Parunuweap Canyon Wilderness Study Area is a rugged wilderness study area in Utah, defined by its dramatic canyon vistas carved by the East Fork of the Virgin River. The landscape features towering Navajo Sandstone walls, intricate rock formations, and extensive slickrock terrain, providing a challenging environment for outdoor pursuits. The northern sections of Parunuweap Canyon also contain pinyon and juniper forests, offering diverse settings for several sports like hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, jogging, and more. This area provides a…
52
Routes
4.5
(982)
Average rating
13053
People visited

4.9
(348)
4,457
hikers
7.20km
03:41
530m
530m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.9
(41)
849
hikers
1.71km
00:29
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(24)
383
hikers
1.46km
00:25
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(46)
623
hikers
3.70km
01:06
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
202
riders
13.9km
01:03
200m
160m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

2
riders
30.8km
01:59
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

20
riders
11.5km
00:50
190m
190m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
riders
23.9km
02:08
410m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10
riders
11.7km
01:10
270m
260m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

3.14km
00:17
40m
40m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.72km
00:27
80m
80m
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

9
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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66
runners
6.23km
00:49
160m
160m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(1)
24
runners
3.08km
00:22
50m
50m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

17
runners
4.37km
00:36
120m
120m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
45
runners
12.3km
01:51
400m
400m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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The Parunuweap Canyon Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is a rugged area in Utah known for its dramatic canyon vistas carved by the East Fork of the Virgin River. It features towering Navajo Sandstone walls, intricate rock formations, and extensive slickrock terrain. The WSA offers a secluded wilderness experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
The primary activity in Parunuweap Canyon Wilderness Study Area is hiking, often involving navigating through water and over slickrock. While specific designated trails for mountain biking, touring cycling, or jogging within the core WSA are limited, access roads and surrounding areas may offer opportunities for these activities. Komoot offers guides for Hiking, MTB Trails, Cycling, and Running Trails.
Yes, there are options for less strenuous hikes within the area. Komoot provides a guide specifically for Easy hikes in Parunuweap Canyon Wilderness Study Area. These routes may offer a gentler introduction to the canyon's unique landscape.
Yes, the area includes routes suitable for families. Komoot features a guide for Family-friendly hikes in Parunuweap Canyon Wilderness Study Area. These trails are generally less challenging and provide an accessible way to experience the wilderness.
The WSA is characterized by its dramatic canyon vistas and towering Navajo Sandstone walls. Other features include intricate rock formations, natural arches, pinnacles, and extensive slickrock terrain. Prominent landmarks include Harris Mountain and Elephant Butte.
More than 91,000 visitors have shared their experiences for routes in Parunuweap Canyon Wilderness Study Area on komoot. The routes collectively hold an average rating of 4.62 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking in Parunuweap Canyon Wilderness Study Area, MTB Trails, and Cycling. Other guides cover specific interests like Family-friendly hikes and Waterfall hikes.
Official information about the Parunuweap Canyon Wilderness Study Area can be found on the Bureau of Land Management - Utah website. The specific page for the WSA is https://www.blm.gov/visit/search-details/275323/2. This website provides details on management and regulations.
For specific inquiries regarding the Parunuweap Canyon Wilderness Study Area, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Kanab Field Office can be contacted. The phone number for the BLM Kanab Field Office is +1-435-644-1200. This office manages the WSA.
Hiking in Parunuweap Canyon Wilderness Study Area often involves following the East Fork of the Virgin River. This means navigating through water, across slickrock, and over uneven riverbed terrain. The canyon is cut primarily through Navajo Sandstone, creating a rugged and varied landscape.
While the general region supports cycling, specific designated trails for mountain biking within the core Parunuweap Canyon Wilderness Study Area are not explicitly detailed. Access is often via secondary roads and jeep trails, with some described as suitable only for experienced drivers on rough mountain roads. Komoot offers a guide for MTB Trails in Parunuweap Canyon Wilderness Study Area.
The Parunuweap Canyon Wilderness Study Area contains a major historical feature known as the Elephant Gap or Foote Ranch Road. This route is believed to follow a pioneer path that connected Pipe Spring, Arizona, and Long Valley, Utah. It represents an important historical corridor in the region.

