Wind and water carved this jumble of rock into incredible formations as buttes, canyons, pinnacles and mesas emerged, making the San Rafael Swell one of the most ruggedly beautiful pockets of terrain in the world. As part of the John D. Dingell. Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019, congress designated San Rafael Swell Recreation Area (approximately 217,000 acres). The “Swell” features endless amounts of recreational experiences including: hiking, biking, four wheel driving, horseback, canyoneering, and river running.
San Rafael Swell
Interstate 70 bisects the San Rafael Swell in South-Central Utah. Interstate 70 is the only paved road through the San Rafael Swell. It divides the swell into north and south areas. The entire San Rafael Swell measures roughly 40 miles by 75 miles. SR 24 runs along the eastern edge. Some of the main staging areas for the San Rafael Swell include:
- Black Dragon Wash – no official exit, but if traveling westbound from Green River right after mile 147.
- Temple Mountain (I70 exit 131) – Buckhorn Draw Road
- Millers Canyon Road (CR 912) meets I-70/U.S. 50 at the ranch exit by the confluence of Ivie and Muddy Creeks (I70 exit 99)
- Moore Cutoff Road (I70 exit 116). South access via Justensen Flats
- SR 10 (I70 exit 91) Emery, Ferron, Castle Dale
- Goblin Valley State Park – SR 24 to Temple Mountain Road
The following Wilderness areas were congressionally designated around the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area as part of the John D. Dingell. Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act and are currently closed to OHV use: Big Wild Horse Mesa, Cold Wash, Devil’s Canyon, Eagle Canyon, Horse Valley, Little Ocean Draw, Little Wild Horse Canyon, Lower Last Chance, Mexican Mountain, Middle Wild Horse Mesa, Muddy Creek, Red’s Canyon, San Rafael Reef, and Sid’s Mountain.
North of Interstate 70
Devil’s Racetrack
Sid’s Mountain & Coal Wash Wilderness Areas
Fix-It Pass
Obscure Arch
Buckhorn Wash Pictograph Panel
Wedge Overlook – Little Grand Canyon Overlook
Did you know Utah has its very own version of the Grand Canyon? Nicknamed the “Little Grand Canyon,” it is the deepest part of the San Rafael River canyon located directly beneath the Wedge Overlook in the San Rafael Swell. Located in the northern portion of the Swell, numerous viewpoints along the dramatic overlook provide stunning views of varied landforms sculpted mainly in multi-colored sandstone formations. Directly beneath the overlook is a shear drop off of 1,200 feet to the San Rafael River’s deeply cut Little Grand Canyon.
Eagle Canyon – I-70 bridges
Eagle Arch
In 1921, Joe Swasey built what is known as Swasey’s Cabin in the heart of the Swell. The cabin was to be used as shelter by the Swasey’s and other cowboys when running cattle in the area. Almost 100 years later, the cabin still stands in its picturesque spot near Broken Cross Tower.
Swasey’s Cabin
South of Interstate 70
Behind the Reef Trail
Temple Mountain Loop
Hidden Splendor
Access to this area is in peril
This area was part of the uranium mining boom, so you’ll find lots of historic mining roads, but the BLM and environmental groups are trying to close off access to many existing roads (see San Rafael Swell TPM Alternatives Map). Please join/donate to UPLA and BlueRibbon Coalition to help keep this land open for OHV use.
Kawasaki KRX 1000 eS with FOX 2.5 Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks
The vehicle we used for this two day San Rafael Swell exploration was our 2021 Kawasaki KRX 1000. It is outfitted with:
- Switch-Works digital smart switcher and street legal kit
- SSV Works audio system
- Rugged Radios intercom and radio + helmet air
- Shock Therapy Shock upgrades and tie rods
- High Lifter Chicane LT tires on headlock wheels
- Factory UTV UHMW skids
- RLB chase light and whips
- Kawasaki tire carrier and windshield
- Alpine Designs bumper
- Baja Designs lights
- Assault Industries mirrors, steering wheel and shift knob
- Wolf Designs wrap
