Salt & Horse Canyon

Salt & Horse Canyon Road is a moderately used out-and-back canyon drive in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. A permit is required to drive this canyon, which can be purchased on Recreation.gov or at the Needles Visitor Center. In either case, you must stop by the visitor’s center to obtain the gate code to gain access on the day you plan to drive it. Permission to drive the route is subject to weather, as you will be driving up the wash of the canyon, and rain in the drainage will get you stuck, stranded, or worse. The drive is not difficult; it starts in sandy washes and becomes rockier until the trail terminates in a boulder field. Be sure to look up and mark points of interest, as many are not marked. Attractions include: Paul Bunyan’s potty, Tower Ruin, Anchor Arch, Gothic Arch, Castle Arch, & Fortress Arch. Most of these require a mild hike to see or get to. There is also Salt Creek, which has the only reservable campsite (Peekaboo Camp) in the area and a hiking trail beyond the campsite. Stay on trails and do not climb to or touch the ruins; there are hefty penalties if you do. Don’t drive or walk through standing water; there is quicksand in Horse and Lavender canyons. The speed limit in the canyon is 15mph and is enforced. Slow down and be mindful on blind corners. There are no bathrooms or facilities of any kind. Be prepared with bathroom bags and remember that pets are not allowed in the park, even in your vehicle.