Horse Valley Wilderness is a wilderness area in Utah, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, characterized by its distinctive badlands and eroded sandstone formations. This landscape, part of the larger San Rafael Swell, features deep canyons, massive tilted stone plates, and a geological history spanning millions of years. The area offers varied terrain, from sheer cliffs to sculpted slot canyons, making it suitable for several sports like hiking.
Horse Valley Wilderness provides…
6
Routes
4.8
(38)
Average rating
362
People visited

3.89km
01:03
20m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(16)
154
hikers
13.0km
03:41
290m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.8
(5)
32
hikers
9.62km
02:44
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(10)
83
hikers
3.95km
01:20
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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The Horse Valley Wilderness is a wilderness area in Utah, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It is characterized by distinctive badlands, eroded sandstone formations, deep canyons, and massive tilted stone plates, forming part of the larger San Rafael Swell.
Horse Valley Wilderness primarily offers opportunities for hiking. The area features varied terrain, including slot canyons, which are suitable for exploration on foot.
Yes, Horse Valley Wilderness offers numerous hiking routes through its unique geological features. Popular options include exploring slot canyons like Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon. More information is available in the guide Hiking in Horse Valley Wilderness.
Yes, some slot canyons, such as Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon, offer moderate hiking routes suitable for various fitness levels, including families. These trails provide an accessible way to experience the area's sculpted, narrow passages.
The wilderness is characterized by brightly colored badlands, eroded sandstone formations, and deep canyons. Key features include the San Rafael Reef, slot canyons like Ding and Dang Canyons, and the Black Boxes of the San Rafael River.
Information regarding specific dog regulations for Horse Valley Wilderness is not provided. Visitors should check with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Price Field Office for current rules on pets.
Permit requirements for hiking in Horse Valley Wilderness are not specified. It is advisable to contact the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Price Field Office to confirm if any permits are necessary for planned activities.
Horse Valley Wilderness has received an average rating of 4.82 out of 5 stars from more than 300 visitors on komoot. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users who have explored the area.
Komoot offers a guide titled Hiking in Horse Valley Wilderness, which provides detailed information for exploring the area on foot.
Horse Valley Wilderness is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Price Field Office. They can be reached at +1-435-636-3600, and general information may be found on the BLM Utah website at blm.gov/utah/price.
The area reveals a geological history spanning 40 to 60 million years, marked by a massive uplift that formed an anticline. This has resulted in high mesas, deep canyons, domes, and spectacular arches and spires, offering a direct view into Earth's history.
The varied terrain of Horse Valley Wilderness, including sheer cliffs and deep canyons, offers opportunities for challenging hikes. Some routes through slot canyons may require scrambling or navigating narrow passages.

