Spring Canyon was my first backpacking trip in the San Rafael Swell many, many years ago. I remember the trip very fondly. The backpacking loop we did was strenuous and rewarding. We went up the North Fork of Spring Canyon, across the flats, and down the South Fork. I haven't made it back to do the backpacking trip again, but I did revisit Lower Spring Canyon in 2026 as a day hike. It was as beautiful as I remembered, with big dramatic walls and nice views.

The route described here visits Lower Spring Canyon as an out-and-back hike. The scenery is excellent and somewhat varied, and the petroglyph panels at the mouth of Spring Canyon are the cherry on top of a delightful hike. Motivated hikers can explore up Spring Canyon; there is an arch about 10 miles round-trip from the trailhead that makes a nice day hiking destination. Backpackers can set up a base camp and explore up the two forks of Spring Canyon or Nates Canyon to extend the trip. There is a lot of area to explore in this part of the Swell.

Full Details