The Narrows of Grand Gulch

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This is one of only a few short routes that will let you experience the confines of Grand Gulch. You descend very quickly into the slickrock gorge of Collins Canyon via a well-defined trail passing towers, domes, hoodoos, and overhanging rims. The Narrows of Grand Gulch are very short (stretching about 25 feet) with the canyon walls about 10 feet apart.

Getting to the trailhead with a low-clearance vehicle requires very careful driving over the slickrock roadbed.

The trail descends moderately from the trailhead into Collins Canyon with the canyon walls slowly rising next to you. Once you reach the canyon floor, you follow the wash. Cairns will guide you in some places across the slickrock and around pour-offs. Pass a larger pour-off at 0.5 miles on the right.

The canyon walls soar up to 300 feet and provide a fair amount of shade, making this a pleasant journey even in higher temperatures. After 1.5 miles, a major side canyon opens up on the left, but you'll want to stay on the right. At the next bend, Collins Canyon merges with Grand Gulch. Continue south (right) down-canyon, where The Narrows will appear on the left. Descend through here, enjoying the narrow passage and the shallow seasonal pool behind it.

When you're ready, simply return the way you came to reach your car.