Smith Canyon - Horsethief Canyon | Northern Swell

Hiking Smith Canyon - Horsethief Canyon - Northern Swell Hiking Smith Canyon - Horsethief Canyon

Northern Swell

Overview

Sun Rain showers before noon, then showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy. High near 64, with temperatures falling to around 62 in the afternoon. South wind 12 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
64° | 46°
Mon A slight chance of rain showers before noon, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. South southwest wind 3 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
66° | 41°
Tue Sunny, with a high near 67.
67° | 38°
Wed Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
72° | 41°
Thu A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
72° | 46°
RATING: Moderate Hiking
SEASON: Fall, Winter, Spring
WATER: None.
FLASHFLOOD: None.
Sun Rain showers before noon, then showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy. High near 64, with temperatures falling to around 62 in the afternoon. South wind 12 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
64° | 46°
Mon A slight chance of rain showers before noon, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. South southwest wind 3 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
66° | 41°
Tue Sunny, with a high near 67.
67° | 38°
Wed Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
72° | 41°
Thu A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
72° | 46°
Mexican Mountain From the Overlook - Smith Canyon - Horsethief Canyon - Swell
Mexican Mountain From the Overlook - Smith Canyon - Horsethief Canyon - Swell

The Swell is steeped in history, from the Native Americans that passed through to the early settlers and Uranium miners. This hike visits a bit of that history. The hike is moderate, with a fair bit of elevation gain, and a fair bit of distance. That being said, it is an excellent hike, and recommended in Fall, Winter, or Spring when the temperatures are cooler. Although easy access from the freeway, it doesn't seem crowded of overly traveled.

The combination of the early settler ruins, a historic horse trail, and expansive views make this a hike not to be missed by the San Rafael Swell enthusiast. The trailhead is generally accessible to all vehicle, but this area is not recommend if rain is in the forecast, the road can become impassable quickly.

Two options are described, a shorter route and longer route. Both share the same great section, the longer route simple ambles a bit more before returning. The longer route is recommended for those with time and energy.

View from the top of the horsethief trail - Smith Canyon - Horsethief Canyon - Swell
View from the top of the horsethief trail - Smith Canyon - Horsethief Canyon - Swell

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