Long Canyon

Total Miles 7.5
Technical Rating
1 Easy
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

Long Canyon is a beautiful and easy trail, beginning just off of 313 heading towards Dead Horse Park. Primarily rock, this trail has no major obstacles on it. Early on, there is a wash crossing that could prove problematic if a major rain event has happened. Later along the route, there is a giant rock underpass, followed by several switchbacks. It's important to note that larger vehicles will not fit through this iconic "rock tunnel", and there's no turnaround at or near this spot. (See pictures for reference.) Keep your eyes on the road for the stunning views. This route can be completed in either direction;be courteous to those traveling in the opposite direction. The road is wide for most of the trail, with places for passing near the narrow spots. There are large parking areas at each end of the trail for larger vehicles and airing up/down. Near the top of the canyon, there is a large area for possible viewing of mountain sheep. Please Tread Lightly in these areas, as this is a protected environment and birthing ground for the sheep. Remember to stay at least 25 yards (75-100 feet) away from wildlife.

Photos of Long Canyon

Difficulty

This is a wide rock trail. It is unmaintained and mostly shelf road above a deep steep canyon. You may encounter shallow water crossings and obstacles under 12 inches on the trail. There's a steep descent or hill climb in areas. The road is mostly two lanes wide, with places near the narrow spots for allowing other vehicles to pass.

Technical Rating

1

Status Reports

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K C
Nov 23, 2025
Open
First time going real off-road in my stock 4Runner running Toyo AT3s. I started from the Hwy 313 side and made my way from the top of the canyon down to Hwy 279. There were some steep climbs and narrow pathways that had me a little nervous at first, but the 4Runner handled everything with confidence. My brakes did heat up a bit on the way down, and I stayed in 4LO with the sand/mud MTS setting the whole time. Still being a newbie, I realized I should’ve used the hill-descent control—definitely a lesson learned for next time. Overall, it was a great learning experience, and I’m already thinking about tackling the trail from the bottom up on my next run.
Terry S
Oct 29, 2025
Open
Started the trail from SR-279. Had to take the bypass at the first obstacle since the drop into the wash was too steep for a Sprinter van. No problems with height of the rock tunnel.
Lanae H
Oct 05, 2025
Open
Rough and rocky but really straightforward. A couple of steep spots but nothing crazy. The views were beautiful
Dave Given
Oct 04, 2025
Open
Based on the rating descriptions I rated this a 2 not a 1. Could you do it in a rental car? Not recommended! The upper part (we went east / downhill) is called “Pucker Pass” and was fairly rugged. Not 4L intense (that’s Hell’s Revenge) and not life threatening (that’s the Shafer switchbacks) but super fun. The coolest part is going under that fallen rock - it’s literally as big as your house! Oh, we did it late in the day so the sun was behind us and made the views just magical.
Gregory S
Oct 04, 2025
Open
Great way to avoid traffic going to Canyonlands National Park from Moab. One current washout near the beginning/end of the trail that requires decent ground clearance. No real areas that need 4x4 to traverse. Did the trail in both directions in under an hour. Great views at the top.
sidnei Garringer
Sep 24, 2025
Open
Steve Lipscomb
Sep 20, 2025
Open
Easy on a motorcycle, with some fantastic views looking east!
Mark Signorelli
Sep 18, 2025
Open
The trail is steep but easy, however, there is some trial damage after the descent that has formed a little gully, probably from a flash flood. Judging by some of the auto body parts lying around, it could be a problem if you have a long wheelbase or if your vehicle has a low approach/departure angle, exposed trailer hitch, etc.
George Wiens
Jun 26, 2025
Open
Overall good trail condition with a little rutted at the upper section. Trail is mostly a 1 or 2 with the top section definitely at least a 2
Zachary McClendon
Jun 20, 2025
Open
Really windy today, it was kicking up some dust. Otherwise it wasn’t difficult at all in our stock Outback Wilderness.
Matthew Hill
May 31, 2025
Open
Easy, quiet trail with great views. We started from the bottom up and enjoyed every minute of it. We are just getting into adventuring but enjoy exploring more than difficult trails.
Joe Curtis
Apr 23, 2025
Open
very easy. stock subarus can make it to the top. if you delve off the main road once your up top have some clearance on you vehicle. there are oil rigs and restorations areas that this app isn't super caught up on so just be ready to turn around or find a side path to get around some closed off sections.
Eli Curry
Apr 14, 2025
Open
Really just wanted to drive under the rock. Great views simple dirt road. Should be able to do it with anything that has even a few inches of ground clearance.
Nick T
Apr 01, 2025
Open
Brandon Henrichsen
Mar 30, 2025
Open

Long Canyon Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Long Canyon Map

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