Check this place out but be careful, there's bad cell service, roads can be rough, summer is brutally hot and winter is miserably cold. - The only campsites are the #1-#10 numbered and signed spots. The Wedge features a pit toilet, free camping, picnic areas, and stunning views of the San Rafael River at the bottom of the canyon. Scenic. These were certainly some of the most unusual petroglyphs I have seen in the area… Floating through the heart of the Little Grand Canyon. Beyond The Little Grand Canyon, the 2,000-square-mile Swell offers an array of rock climbing, narrows canyoneering, mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking of all skill levels and public land camping opportunities following the "leave no trace" and "tread lightly" ethics of our public lands. One of those adventures being canyoneering. Circle back to the San Rafael Swell, a gem of public lands in Central Utah you may have missed on your last visit through some of Southern Utah's Mighty 5® national parks. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. There are many slot canyons of various skill levels that have been explored and descended. The Little Grand Canyon (officially named Grand Canyon) is a box canyon located in Shawnee National Forest in Jackson County, Illinois, United States, south of Murphysboro. The San Rafael Swell, is the home of many adventures! It is the burial site of dinosaurs, a paradise for rock hounds, and a playground for OHV’s, Jeepers and campers. To the south, across the canyon, is the remote Sid's Mountain Wilderness Study Area, while the view down canyon towards the southeast takes in Window Blind Peak and the Southern Buckhorn Wash area. Now I know. Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Followed the directions on this page and was able to easily find the campsites. Adventures abound for bikers, hikers, rafters, sightseers, and campers. Overall, the ride has only about 300 feet of elevation difference between the south end (at the San Rafael gorge) and the lower north end where you curve around the tip of Good Water. South of the San Rafael River, the Backway travels through open range lands and pinyon-juniper terrain to I-70. Little Grand Canyon is a valley in Utah and has an elevation of 5171 feet. Utah has five stunning national parks, and 45 amazing state parks, but it’s easy to be jealous of our Arizona neighbors to the south…after all, they have the Grand Canyon. This small, mighty section of the Colorado River is one of the best rafting trips in Utah! The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Sure it’s technically in Arizona, but we claim Grand Canyon as a kindred spirit to Utah’s red-rock country. This Utah juniper is small, but it might actually be hundreds of years old! There are many, many pull offs meant for day use but these are not campsites. Well, it turns out that the Beehive State has its own “grand canyon.”. Little Grand Canyon Half Marathon & 10K information, race map, race results, race reviews, and race date. Nothing but dry roads and clear sky ahead. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! The canyon's beauty changes, depending on the light...but it's always stunning. If these views aren’t enough for you, check out the. Far below the cliffs surrounding the canyon, you can see the San Rafael River. discovered this website (and campsite) through a Google search of "camping areas two hours from Salt Lake"--my husband and i were amazed such beauty was so close! Sunset at The Little Grand Canyon is amazing! Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon” is a testament to the power of man’s influence on the land. The Wedge, which is also known as The Little Grand Canyon is located in the northern part of the San Rafael Swell. while the weekend we chose (4/27) was INCREDIBLY windy--the peace and quiet and views were amazing. Did you know Utah has its very own version of the Grand Canyon? there are some pit toilets to be found but NO water. I hope to go back to do the entire 22 mile loop. Visit our Utah Destination Guide for more things to do in Utah. The shallow soil and lack of rain make it hard for things to grow here. This video posted by Emery County Travel on YouTube shows even more views of Utah’s Little Grand Canyon: If these views aren’t enough for you, check out the amazing views at another one of our stunning canyons: Bryce Canyon National Park. There are actual dinosaur footprints on the side of the road along the race route, and during the race runners also will make their way past one … This impressive canyon can be easily viewed from the Wedge Overlook, but to fully experience its grandeur and scale, it is best to spend a day or two traversing it from top to bottom. and be sure to Google: "The Wedge Overlook". The Wedge and The Little Grand Canyon are located in Eastern Utah and despite their amazing beauty are relatively unknown and overlooked partly due to their close proximity to national parks like Arches and Canyonlands. After leaving Virgin Spring Canyon we stopped to visit one more petroglyph panel along the river. Named the Little Grand Canyon, the San Rafael River carves an impressive gorge as it flows about 18 miles from Fuller Bottom in the west to the San Rafael bridge. Free camping and entrance. Take this four to five hour round trip to the Wedge Overlook. And with miles upon miles of trails for cyclists and off-highway vehicles, a bikepacker or overlander could spend months or years exploring every nook and cranny of … The Little Grand Canyon is one of Utah's secret places that rivals the state's national parks in its beauty and history. One of the great river adventures of Utah, this rare gem only has enough water for kayaks after winters with heavy snowfall in the southern Wasatch Mountains. Wedge Overlook at Little Grand Canyon (Utah) is a beautiful, free campsite located about 35 miles south of Price City. Because of the solitude it calls for repeat visits. When Assembly Hall Peak came into view we knew we were getting close to the Swinging Bridge. - There is absolutely no camping on the rim side of the canyon. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Love Utah? The Little Grand Canyon of Utah is the centerpiece within the geologic feature known as the San Rafael Swell. It is the burial site of dinosaurs, a paradise for rock hounds, and a playground for bikers, Jeepers and campers. As a runner, I love the rim trail but I did go at the end of April and was surprised how hot it was! It’s easy to see why it’s called Utah’s Little Grand Canyon for its winding, brilliantly pigmented gorges, grottos, cliffs, and slots. Accueil > USA > Utah > Little Grand Canyon (14.0/20 | 4 votes) Little Grand Canyon - The Wedge. Its great for Van Life, Full Time RV Living and Tent Camping. Little Grand Canyon – 5 hours . at another one of our stunning canyons: Bryce Canyon National Park. Little Bear Group Campground is located in beautiful Huntington Canyon along the Huntington Canyon National Scenic Byway on Utah... Overview Solitude and beauty a short drive from SLC. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your BUT there is LOTS of camping if you are willing to go down the side "roads". When camping you will be treated with dark skies which are great for astro photography and quiet nights making this camping area a great get away from the noise and mayhem in Moab. But the Wedge, also known as Utah’s “Little Grand Canyon,” isn’t just one of the most breathtaking scenic vistas in the state. The Little Grand Canyon of the San Rafael is one of the most spectacular areas in Utah, and considering what the state has to offer, that is really saying something. Free camping is a plus, and we actually had decent Verizon & T-Mobile cell service. You can drive through Castle Dale, Cleveland, or take an access point off of Highway 6 near Green River Utah. Sweet views and plenty of spaces to camp along the canyon. Get more stories delivered right to your email. You have arrived at the edge of Utah's Little Grand Canyon, with the tiny San Rafael River twisting along the canyon bottom. Visi... Overview Well, it turns out that the Beehive State has its own “grand canyon.” One of the most amazing views in Utah can be found in the San Rafael Swell. Yes, I give this FIVE stars!!! If you're looking for wi-fi and a place to charge your batteries this is it. It can only be floated for a short period of time in late Spring / early Summer during peak snow melt. This adventure will take you across the northern rim of the swell. Don't forget to bring your bike and take on the 21 mile Rim Trail! This hike explores the San Rafael river as it cuts through the Little Grand Canyon. Impressive and Remote Canyon in the San Rafael Swell The Wedge Overlook provides dramatic views of the "Little Grand Canyon," as locals have nicknamed the San Rafael River gorge. The canyon, which is most colorful at sunrise and sunset, is sprinkled with junipers and pinyon pines, which give it an almost lush look of greenery. The northern end of the San Rafael Swell, located in Emery County is a remote wonderland of deep canyons, cliffs, and panoramic views, but unlike the famous scenes of Utah's five national parks, this area has no Not too crowded, got there late in the day and was able to find a spot easily. The trailhead is located past the Swinging Bridge and .8 miles west of the Buckhorn Draw Rd. The closest town is Castle Dale, Utah, and most people drive past this part of the San Rafael Swell on their way to Moab, or other p... Duchman's Arch is visible from I-70 but ask anyone about it and they will look at you with a blank face. To get there we followed Route 6 south and then east over Soldier Pass. Check this place out but be careful, there's bad cell service, roads can be rough, summer is brutally hot and winter is miserably cold. and while it is noted in this post that campsites are easy to come by--that wasn't true for us when we rolled in at 10:30 p.m. on a Friday night. The Wedge is a particularly breath-taking part of … We camped here for a couple of nights and were blown away by the scenery. To get to Little Grand Canyon follow the signs for "The Wedge Overlook". The Buckhorn Draw portion of the Backway follows a narrow, winding sandstone canyon. Westwater Canyon is Utah's "Little Grand Canyon". Circle back to the San Rafael Swell, a gem of public lands in Central Utah you may have missed on your last visit through some of Southern Utah's Mighty 5® national parks. Very few people. About 30 minutes away is the popular Joe's Valley bouldering area located outside the town of Orangeville which also is home to the popular Food Ranch grocery store which offers food and drinks to climbers and explorers. One of the most amazing views in Utah can be found in the San Rafael Swell. There is an eating area upstairs in the store with everything you need. Camping is first come first serve but I have never seen it the camp sites fill up. Good Water is a short steep-walled side canyon off The Little Grand Canyon of the San Rafael River. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and mountain biking and is best used from March until November. Learn why you should run Little Grand Canyon Half Marathon & 10K in Huntington, UT. When you are standing on the edge of the Wedge, the San Rafael River is more than 1,200 feet below you. The late springs of 2017, 2011, and 2008 saw the San Rafael River swell to a level that makes heading through the Little Grand Canyon on kayaks not only possible but downright enjoyable. Allow yourself time to explore the Eastern side of the rim. Orange Olsen is located at 7,000 feet with a panoramic view of Joes Valley. The Little Grand Canyon of the San Rafael Swell is a stunning panorama from above, and an incredible adventure within. With it's massive size, The San Rafael Swell, where The Little Grand Canyon is located, is easily accessible from I-70, Orangeville, Huntington, Castledale, and the numerous other small towns located around it's perimeter. There's numerous off-road trails, hiking trails, hunting areas, impressive geologic formations, and Indian art so definitely spend time checking this area out. Please explore responsibly! The red-embedded stepchild Utah loves like one of its own. The San Rafael River is a ~15-mile stretch that flows through Utah’s Little Grand Canyon and the famous San Rafael Swell. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! The view is pretty amazing when a storm is rolling in, too. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: This is The Little Grand Canyon of the San Rafael. and while Verizon seemed to work well in most spots, it's a good idea to print out turn-by-turn directions as many of the roads are not marked with street signs. Turning south again we passed a handful of indistinct tiny towns before hitting the … Sunscreen up and walk down the path to an open wash. 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The Little Grand Canyon is a box canyon located in Shawnee National Forest in Jackson County, Illinois, United States, south of Murphysboro. Little Grand Canyon Half Marathon & 10K Join us on 09/09/2020 The Little Grand Canyon is one of Utah's secret places that rivals the state's national parks in its beauty and history. Joe's Valley Reservoir Campground is located in a high mountain valley next to its namesake, at an elevation of 7,000 feet. It takes some commitment to get to the trailhead, but it’s worth it. After 20 miles of dirt road (super high quality) we were amazed by the stunning views and total privacy. It’s called The Wedge, but its nickname is “Utah’s Little Grand Canyon.” If you imagine the Grand Canyon, scaled down a bit, this is it! THE LITTLE GRAND CANYON of Utah is the centerpiece within the geologic feature known as the San Rafael Swell. When arriving to the small town look for brown BLM signs that say "San Rafael Swell Recreation Area". Because we were traveling from Salt Lake City we decided to enter the San Rafael Swell through Cleveland Utah. The Little Grand Canyon of the San Rafael Swell is a stunning panorama from above, and an incredible adventure within. Claim Your Event To Improve This Listing. Pit toilet. Massive gullies as deep as 150 feet were caused simply by poor farming practices during the 1800s, yet today they make some of the prettiest photographs within the state. Over 1,200 feet below, the San Rafael River winds its way between the canyon walls. Follow these signs in to The Swell. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. The Swell is a vast and varied landscape of colorful formations and river-carved canyons and gorges. It’s called The Wedge, but its nickname is “Utah’s Little Grand Canyon.” If you imagine the Grand Canyon, scaled down a bit, this is it! Here's a review of our boondocking site at Little Grand Canyon, Utah. Overview Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy. The easiest way to find this area is to drive to Castledale, Utah. Si tous les superlatifs employés pour qualifier les joyaux de l'Utah ont été déjà utilisés, il vous faudra faire preuve d'imagination lorsque vous découvrirez pour la première fois Little Grand Canyon, vu de The Wedge Overlook. The Little Grand Canyon on the San Rafael River The San Rafael Swell was formed when deeply buried Precambrian dike swarm rocks faulted, or broke, during the … The Swell is a vast and varied landscape of colorful formations and river-carved canyons and gorges. Joes Valley Pavilion Group Site is located in a high mountain valley just above Joes Valley Reservoir, at an elevation of 7,000 ... Overview We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. adventures and follow local regulations. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. It’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, a 277-mile cross-section of the Northern Arizona desert laying bare, 2 billion (with a … Here you’ll see what locals affectionately refer to as Utah’s “Little Grand Canyon”, the San Rafael River’s deep cut, and the resulting gorge. I've lived in Utah for years and driven between Price and Green River many times wondering what lies in the upper San Rafael Swell. Little Grand Canyon Rim Trail (Wedge Overlook) is a 3.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Green River, Utah that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. Our destination was the Little Grand Canyon of Utah. The area is very well marked despite it not being popular and it even appears in Google Maps if you search for "The Wedge", although cell service can be spotty in the area. After several dirt roads, follow a rocky 4X4 road for about 10 miles to the trailhead. There are several ways to reach the Wedge Overlook “Little Grand Canyon”. It is located on east bank of the Big Muddy River across from Turkey Bayou to the west, between Swallow Rock to the north and Chalk Bluff to the south. San Rafael River Gorge | Friday & Saturday, March 31 - April 1, 2017 Visiting the Little Grand Canyon in the heart of the northern San Rafael Swell has been something I have wanted to do for a long time. The only running event that takes participants through the Wedge Overlook area of eastern Utah’s San Rafael Swell, also known as the “Little Grand Canyon,” this race offers up some of the southwest’s most pristine natural beauty, including Utah’s majestic towering red rocks, which tell the geological timetable as you run through the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods. Nicknamed the “Little Grand Canyon,” it is the deepest part of the San Rafael River canyon located directly beneath the Wedge Overlook (Overlook) in the San Rafael Swell (Swell). It's worth more than just a drive up and take a picture type stop. Jaw dropping canyon views. The road to the Wedge Overlook climbs through rolling pinyon and juniper woodland until it ends suddenly at the edge of the Wedge Overlook, sometimes called "Utah's Little Grand Canyon." 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