Utah’s San Rafael Swell is filled with canyons both wide and narrow, technical and non-technical. Each has its own unique beauty and individual features. Wild Horse Canyon is just one of the many options for day hiking in the Goblin Valley State Park area, and is well worth an exploration because of the two sets of narrows and impressive alcoves it holds. Even better is the fact that this non-technical hike can be done by just about anyone in only a few hours.
To begin the hike, turn south from Temple Mountain Road towards Goblin Valley State Park. Within the first half mile of the turn, several small dirt roads appear on the west side of the road. Take one of these roads and park where they terminate on the hillside above Wild Horse wash. The mouth of Wild Horse Canyon and the large alcove (proper name: Wild Horse Window; unofficial name: Skylight Arch) are visible from the parking area. It’s time to hit the trail! Head down the slope to the wash, and begin by hiking south on the gravel and rock terrain.
The wash twists and turns a few times before arriving at the canyon proper. Hikers will know they are in the right place because the trail soon narrows to a short section of slot canyon. The first slot is not as extensive as some others in the area, but surely just as picturesque. The canyon widens out again, with high walls of textured stone on both sides. Continue up canyon until reaching the second set of narrows. These are tighter than the first section, with higher walls and more of a slot canyon feel to them. There are several large chockstones near the end that can be fun for scrambling up and over. After this point Wild Horse continues to widen out until you reach the trailhead on the other side of the San Rafael Reef. Head back down the canyon and get ready for the second part of the adventure!
From the parking area, a large cave/alcove is visible. There is an obvious trail out of the wash that heads toward the cave, and the slickrock is sometimes marked with cairns. Rather than trust that the trail will be marked, take a compass bearing and check it while you hike. The route travels mostly over undulating rock, with occasional areas of sand and packed dirt. I was amazed at the variety of wildflowers that were springing up from patches of soil; Sego Lillies (the Utah State Flower) were abundant, as well as globemallow and numerous other plants that beg to be gawked at.
As you make the final approach towards Wild Horse Window, there are two potholes that may be filled with water. The first is easily avoided, and you can bypass the second pool by scrambling over the slickrock to the right of it. The impressive Wild Horse Window looms before you. A natural bridge by definition, the large alcove gets its name from the giant hole in the roof. There is also a second, smaller alcove to the left of Wild Horse Window that is fun to explore. When you’ve had your fill of the caves, reverse course back to your vehicle.
It’s a nice idea to combine both hikes into one day because you’ll be parked in the perfect location. Also, each hike is under two hours long, so you can knock them both out in a morning or afternoon and still have plenty of time to see other sights. Again, these are non-technical hikes that are fun for families or those just honing their canyoneering skills. Never enter a slot canyon if rain is in the forecast, and make sure you have the proper gear before trying these fun hikes.
Getting There: From SLC, travel south on I-15 and exit towards Spanish Fork/Price on US 6. From US 6, turn west on I-70 towards Salina. Use Exit 149 for UT-24 towards Hanksville. Drive south for 24 miles and turn right on Temple Mountain Road. 5 miles later, turn left on Goblin Valley Road, and look for the dirt roads leading towards the San Rafael Reef. Park where the roads terminate on the hill above Wild Horse wash.
Area Maps: Trail Illustrated Map #712 (San Rafael Swell), USGS 7.5” too map for Temple Mountain
Essential Gear: Sturdy hiking boots/shoes, map and compass, plenty of water