Behind the Reef Trail @ San Rafael Swell Utah (Near Moab)

[AARDVARK122]

If you have never been to San Rafael Swell in Utah, put it on your list. It is about an hour and 15 minutes west of Moab. A small group of friends from work made a quick overnight trip to do the “Behind the Reef” trail. And the “Little Wild Horse Canyon” loop. It has a little bit of everything. It is not a super technical trail. A couple of spots that I would say are about a 4. But the views are amazing. There are some spots where you can open it up. (40mph) and some rock crawling climbs and decents. And even a few places to be spotted. We ended up doing about 45 miles off-road. Definitely a must do trail.

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[Ford Motor Company]

If you have never been to San Rafael Swell in Utah, put it on your list. It is about an hour and 15 minutes west of Moab. A small group of friends from work made a quick overnight trip to do the “Behind the Reef” trail. And the “Little Wild Horse Canyon” loop. It has a little bit of everything. It is not a super technical trail. A couple of spots that I would say are about a 4. But the views are amazing. There are some spots where you can open it up. (40mph) and some rock crawling climbs and decents. And even a few places to be spotted. We ended up doing about 45 miles off-road. Definitely a must do trail.

We hope you had a wonderful trip! It looks like a fun day.

 

[jzweedyk]

Another great trail to do just west of the swell is Eagle Canyon. Not too hard but really scenic.

 

[AARDVARK122]

Another great trail to do just west of the swell is Eagle Canyon. Not too hard but really scenic.

I have done Eagle Canyon. It is awesome too. I think my next trip down there will be to do Devils Race track.

 

[jzweedyk]

I have done Eagle Canyon. It is awesome too. I think my next trip down there will be to do Devils Race track.

We haven' done that one yet, but it is supposed to be a little tougher, when I do it, it will have to be with someone. We do most trails alone.

 

[AARDVARK122]

We haven' done that one yet, but it is supposed to be a little tougher, when I do it, it will have to be with someone. We do most trails alone.

When you do it, hit me up, and I will see if I can free up some time. I am about a 2 1/2 hour drive.

 

[gbub]

I have hiked the Little Wild Horse Canyon loop. Behind the Reef trail must be the trail that crosses though Little Wild Horse Canyon loop. I wondered if that trail was something I should try someday. From your report, it is something I will run.

 

[broadicustomworks]

Thanks to this I spied an off-road (or technically more off-pavement) access from 24 north of Hanksville to Factory Butte vs. going through Hanksville.
Interesting.
Anyone done that offshoot?

 

[AARDVARK122]

Thanks to this I spied an off-road (or technically more off-pavement) access from 24 north of Hanksville to Factory Butte vs. going through Hanksville.
Interesting.
Anyone done that offshoot?

Yes I have driven from Goblin Valley all the way to Cathedral Valley. And did the Cathedral Valley loop. We went right past Factory butte. It is a super cool drive.

 

[timhood]

Well, this couldn't have been more timely. I'm planning on being in the Devil's Canyon area next weekend. Now I have some more trails to consider. Extra points for the most scenic options that do not have steep drop-offs that my co-pilot doesn't like.

 

[AARDVARK122]

Well, this couldn't have been more timely. I'm planning on being in the Devil's Canyon area next weekend. Now I have some more trails to consider. Extra points for the most scenic options that do not have steep drop-offs that my co-pilot doesn't like.

For sure a great ride for your copilot.

 

[EMBronco]

If you have never been to San Rafael Swell in Utah, put it on your list. It is about an hour and 15 minutes west of Moab. A small group of friends from work made a quick overnight trip to do the “Behind the Reef” trail. And the “Little Wild Horse Canyon” loop. It has a little bit of everything. It is not a super technical trail. A couple of spots that I would say are about a 4. But the views are amazing. There are some spots where you can open it up. (40mph) and some rock crawling climbs and decents. And even a few places to be spotted. We ended up doing about 45 miles off-road. Definitely a must do trail.

I posted about Behind the Reef about a month ago and you commented that you had a trip planned to run it. I'm glad you were able to make it out. Great trail, not to difficult, but the views are great. It's a good time with family or friends.

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