Chute of Muddy Creek

The Chute of Muddy Creek is an approximately 15-mile route from trailhead to trailhead that will require a 16-mile car shuttle. Much of the route is comprised of wading in Muddy Creek between steep and narrow canyon walls. Begin at the Tomsich Butte Trailhead. Proceed downstream from the Tomisch Butte Trailhead. After two miles you'll encounter Penitentiary Canyon on your left. After you pass Penitentiary Canyon the canyon walls begin to narrow. The creek becomes significantly deeper and you may have to wade up to your waist at this point, depending on the time of year. Approximately five miles after you pass Penitentiary Canyon, you'll encounter Music Canyon on your left. I recommend using the Music Canyon Route and scrambling up the beautifully sculpted, narrow slot to Music Canyon. Go up as high as you feel comfortable until you are eventually cliffed-out by a large dry fall. Return back down the slot to Muddy Creek. Continue downstream for 4.25 miles until you pass Chimney Canyon on your right. From the mouth of Chimney Canyon proceed 1.5 miles downstream to the mouth of Mud Canyon on your left. Proceed another 1.5 miles downstream from Mud Canyon and you'll encounter an obvious trail on your left. Follow this trail for 0.5 miles to the Hidden Splendor Airstrip.