The best family-friendly hikes and walks in San Rafael Swell Recreation Area
4.8
(56)
526
hikers
9
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in San Rafael Swell Recreation Area traverse a rugged landscape characterized by multi-colored sandstone, shale, and limestone formations. The region features dramatic geological structures such as domes, fins, hoodoos, towering cliffs, and intricate slot canyons. Key natural features include the prominent San Rafael Reef and expansive mesas, buttes, and badlands, offering diverse terrain for exploration. This area provides a range of trails suitable for families, from easy walks to moderate excursions through its unique desert environment.
…Last updated: May 14, 2026
4.9
(16)
155
hikers
13.0km
03:41
290m
290m
Hike the Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon Loop, a moderate 8.1-mile trail through stunning slot canyons in Utah's San Rafael Swell.
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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5.0
(7)
83
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
10
hikers
7.50km
02:18
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(1)
6
hikers
4.50km
01:13
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
From now on, we can see the sky again, and the sun if it's there. This is an easy section of the canyon, and also beautiful.
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It's a living corridor, a ribbon of winding sandstone, a succession of walls that meander and undulate. The sandstone, polished by wind and tide, has almost human curves, hips, waves, draperies, and folds of fabric frozen in the colors of the surroundings. At this point, we exchanged our water shoes for our hiking boots. After that, the paths remained dry.
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You feel like you are on another planet, Mother Nature often looks beautiful.
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Seen from the parking lot. When we were here (November 21, 2025), the water was about 20cm deep. Afterward, we encountered several wading areas that you have to wade through; there's no other option. We brought water shoes, which are easy to pick up.
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Little Wild Horse and Bell Slot Canyons, unfortunately the unfinished ones for us 😥🙁😥 Today the Little Wild Horse Canyon and possibly the Bell Canyon should be visited. The two canyons can be explored in an approximately 13 km long circular tour. Here you can find my planned complete tour: komoot.de/tour/822561321 We left Goblin Campground very early because it was the weekend and all hell is supposed to break loose in the canyons on the weekend. The road to the trailhead is now paved, so it wasn't a problem even for our motorhome. When we arrived at the trailhead we were the very first ones 😃 So much for my phobia the previous days: we're pretty sure we won't get a parking space 😱 After a good breakfast we went to the Little wild horse canyon. At the beginning you go up the common wash to the junction and turn right there to Little Wild Horse Canyon. A signpost shows the way. My recommendation: Be sure to go through Little wild horse Canyon first, as most people do that. Because at the bottlenecks there is no way to get past each other in oncoming traffic!!! Now it became wonderfully nice to fight your way through the sometimes narrow and then wider places. However, after about a kilometer we were forced to make a decision in a narrow area with a boulder. Either climb over the boulder and not know whether we can overcome it again on the way back or continue walking the entire 13 km circular route or turn back here. We decided to turn back, especially since I had also pre-booked a slot canyon “Cardiac Canyon” with Page. In 2012 I was nearby in the world-famous Lower Antelope Canyon: flickr.com/photos/pharoahsax/albums/72157641505310913 On the way back we wanted to walk at least a little bit into Bell Canyon. But unfortunately a smooth rock barrier blocked the way for us old men, so we surrendered here too and ended the tour. In conclusion: Despite the cancellation, it was worth going on this tour😊 For younger people it is certainly no problem to overcome the rock and complete the circular tour, especially since you come from above at the rock barrier and you can always get down 😉
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Trails are impossible to find since there are no markers
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The "goblins" are sandstone hoodoos, which are mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles formed by erosion. There are thousands of these goblins making it a surreal Mars-like landscape.
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Little Wild Horse is a classic Utah slot canyon with a long stretch of "narrows", or tight, high canyon walls. It is a great introduction to exploring slot canyons.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area?
Our guide features 8 family-friendly hiking trails in the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area, offering a mix of easy and moderate options suitable for various ages and skill levels.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in the San Rafael Swell?
The San Rafael Swell is known for its unique and dramatic geology. You can expect trails through multi-colored sandstone, shale, and limestone formations, including domes, fins, hoodoos, and intricate slot canyons. Some trails, especially in slot canyons, may involve narrow passages and light scrambling, offering an exciting adventure for families.
Are there any easy hikes suitable for very young children or those new to hiking?
Yes, for a truly unique and easy experience, consider the Goblin Valley State Park loop from Group Site. This 4.5 km (2.8 miles) easy trail allows families to wander among whimsical rock formations, often called 'goblins,' creating a fun, Mars-like environment that captivates children.
Which trails offer the classic slot canyon experience for families?
The San Rafael Swell is famous for its slot canyons. For a memorable family adventure, explore the Little Wild Horse Canyon loop from Little Wild Horse Canyon. This moderate 3.9 km (2.4 miles) route takes you through incredibly narrow, winding passages, offering an immersive desert experience. For a slightly longer option, the Little Wild Horse Canyon – Otherworldly formations loop is 6.4 km (4 miles) and equally stunning.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in the San Rafael Swell?
Spring and fall are generally the best times for family hiking in the San Rafael Swell. Temperatures are milder, making for more comfortable conditions. Summers can be very hot, and flash floods are a risk in slot canyons during monsoon season (typically July-September), so always check weather forecasts before heading out, especially for slot canyon routes.
Are there any longer family-friendly loop trails available?
For families looking for a longer adventure, the Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon Loop is a moderate 13 km (8 miles) trail that combines two iconic slot canyons. It offers a comprehensive experience of the area's unique geology and is a popular choice for families with older children or those seeking a full day's hike.
What should we bring when hiking with kids in the San Rafael Swell?
Given the desert environment, essential items include plenty of water, sun protection (hats, sunscreen), sturdy closed-toe shoes, snacks, and a first-aid kit. For slot canyon hikes, be prepared for potential scrambling and check weather conditions for flash flood warnings. Always pack out everything you pack in.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family hiking in the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique geological formations, the adventurous slot canyon experiences, and the otherworldly landscapes, especially at Goblin Valley State Park, which makes hiking exciting and engaging for children.
Are there any historical or cultural sites accessible for families?
Yes, the San Rafael Swell is rich in history. While not directly on the routes in this guide, nearby attractions like Buckhorn Wash feature well-preserved ancient rock art (pictographs and petroglyphs) left by native cultures, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. Jurassic National Monument (formerly Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry) is also within the broader region, showcasing paleontological significance.
Where can we find more information about the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area?
For official information regarding the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area, including regulations and safety tips, you can visit the Bureau of Land Management website: blm.gov. For broader travel information about Utah, Visit Utah also provides resources: visitutah.com.
Are there any family-friendly trails that offer views of the 'Little Grand Canyon'?
While this guide focuses on specific family-friendly routes, the San Rafael Swell is home to 'The Wedge,' also known as the Little Grand Canyon, which offers stunning panoramic views. The Little Grand Canyon Rim Trail (Wedge Overlook) provides an easy walk with breathtaking canyon vistas, making it a great spot for families to enjoy the scenery.
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