Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon Loop Trail is faraway slot canyon hike where you likely won’t see anybody. A variety of terrain and scrambling makes this hike a hidden gem.
The Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon Loop Trail is a 8.7 mile loop hike near Goblin Valley State Park, Utah. Due to its length, moderate to difficult scrambling, this hike is considered moderate. This trail allows dogs – keep them leashed and pick up after them – and be prepared to lift them or guide them through a variety of rocky obstacles and drop-offs. It took us 3 hours and 30 minutes with only a couple quick stops to take pictures and eat snacks.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon Loop Trail, search for the Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon Loop Trailhead or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From Moab head north on Highway 191 and then turn left on Highway 70 headed west. Take Highway 70 for 32 miles and then Highway 24 headed west towards Hanksville. Go 24 miles on Highway 24 and then turn right on Temple Mtn Road. Take Temple Mtn Road for 5.2 and turn left onto Goblin Valley Road. Take Goblin Valley Road for 6.1 miles and turn right on Wild Horse Road. Take Wild Horse Road for 5.4 miles and the parking lot will be on the right. There are restrooms at the parking lot.
Driving Info: This is an easy paved drive the entire way. Be cautious of free-range cows.
Time & Weather: We hiked this trail in late-January and started hiking around 10am. The weather was cold at 42 degrees. The wind was light to moderate throughout the hike. There was snow and ice at places that required some careful footing.
Gear: We wore 2-3 layers for warmth, solid hiking boots, hat & sunglasses. We brought crampons but did not use them. We did not use hiking poles due to the frequency and difficulty of the scrambling. There is some exposure between the two canyon loops, but otherwise you are protected by the canyon walls for the majority of the hike.
Trail Navigation: The trail is easy to follow.
Water & Food: We each drank 2 liters of water, and then some extra for the pups. In the warmer months you should definitely bring extra water. There is no water source along the trail. We had some trail mix and protein bar snacks along the way.
Trailhead Info: The trail starts at the Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon Loop Trailhead near Goblin Valley State Park. There are about 15 parking spots and a restroom.
Pictures of Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon:
Hike through the wash for a bit before you delve into the canyons.
The beginnings of the slot cave adventure.
Curved rocky formations around every turn.
Small climb to continue on.
We suggest at least doing the Little Wild Horse Canyon trail, and if you have the time do the Bell Canyon trail as well.
Picturesque slot canyon walls against the blue sky.
Small corridors between the giant rocks.
Crawl beneath the enormous suspended boulder.
If you hike this in winter, expect to see snow everywhere due to the tall shadows in the canyon.
As you transition out of Little Wild Horse Canyon trail it’ll open up a bit.
Another tight squeeze between the rocks.
The open wash as you head towards Bell Canyon.
This area has a lot of exposure and can get really hot during the warmer months.
Begin to carve your way into Bell Canyon.
Long bending pathways between the two rock walls.
Going to be in the Moab area? There's a ton of hiking, off-roading and outdoor activities. Take a look at Moab's Best Hiking & Off-Roading Trips for epic adventures and spectacular hikes within a few hours of Moab.
