Overview

Hype:

The Little Grand Canyon in Utah is a scenic canyon carved by the San Rafael River in the San Rafael Swell, offering expansive canyon-rim views, isolated river bottoms, and a mix of hiking or backpacking experiences. While there are shorter hikes and overlooks, the full hiking route through the canyon is about 14 miles (one way) and requires multiple river crossings, solid wilderness preparation, and optional primitive backcountry camping. The western trailhead is located at Fuller bottom, and the eastern trailhead is located near the Swinging Bridge on Buckhorn Draw Road. This hiking trail follows the San Rafael River past multiple rock art sites and provides access to several spur hikes including the Sorrel Mule Mine, Salt Wash, Virgin Spring Canyon, and Cane Wash.

Trail Condition: Class 2 (Trail may have tree roots or rocks jutting out. Navigation skills may consist of following rock cairns and choosing turns at junctions. Elevation gains may be more substantial.)

Time: 1-2 days depending on side hikes

Length: 13.6 miles one way

Elevation Gain: -1000 ft

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: https://www.roadtripryan.com/go/t/utah/san-rafael-swell/sanrafaelgorge
https://www.visitutah.com/places-to-go/parks-outdoors/san-rafael-swell/little-grand-canyon-hike

Maps

Closest City or Region: Castle Dale, Utah

Coordinates: 39.106283, -110.834457

Interactive Guide Map

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May 24, 2025 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye,

Story

We had a slow morning then packed our daypacks and drove to Fuller Bottom. From the trailhead, we hiked about two miles to the Sorrel Mule Mine. We stopped to look at petroglyphs along the way. The mine was a lot of fun, and we explored the full length of the passages. We thought the extremely smooth walls were cool, and we enjoyed realizing that some dark patches on the ground is the remains of the wood railroad tracks.

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Pictures