Canyoneering the San Rafael Swell

Green River, Utah

4.0/5

based on 4 reviews

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Added by George Bruce Wilson

The San Rafael Swell is easily one of the most adventurous spots in Utah. The Swell is massive - 650,000 acres, almost entirely ungoverned, and many parts unexplored by humans. Most people go to the swell for Camping, Picnicking, Canyoneering, Off roading, and Site seeing, etc. There are dinosaur fossils and native american petroglyphs still being discovered in the region.

The San Rafael Swell, is the home of many adventures! One of those adventures being canyoneering. There are many slot canyons of various skill levels that have been explored and descended. There are many other canyons that still have yet to be explored by man kind. The Swell is large and ungoverned so there aren't any rangers patrolling the area, which means you need to be responsible and prepared. There are no towns or services that are close by so plan accordingly. The closest services are Green River, UT and Castle Dale, UT.

The Swell is a high desert climate, the elevation varies from 2000-7000 feet. The best times of year to be there are Spring and Fall. Late summer tends to be monsoon season and brings in storms with heavy rain which can cause flash flooding, so plan your trips out well.

Here are helpful maps of the area.

Practice leave no trace camping and let people back home know where you are going.

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Canyoneering the San Rafael Swell Reviews

Carley Prestwich

Canyoneering the San Rafael Swell

10/12/16

Growing up near here, I have done quite a few backpacking trips, day hikes, and canyoneering in this massive area. It truly is an amazing place. It requires you to be prepared since it is far from amenities. Being so, makes it a wonderful, indescribable experience. If you are an experienced outdoorsman, you HAVE to come here.

5.0

Tyler Sherwin

Canyoneering the San Rafael Swell

03/11/16

I love this place, it's absolutely beautiful. Varying difficulties makes for fun for anyone.

5.0

Blake Merrell

Canyoneering the San Rafael Swell

12/30/15

The swell use to be remote and untouched. but now it is overcrowded and the BLM has closed down everything. Best to stay away.

1.0

Explorer

Jason Hatfield

Explorer

Canyoneering the San Rafael Swell

12/23/15

This is easily one of the best areas in Utah and overlooked by most. It definitely takes some effort and planning to explore, but you'll avoid the crowds of national parks and see places few others have.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Visit the Petroglyphs in Black Dragon Wash

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Camp at the Little Grand Canyon

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Canyoneering the San Rafael Swell

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Canyoneering the San Rafael Swell Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike Lower Black Box Canyon

Visit the Petroglyphs in Black Dragon Wash

Camp at The Wedge (East Side)

Camp at the Little Grand Canyon

Explore a Manmade Geyser in Utah

Photographing Dutchman's Arch

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