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Canyoneering the San Rafael Swell

Green River, Utah

4.0/5
based on 4 reviews

Description

Added by George Bruce Wilson

The San Rafael Swell is easily one of the most adventurous spots in Utah. The Swell is massive - 650,000 acres, almost entirely ungoverned, and many parts unexplored by humans. Most people go to the swell for Camping, Picnicking, Canyoneering, Off roading, and Site seeing, etc. There are dinosaur fossils and native american petroglyphs still being discovered in the region.

The San Rafael Swell, is the home of many adventures! One of those adventures being canyoneering. There are many slot canyons of various skill levels that have been explored and descended. There are many other canyons that still have yet to be explored by man kind. The Swell is large and ungoverned so there aren't any rangers patrolling the area, which means you need to be responsible and prepared. There are no towns or services that are close by so plan accordingly. The closest services are Green River, UT and Castle Dale, UT.

The Swell is a high desert climate, the elevation varies from 2000-7000 feet. The best times of year to be there are Spring and Fall. Late summer tends to be monsoon season and brings in storms with heavy rain which can cause flash flooding, so plan your trips out well.

Here are helpful maps of the area.

Practice leave no trace camping and let people back home know where you are going.

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Features

Rock Climbing
Survival
Chillin
Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Swimming Hole

Canyoneering the San Rafael Swell Reviews

This is easily one of the best areas in Utah and overlooked by most. It definitely takes some effort and planning to explore, but you'll avoid the crowds of national parks and see places few others have.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Lower Black Box Canyon

Visit the Petroglyphs in Black Dragon Wash

Camp at The Wedge (East Side)

Camp at the Little Grand Canyon

Explore a Manmade Geyser in Utah

Photographing Dutchman's Arch