East Horseshoe Canyon

Total Miles 5.2
Technical Rating
4 Moderate
Best Time Spring, Fall, Summer
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

This out-and-back trail goes to the east side of Horseshoe Canyon. There is an old mining/ranching road (now only open for hiking) that begins at the end of the trail and continues down to the canyon floor. Horseshoe Canyon is home to a large number of famous Barrier Canyon style pictographs, including the "Great Gallery". The first few miles of the trail are decently maintained and sandy, once you reach some old wooden mining ruins it becomes fairly primitive and has some moderately difficult slick rock climbs. The last quarter mile of the trail has the most challenging section.

Photos of East Horseshoe Canyon

Difficulty

There are some slickrock ledges that require picking a good line.

History

Previously used by miners trying to drill for oil that came up empty. There are some wooden ruins of the drilling operation alongside the trail.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

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Mike Newbry
Apr 07, 2026
Open
The road is easy until you get to the mining ruins. After that there are rocky sections with 8-12" steps that may require a spotter, and there are steep sandy climbs that couldn't be done in 2WD. This road should probably be rated a 5. Camping is allowed on the BLM sections of the road.

East Horseshoe Canyon Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

East Horseshoe Canyon Map

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