by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 5/19/2025
Little Wild Horse is a classic slot canyon located in south-central Utah, near Goblin Valley, on our way to Capitol Reef. It is
a popular hiking spot for families and youth groups. The main attraction is a long stretch of "narrows," where the canyon walls
are so close you have to turn sideways to get through. The rock walls are sculpted and very beautiful.
Hikers are drawn to Little Wild Horse Canyon for its captivating slot canyons, sculpted by centuries of water erosion. The towering sandstone walls create an otherworldly ambiance, with sections so narrow that hikers must squeeze through, adding an element of excitement to the experience.
The canyon offers various trails suitable for different skill levels, making it accessible to both beginners and seasoned hikers. It's a great place for families, offering an opportunity for children to explore the wonders of nature. The slot canyons offer cool relief from the desert heat, making it an ideal destination during the warmer months.
Little Wild Horse Canyon provides a sense of wonder, adventure, and connection with the natural world that lingers in the memories of all who venture into its depths. It's an excellent example of the extraordinary landscapes that make Utah a haven for outdoor exploration.
112 miles from Moab, UT and just 5.2 miles north of route 24 - we had been looking for a place to allow us to get out of the car for a while and work up an appetite for lunch. Celeste did a bit of map research, and noticed that we would be able to hike through a slot canyon and it looked interesting - so we decided to give it a try.
We drove on Utah route 24 and took a right turn onto Temple Mt. Road. We then proceeded north to Goblin Valley Road where we turned left (west) - just before the Goblin State Park entrance we turned right onto Wild Horse Road. In approximately 5.5 miles, you will arrive at the parking lot.
You can see in the lower left corner of this map, that our eventual destination of Torrey, UT was only 55 miles away from Little Wild Horse Canyon, and since we could not check into our motel until 3PM, a decision to stop and hike was easy to make.
Entering the Slot Canyon Area
Trail Rock Stair Steps
Trail Continues to AscendIf you hiked in through the slot canyon to the top and then crossed over onto the Bell Canyon trail, you will have walked 8 strenous miles by the time you return to the parking lot. We did not have the time (or the energy) to hike that far, so we turned back after the slot canyon. Not sure of the exact distance we hiked, but it was easily 2.5 to 3.0 mile round trip.
What makes Little Wild Horse Canyon particularly inviting is its accessibility to hikers of all skill levels. The hike can be tailored to suit your preferences, whether you're seeking a short and easy stroll or a more challenging, longer trek. The main attraction is the winding slot canyon, where hikers can squeeze through tight spaces, admire towering sandstone walls, and marvel at the play of light and shadow.
Trailhead and Parking:
The Hike:
Canyon Features:
Challenges:
What to Bring:
Click here to read a good description of the entire hike.
Trail is Initially Wider
Trail Shady Spot
Trail Continues to AscendSlot Canyon Trail Ascends
Factory Butte
Dry Wash Trail to the CanyonThe hike from the parking lot to the slot canyon is approximately a mile, offering an enjoyable and relatively easy walk. On our visit, the day was bright and sunny, with the temperature gradually warming as we made our way along the trail. Fortunately, we came prepared with plenty of water to stay hydrated and found the walk to be quite pleasant, surrounded by the stark beauty of the desert landscape.
Although the parking lot was bustling and full of vehicles, the trail itself felt surprisingly uncrowded. It seemed that visitors were dispersed across the various trail segments, providing us with a peaceful and serene hiking experience. Along the way, we appreciated the wide-open views and the anticipation of reaching the slot canyon's dramatic formations. The trail’s gentle ascent and clear markers made it accessible for hikers of varying skill levels, making it a memorable start to an unforgettable adventure.
Click above map to view a larger Google Map As you can see by the this map, our trip covered 3 different states, approximately 1,600 road miles and allowed us to see some spectacular geography. You might think that a trip of this distance would be something that would result in a "tired of driving" mood - but our stops were so diverse with such incredible geography and fun things to do, that we found that we looked forward to each morning to where we could continue our adventures!
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