Tucked at the south end of Capitol Reef National Park, Halls Creek Narrows is a stunning, convoluted canyon that makes a meandering path through Navajo sandstone The canyon has a bit of everything: deep alcoves, a spring feed stream, narrower sections, and towering walls I would compare it a little in scale and experience to Coyote Gulch, but it is also quite different This is one of those hikes that has been on my list for literally decades When I started going to the desert, a friend showed me photos and told me ...

I think the Peekaboo Trail is a work of art The trail goes from Loop A at the campground to Peekaboo Trailhead in Salt Creek over about 54 miles one way The entire trail is excellent, but the section between Lost Canyon and Salt Creek, to my eye, is elegant, exposed, improbable, and spectacular One of the nicest sections of trail I've hiked Given the exposure, minor scrambling obstacles, and extensive cairn following, this is probably not a great choice for beginner hikers or those with a fear of heights I would re...

Happy Canyon is an amazing place, with a long approach Because of the approach and relatively short canyon section, this is an adventure I would highly recommend to hikers with a bit of technical experience Hardcore technical canyoneers are likely to be disappointed with the long approach Happy Canyon is a hike many people underestimate! Many have had to turn back well before reaching the canyon or end up returning in the dark Be prepared for a long day Those with a high clearance 4x4 or ATV may be better-suited hi...

One of my favorite short canyons in Moab, Bow and Arrow Canyon has a bit of everything scenery wise Between Longbow Arch, Polka Dot Petroglyph, and stunning views of the Colorado River and Behind the Rocks, it is a diverse outing Bow and Arrow Canyons is not a very technical or narrow canyon If you are looking for tight slots or technical challenges, look elsewhere The canyon is more of a short outing that makes an enjoyable evening canyon Note: Why the name Mike Stimola, who showed me the canyon and is the owner o...

Snow Canyon State Park is a beautiful park filled with many interesting hikes, but it can also be very crowded However, I found that the Cinder Cone Trail was not particularly busy even though I was there on a holiday weekend The cinder cone is generally referred to as the Diamond Valley Cinder Cone You can see black basalt rock throughout Snow Canyon, some of which originated from volcanic eruptions that started 3 million years ago The formation of the two cinder cones on the northern end of the park are from more...

The Oak Creek Pictograph Panel is a small but very striking rock art site located just east of Oak City It is an easily accessible site that can be viewed directly from the road, making it a convenient stop for those visiting the nearby Oak Creek Campground The panel features four distinct anthropomorphic figures rendered in a deep red ochre pigment These human-like forms are characterized by a peculiar "spaded" or wide-footed stance, a visual detail that has sparked various interpretations over the years Some sugg...

Happy Canyon has thwarted more of my canyoneering buddies' efforts to visit it than probably any other canyon There are two common options to visit The first, via Burr Point, is long and always underestimated Many groups try that route, but have to turn back before Happy or return in the dark Reaching the trailhead for Burr Point is easy and is generally accessible to all vehicles This route, via Poison Spring, is the preferred route and makes a very casual day hike What is the catch The road requires a high cleara...

Ash Springs Hot Springs is an oasis in the broad open expanse of the Pahragant Valley The springs crystal clear waters have a temperature in the mid-90s, about perfect for a soak! The springs have a long history of being enjoyed by visitors Not far south of the springs is the Ash Springs Rock Art site, showing Native American peoples used the area and, undoubtedly, the hot springs Though the springs are on BLM land, in 2013, the BLM closed the springs, citing public safety and environmental damage Currently, the sp...

NOTE: Both Danger and Jukebox Caves are gated and locked You can visit the outside of them, and look in through the gate, but can't go inside without being on a tour The site is owned and managed by Utah State Parks as a monument, and tours are by arrangement with a third-party I can't speak highly enough for the guided tour! It was incredibly informative and by far the best way to visit and learn about the caves As of 2024, you can find information on future caves tours here: https://metcalfarchaeologycom/danger-c...

Crystal Geyser is a cold water geyser near Green River Due to its unpredictability, it can be an exercise of patience It can go off anywhere between every hour to 24+ hours! A 2005 study found 66% of the time the geyser erupts about every 8 hours However, a few years later, the eruptions become very sporadic and widely spaced In 2023, likely due to the heavy winter, eruptions have become more common again Feeling lucky Even if you don't get lucky enough to see it erupting, it is an interesting place to visit The ge...