Slickhorn Canyon, Third Fork to Trail Fork

Distance: 10.5 miles (loop)

BLM, Monticello, Utah office, near Blanding in Southeast Utah

Looking up the Trail Fork of Slickhorn Canyon

Looking up the Trail Fork of Slickhorn Canyon

 

This rugged loop hike explores one of the lesser visited canyon systems on Cedar Mesa, traveling down the Third Fork of Slickhorn Canyon and then ascending the Trail Fork of Slickhorn Canyon. The canyons are quite scenic, with sculpted red and white sandstone walls stained with desert varnish towering overhead. Observant hikers will spot a few ruins and rock art panels along the way.
See Trail Detail/Full Description

  • Distance: 10.5 miles (loop) to Third Fork to Trail Fork
  • Elevation: 6,190-ft. at Trailhead
    5,130-ft. at Third Fork to Trail Fork
  • Elevation Gain: -960-ft. to Third Fork to Trail Fork
  • Difficulty: moderate-strenuous
  • More Hikes in:
    Bears Ears NM / Mexican Hat / Southeast Utah

Why Hike Slickhorn Canyon, Third Fork to Trail Fork

This rugged loop hike explores one of the lesser visited canyon systems on Cedar Mesa, traveling down the Third Fork of Slickhorn Canyon and then ascending the Trail Fork of Slickhorn Canyon. The canyons are quite scenic, with sculpted red and white sandstone walls stained with desert varnish towering overhead. Observant hikers will spot a few ruins and rock art panels along the way.

Elevation Profile

Elevation profile Slickhorn Canyon third Fork to Trail fork

Trail Resources

Trail Detail/Full Description / Trail Photo Gallery / Trail Map

Basecamp(s) Information:
Bears Ears NM / Mexican Hat

Region Information:
Southeast Utah

Other Hiking Regions in:
Utah