Near Dark Canyon West Trail (006)
Upper Dark Canyon and a campsite for the night. with permission from AcrossUtah
Near Dark Canyon West Trail (006)
Upper Dark Canyon Granaries. with permission from AcrossUtah

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Hike Trail

Dark Canyon West Trail (006)

4.0 (2 Ratings)
A beautiful canyon-bottom trail to the wilderness boundary
12.6
mi
Distance
77
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
River/CreekViews
Access Issues
Please Respect and Protect archaeological sites: Stay on trail, help prevent damage. Don't move artifacts, let everyone enjoy the discovery. Stay out of ancient buildings and off walls, they are fragile! Report looting and vandalism: 1 800 722 3998 This trail travels through the Dark Canyon Wilderness, an area rich with archeological significance. It is a federal crime to remove or disturb any artifacts in this area.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
12.62mi
Distance
77ft
Elevation Gain
1,230ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
6,876ft
High Point
5,723ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This long, mellow descent starts at the Peavine Corridor Road (089) and ends at the Forest Service / BLM Land Boundary before the Sundance Trail. From the east, begin hiking past two circular corrals as you leave Peavine Corridor Road (089). Cross a small stream bed and follow it north past sheer cliffs at the edge of Deadman Point. You'll soon arrive at a larger stream bed, which will be your constant companion as you travel through Dark Canyon. Although you'll cross the stream bed countless times, the trail does its best to minimize the time you'll spend hiking in the wash. Look for frequent sections of singletrack that cut through most bends. Along your journey, keep an eye out for small ruins that add scale and history to this already incredible landscape. This trail intersects with the Dark Canyon North Fork Trail (206) at 2.4 miles, Trail Canyon Trail (007) at 5.9 miles, and the Woodenshoe Trail (165) at 12.3 miles.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Eric Ashley