlook you can see rafters below enjoying the river and views of the deep gorge and steep cliffs. This area is called Utah’s Little Grand Canyon. To the South, across the canyon, is the remote Sid’s Mountain Wilderness Study Area, while the view down canyon towards the Southeast takes in Window Blind Peak and the Southern Buckhorn Wash area. From this point, roads head East and West, providing more spectacular views for either drivers or hikers.
About the Little Grand Canyon area.
The Little Grand Canyon is a nickname for a section of the San Rafael Swell, a large geologic formation in central Utah. The area is known for its colorful rock layers and deep canyons, which resemble the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The Little Grand Canyon is located in Emery County, Utah and it is a part of the San Rafael Swell Recreation area.
The Little Grand Canyon is a popular destination for hiking, sightseeing, and photography. The area offers several hiking trails, such as the Buckhorn Wash Trail and the Wedge Overlook Trail, that provide access to the deep canyons and stunning views. The Wedge Overlook Trail is a popular destination, which offers a bird’s eye view of the Little Grand Canyon and the surrounding area. It’s also a great place to spot desert wildlife, such as bighorn sheep and coyotes.
It’s important to note that the Little Grand Canyon is a remote area and visitors should be prepared for rugged terrain and changing weather conditions. It’s recommended to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and appropriate hiking gear. Cell phone service is limited in the area, and it’s a good idea to let someone know your plans before heading out.
Camping at the Little Grand Canyon in southern Utah.
great way to experience the area’s beautiful scenery. However, camping options are limited in the Little Grand Canyon area, as it is a remote area and part of the San Rafael Swell Recreation area.
The nearest campground is the Wedge Overlook Campground, located about 12 miles north of the Little Grand Canyon. It is a primitive campground with no water, electricity or other amenities. It offers several camping spots but no reservations are accepted. There are also several dispersed camping areas around the Wedge Overlook, which allows visitors to camp outside of designated campground.
It’s important to note that camping in the Little Grand Canyon area is subject to the rules and regulations set by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and it’s important to follow Leave No Trace principles. It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast, bring appropriate gear and enough food and water, and be prepared for the challenges of camping in the desert, such as extreme temperatures, rugged terrain, and limited access to services. It’s also important to note that there is no potable water available in the area, so it’s necessary to bring enough water for drinking, cooking and cleaning.
Hiking at the Little Grand Canyon.
The Little Grand Canyon, located in Emery County, Utah, offers several hiking trails that provide access to the area’s beautiful scenery and deep canyons. Here are a few popular hiking trails in the Little Grand Canyon area:
- Buckhorn Wash Trail: This trail offers a scenic hike through the Little Grand Canyon and provides access to the Wedge Overlook. It is a 7-mile round trip hike and it’s a great option for those who want to explore the area.
- Wedge Overlook Trail: This trail is a short hike (0.5 miles) that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Little Grand Canyon and the surrounding area. It’s a great option for those who want to take in the views without a long hike.
- Little Grand Canyon Rim Trail: This is a 2-mile long hike that takes visitors along the rim of the canyon. The trail offers stunning views of the Little Grand Canyon and the surrounding area.
- The San Rafael River Trail: This trail offers a scenic hike along the San Rafael River and it’s a great option for those who want to see the area’s unique geology. The trail is 8.5 miles long and it’s a out and back trail.
It’s important to note that hiking in the Little Grand Canyon area can be challenging, as the trails can be steep and rocky. It’s recommended to bring appropriate hiking gear, plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to let someone know your plans before heading out, as cell phone service is limited in the area.
Petroglyphs in Buckskin Wash.
Buckhorn Wash is a popular hiking destination located in the Little Grand Canyon area of Emery County, Utah. Along the Buckhorn Wash trail, hikers can find a significant number of petroglyphs, which are rock carvings or engravings made by ancient peoples.
The petroglyphs found in Buckhorn panel are believed to have been created by the Fremont culture, a prehistoric people who lived in the area from about 600 to 1300 AD. The Buckhorn wash petroglyphs depict a variety of images, including animals, humans, and abstract designs. It’s important to note that the petroglyphs are fragile and irreplaceable cultural resources and it’s important to treat them with respect and not to touch or damage the petroglyphs.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has designated the Buckhorn Draw Pictograph Panel area as a cultural and historic site and has set regulations to protect the petroglyphs. Visitors are not allowed to remove, damage, or deface any cultural or historical resources. It’s also prohibited to use chalk, paint, or markers on the rock surfaces.
It’s important for visitors to respect the petroglyphs and to preserve them for future generations. Not only are these petroglyphs and rock art a valuable resource for understanding the ancient cultures that created them, but also they are an important part of our heritage and history.
This is an insane place to camp or just cook breakfast when it isn’t windy and offers a great basecamp to go explore the rest of the swell. The canyon offers petroglyphs and pictographs galore. Petroglyphs are images created by removing part of a rock surface such as carving or picking to form an image while Pictographs are painted on the rock.