Crack Canyon

Dogs Leashed

Features Geological Significance

The hike through this deep slot canyon offers a more challenging adventure than some of the other slot canyons in the Swell. If you enjoy navigating obstacles and non-technical canyoneering, this hike is for you. Plus, the erosional features in the sandstone of this canyon are more impressive and picturesque than most.

This area is very remote; be sure to have plenty of water and snacks before attempting this hike. An emergency beacon is smart to carry with you as well. Take more water with you than you think you need, as the time it takes to get through the obstacles can vary widely depending on your fitness, group size and whether or not you have to wait on other hikers in the narrows.

The trailhead is reached from the Behind the Reef Road, which is sometimes inaccessible to passenger cars. Check road conditions before driving to the area, as it is very remote. There is a signed trailhead about four miles from the junction of Temple Mountain and Behind the Reef Road. Park near the sign, as the road beyond is washed out and unmaintained.

From the trailhead, follow the old road heading down the wash. As you approach the reef, where Crack Canyon deepens,
the road disappears and a fence marks the end of motor vehicle travel. Continue hiking into the canyon as it enters the reef.

The beginning of the canyon is impressively deep with erosional patterns of solution pockets decorating the walls. About 15 minutes past the fence, a short narrows section starts, with a few easy downclimbs. These can also be bypassed on the right. With any obstacle in this canyon, remember that loose sand can make the rock more slippery and dangerous, so be sure to brush it away before attempting to downclimb.

A few minutes past the small narrows is a large, photogenic undercut section that shows the power of floods moving through the canyon. It also offers some welcome shade on a hot day. The wash then opens briefly before another section of narrows. This section has a couple of minor obstacles, but nothing that can't be navigated slowly and carefully.

Continuing down canyon, the canyon opens and then begins to narrow again. This section begins with a 7-8 foot downclimb that can be discouraging for some. If this seems too difficult, or if you have dogs or small kids with you, you can go back up-canyon a few minutes. Watch on your right (looking up-canyon) for a boulder-filled crack. You can go up this crack to an upper bench, then follow a route marked with cairns bypassing the obstacles.

Resume traveling down-canyon through variable open and narrow sections. As you approach the end of the hike, you'll enter a very deep narrow section, which gradually changes to a wider and more shallow drainage. Eventually, you
exit the reef and enter the gravel wash on the other side. Most visitors take a break here before turning around and retracing the route back up through the canyon. Usually climbing back up the obstacles is easier; just remember to take your time and make sure your holds are solid.