- Region
- UT, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit requirements and tr…
- Managed by
- Bureau of Land Management, Green River District / Price Field Office; 435-636-3600; utprmail@blm.gov
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San Rafael Reef Wilderness trip tools
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Photos of San Rafael Reef Wilderness
How to get there
From Price, travel south on Highway 6 for approximately 57 miles to I-70, then west on I-70 for approximately 8 miles to exit 149. Turn south onto Highway 24. For Three Finger Canyon, continue approximately 3.5 miles to the dirt Hatt’s Ranch bypass, then follow that approach for 6.4 miles to the trailhead. Verify the junction and approach on a current BLM map before travel.
- Highway 24 via I-70 exit 149
Road-access corridor for the Three Finger Canyon approach. Travel south from exit 149 to reach the Hatt’s Ranch bypass; this highway junction is not a wilderness trailhead.
- Three Finger Canyon trailhead
The identified Reef access point closest to I-70, reached by the dirt Hatt’s Ranch bypass from Highway 24. Check current approach conditions and the wilderness boundary before setting out.
Sources: blm.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
UT, USA · United States
- Mountaineering
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Hiking
The eastern edge of the San Rafael Swell
San Rafael Reef Wilderness follows the eastern edge of Utah’s San Rafael Swell, protecting a nearly north–south ridge of steeply tilted rock. This hogback dips sharply eastward, with domes, vertical fins, and canyons that drain toward the eastern base. Canyon depths range from 200 to 1,000 feet, while elevations rise from about 4,800 feet at the base to 6,600 feet in the central and northern portions. Those figures describe a varied landscape, not a single continuous hiking route. Expect to plan around individual canyon entrances and the terrain between them rather than treating the Reef as one straightforward traverse. Designated in 2019, the wilderness covers roughly 60,442 acres. Its exposed rock and sharply defined landforms make geology a central part of a visit.
Plan access separately from the hike
Three Finger Canyon is the identified access point closest to Interstate 70. Its approach uses Highway 24 and the dirt Hatt’s Ranch bypass, so reaching the trailhead is a separate planning task from choosing a walk inside the wilderness. Carry a current map and check road conditions before committing to the dirt approach. The wider San Rafael Swell supports driving, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle recreation, but those opportunities should not be confused with travel inside the wilderness: motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles, are generally prohibited there. Use current BLM travel maps to distinguish vehicle approaches from wilderness terrain. Confirm permit requirements and any applicable fees with BLM before departure. For canyon travel, review the weather and choose an outing that matches the group’s navigation skills and ability to turn back.
Sparse vegetation, wildlife, and careful travel
Much of the Reef is barren rock, with pinyon-juniper woodland forming the main vegetation where plants take hold. Plan for exposed travel, carry drinking water, and avoid relying on shade or finding water along the way. Desert bighorn sheep, cougars, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and golden eagles frequent the wilderness; give wildlife room and observe without approaching or feeding it. Plants recorded here include Maguire daisy, Wright fishhook cactus, Jones cyclodenia, and Last Chance townsendia. Keep foot placement and rest stops away from vegetation wherever possible. The wider Swell also contains Indigenous cultural sites and evidence of historic grazing and mining. If encountered, leave artifacts where they lie, avoid touching rock writings, stay out of structures, and do not alter sites. Apply Leave No Trace practices throughout the visit.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to San Rafael Reef Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 38.7914, -110.5490
- Latitude (DMS)
- 38° 47′ 29.2″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 110° 32′ 56.4″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for San Rafael Reef Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
The San Rafael Reef Wilderness makes up the eastern edge of the San Rafael Swell and is a nearly north-south trending hogback that dips steeply eastward. Considered a major geologic feature in Utah, the...
Key takeaways
- Region: UT, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 38.791, -110.549
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at San Rafael Reef Wilderness
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
- Snorkeling
Clear-water days and shore entries.
Animals around San Rafael Reef Wilderness
The eastern edge of the San Rafael Swell
San Rafael Reef Wilderness follows the eastern edge of Utah’s San Rafael Swell, protecting a nearly north–south ridge of steeply tilted rock. This hogback dips sharply eastward, with domes, vertical fins, and canyons that drain toward the eastern base. Canyon depths range from 200 to 1,000 feet, while elevations rise from about 4,800 feet at the base to 6,600 feet in the central and northern portions. Those figures describe a varied landscape, not a single continuous hiking route. Expect to plan around individual canyon entrances and the terrain between them rather than treating the Reef as one straightforward traverse. Designated in 2019, the wilderness covers roughly 60,442 acres. Its exposed rock and sharply defined landforms make geology a central part of a visit.
Plan access separately from the hike
Three Finger Canyon is the identified access point closest to Interstate 70. Its approach uses Highway 24 and the dirt Hatt’s Ranch bypass, so reaching the trailhead is a separate planning task from choosing a walk inside the wilderness. Carry a current map and check road conditions before committing to the dirt approach. The wider San Rafael Swell supports driving, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle recreation, but those opportunities should not be confused with travel inside the wilderness: motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles, are generally prohibited there. Use current BLM travel maps to distinguish vehicle approaches from wilderness terrain. Confirm permit requirements and any applicable fees with BLM before departure. For canyon travel, review the weather and choose an outing that matches the group’s navigation skills and ability to turn back.
Sparse vegetation, wildlife, and careful travel
Much of the Reef is barren rock, with pinyon-juniper woodland forming the main vegetation where plants take hold. Plan for exposed travel, carry drinking water, and avoid relying on shade or finding water along the way. Desert bighorn sheep, cougars, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and golden eagles frequent the wilderness; give wildlife room and observe without approaching or feeding it. Plants recorded here include Maguire daisy, Wright fishhook cactus, Jones cyclodenia, and Last Chance townsendia. Keep foot placement and rest stops away from vegetation wherever possible. The wider Swell also contains Indigenous cultural sites and evidence of historic grazing and mining. If encountered, leave artifacts where they lie, avoid touching rock writings, stay out of structures, and do not alter sites. Apply Leave No Trace practices throughout the visit.
Route options
- Hatt’s Ranch bypass approach6.4 miles from Highway 24 to the trailhead
Dirt-road approach from Highway 24 to the Three Finger Canyon trailhead. This is an access drive, not a hiking route through the wilderness; consult current BLM travel maps for vehicle access.
- Three Finger Canyon on-foot outing
Use the Three Finger Canyon access point as the starting location for a map-planned wilderness walk. Choose the extent of the outing after checking terrain and conditions; do not assume a marked loop, through-route, or straightforward canyon passage.
Sample itineraries
- Three Finger Canyon day · 1 day
Plan a day on foot from the Three Finger Canyon access point. Confirm the approach with BLM before traveling, then choose an out-and-back suited to the terrain and available daylight. Focus on the Reef’s steeply tilted rock and canyon scenery rather than a fixed mileage goal.
- Two days along the Reef · 2 days
Spend one day exploring on foot from Three Finger Canyon and another observing the Reef’s domes, vertical fins, and pinyon-juniper woodland. Arrange lodging or confirm a suitable dispersed campsite in the broader Swell with BLM. Keep each day’s walking plan flexible rather than assuming a connecting trail.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; choose dates using current forecasts
Plan for exposed rock and elevation changes rather than assuming mild conditions everywhere. Check weather and the dirt-road approach before departure. Carry layers and enough water for the full outing.
Summer
Summer; choose walking hours around the forecast
Much of the Reef is barren rock, so do not depend on woodland shade. Plan conservatively around heat and sun exposure, carry water, and shorten the outing when conditions exceed the group’s preparation.
Fall
Fall; check weather and daylight before departure
Keep turnaround plans realistic for the available daylight. Elevations range from 4,800 to 6,600 feet, so pack layers rather than assuming conditions at the eastern base will match higher terrain.
Winter
Winter; assess conditions before committing
Check the forecast and dirt-road access before setting out. Carry insulating layers and avoid steep rock when its surface is unsafe. Choose a conservative outing that leaves time to return in daylight.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; choose dates using current forecasts | Plan for exposed rock and elevation changes rather than assuming mild conditions everywhere. Check weather and the dirt-road approach before departure. Carry layers and enough water for the full outing. |
| Summer | Summer; choose walking hours around the forecast | Much of the Reef is barren rock, so do not depend on woodland shade. Plan conservatively around heat and sun exposure, carry water, and shorten the outing when conditions exceed the group’s preparation. |
| Fall | Fall; check weather and daylight before departure | Keep turnaround plans realistic for the available daylight. Elevations range from 4,800 to 6,600 feet, so pack layers rather than assuming conditions at the eastern base will match higher terrain. |
| Winter | Winter; assess conditions before committing | Check the forecast and dirt-road access before setting out. Carry insulating layers and avoid steep rock when its surface is unsafe. Choose a conservative outing that leaves time to return in daylight. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and trip-specific rules with the BLM Price Field Office at 435-636-3600 before visiting San Rafael Reef Wilderness.
Official source: San Rafael Swell Recreation Area - Utah · Verified November 4, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Vertical fins, steeply tilted rock, and canyons 200 to 1,000 feet deep create consequential terrain. Do not assume a visible passage provides a safe walking route.
- Much of the landscape is barren rock. Plan for sun exposure and carry sufficient water rather than relying on shade or finding water.
- The Three Finger Canyon approach includes a dirt route. Confirm current access and vehicle suitability with BLM before committing to the drive.
- Cougars frequent the wilderness. Keep children close, give wildlife space, and do not approach or follow animals.
What to pack for San Rafael Reef Wilderness
- Current BLM access and boundary maps
- Offline navigation and a backup map
- Headlamp
- Written turnaround plan
- Water for the full outing
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Food and extra snacks
- Footwear with dependable traction
- First-aid kit
- Trash bags
- Camera or binoculars for observing wildlife from a distance
San Rafael Reef Wilderness FAQ
- What distinguishes San Rafael Reef Wilderness?
- It forms the eastern edge of the San Rafael Swell: a nearly north-south hogback dipping steeply eastward. Domes, vertical fins, and deep east-draining canyons define the landscape. Pinyon-juniper woodland occupies parts of an otherwise largely barren-rock setting.
- Where should a first visit begin?
- Three Finger Canyon is a named access point reached using Highway 24 and the Hatt’s Ranch bypass from the I-70 corridor. Confirm the approach and current route map with BLM before driving. An interior wilderness map point is not a trailhead or campsite.
- Can vehicles or bicycles enter the wilderness?
- Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles, are generally prohibited in wilderness. The broader San Rafael Swell has motorized recreation routes, but those opportunities should not be confused with access inside San Rafael Reef Wilderness. Consult current BLM route and boundary maps.
- Is camping available?
- The broader San Rafael Swell offers dispersed campsites. Confirm a suitable location and current requirements with BLM rather than assuming a campsite lies within the wilderness or at Three Finger Canyon. Practice Leave No Trace.
- How should visitors protect plants and cultural sites?
- Avoid trampling vegetation, including Maguire daisy, Wright fishhook cactus, Jones cyclodenia, and Last Chance townsendia. Leave artifacts where found, stay out of cultural structures, and never touch rock writing panels. Do not alter historic or current structures.