4.6
(10)
83
hikers
Little Wild Horse Canyon loop from Little Wild Horse Canyon
01:20
3.95km
60m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: March 16, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Muddy Creek Wilderness
San Rafael Swell Recreation Area
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
153 m
Little White Horse Canyon Trailhead
Highlight • Parking
It is advisable to start very early and if possible during the week in order to be able to enjoy the sometimes very narrow slot.
Tip by
1.05 km
Little Wild Horse/Bell Canyon Trail Fork
Highlight • Trail
My recommendation: start with the Little wild horse Canyon, as this is the most traveled route and there is no chance of passing each other in the narrow places!
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.70 km
First place where you need to wade through water.
Highlight • Canyon
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.98 km
Narrow part with boulders to climb
Highlight • Canyon
The rock can be climbed with skill and easy climbing inserts. A group of youngsters helped me to carry stones and with that it would have been easy to cross the obstacle. However, I wasn't sure if I would be able to get over this boulder on the way back and the 14 km round trip over Bell Canyon was too long for me.
The teenagers managed the crossing with ease.
Like me, many are likely to start their way back here. But even so far it has been a fantastic experience.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.99 km
Little Wild Horse Canyon
Highlight (Segment) • Canyon
Tip by
3.95 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.64 km
229 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
3.77 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Friday 12 June
33°C
14°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're seeking an accessible slot canyon adventure that delivers big on stunning scenery without requiring technical skills, the Little Wild Horse Canyon loop from Little Wild Horse Canyon is definitely worth your time. This moderate hiking route covers 2.5 miles (3.9 km) with 191 feet (58 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 19 minutes to complete, making it a perfect high-payoff win for families or those new to slot canyons.
What to expect on Little Wild Horse Canyon loop from Little Wild Horse Canyon
As you venture into Little Wild Horse Canyon, you'll immediately be surrounded by beautifully eroded, scalloped walls of orange, red, and coral. The terrain underfoot is a mix of hard sandstone, dirt, and gravel, leading you deeper into increasingly narrow passageways. Expect sections where the canyon walls become so close you might need to turn sideways, adding an exciting element to the journey. You'll also encounter easy rock scrambles over boulders and small dryfalls, making it an adventurous experience that's still manageable for most people, including kids, and accessible without technical gear.
Planning your visit
A critical safety note for any slot canyon: avoid hiking if there is any chance of rain in the area due to flash flood risks. Spring and fall offer ideal hiking conditions with dry, mild weather, though the canyons can have ankle to waist-deep water after storms. The trailhead parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving early on a weekday is recommended for a more solitary experience. Always carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
Trail details
- Distance: 2.5 miles (3.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 191 feet (58 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 19 minutes
Comments
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