activities
horseback
The San Rafael Swell offers some of Utah’s best hiking trails. Hikes range from mild kid-friendly to intense mega-adventures. There is something for everybody here!
From slot canyons to Rock Art panels, there is a wide variety of adventures waiting you in and around the Swell. While many of the trails are well marked, some are a little more remote and require a little effort to find. It should also be noted that many of the trails offer no amenities, so bring water, snacks and of course… a camera!
AREAS WITH HORSEBACK TRAILS
Swinging Bridge
The San Rafael Bridge, locally known as the swinging bridge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938. The swinging bridge was the only bridge over the San Rafael River until the 1990s. Though you can no longer drive on the bridge, it is perfectly safe to walk on. Water height of the river…
Buckhorn Pictograph Panel
The Buckhorn Pictograph panel is over 130 feet in length and features art from two distinct cultures that have inhabited the area. The dominant artwork is a series of painted figures and symbols, called pictographs, believed to have been created over 2000 years ago by people of the Barrier Canyon Culture. This was an ancient…
Huntington Canyon
Huntington Canyon is a heavily wooded canyon in the Manti-La Sal National Forest. A pleasant 30-mile drive up the canyon via Utah State Route 31 is part of the state designated Huntington-Eccles Scenic Byway, also known as the Energy Loop Scenic Byway.
Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock towers 700 feet over the surrounding grasslands and offers some of the most challenging dirt bike trails around. Visitors also explore the area for wildlife viewing and spectacular sunsets. The Chimney Rock area has some challenging dirt bike trails that you won’t want to miss.
Swasey’s Cabin
Swasey’s Cabin is a landmark built by some of the first settlers to the area and is listed on the National Historic Register. The Swasey family arrived in the Swell and raised livestock and wrangled horses here in the late 1800s. Before they built this cabin in 1921, the Swasey brothers slept out in the…
Black Dragon Pictograph
Black Dragon Canyon cuts through the eastern cliff line of the San Rafael Swell, a rough, wild landscape that is commonly referred to as the San Rafael Reef. Named after the rock art panel on the canyon wall that features what looks like a flying dragon. A deep, sinuous canyon adorned with Native American rock…