Crack Canyon Trailhead

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Crack Canyon Trailhead

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages public lands in the United States under the Department of the Interior. This agency is responsible for maintaining one in every 10 acres of land in the country. In many of these areas, Bureau of Land Management camping is allowed. This means you can set up camp for up to 14 out of 28 consecutive days and really get close to nature, as there usually are no services or amenities available. The BLM manages 22.8 million acres in Utah alone. In the east-central region of the state is Crack Canyon Trailhead, which features many narrow canyons and slot gorges in the Muddy Creek Wilderness Area. The area's topography was molded by erosion over millions of years, resulting in beautiful rock formations and aesthetically pleasing patterns. There are several hiking trails that range in difficulty. You can explore the breathtaking desert scenery and look for obscure rock formations and canyons. Crack Canyon Trailhead provides an exceptional canyoneering and rock-climbing experience. Even experienced climbers will find the narrow gullies and towering cliffs challenging. While you're in the area, you can visit Canyonlands National Park, two hours southeast of Crack Canyon Trailhead. It is renowned for its spectacular geologic formations and panoramic vistas. You can also view the 2,000 natural stone arches in Arches National Park, an hour and 45 minutes northeast of Crack Canyon Trailhead. These structures were created by millions of years of wind and water erosion. An hour and 15 minutes southwest of Crack Canyon Trailhead, check out Capitol Reef National Park's towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons and bright geological formations.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Crack Canyon

Take in the scenery as you hike this out-and-back trek. You can expect awe-inspiring panoramas of red sandstone cliffs, slot canyons and soaring hoodoos as you explore. Length: 4.9 miles Intensity: Moderate

Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon Trail

40 minutes southwest of Crack Canyon Trailhead, the Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon Trail has an elevation gain of 813 feet. The biggest draw is a lengthy section of narrows where you must turn sideways to pass because the canyon walls are so close together. You will come to Bell Canyon, which offers a vivid desert vista. Length: 8.9 miles Intensity: Moderate

The Goblin's Lair (Chamber of the Basilisk)

You will discover a little cave entrance to the enormous cavern known as Goblin's Lair, which is a half-hour's drive southwest of Crack Canyon Trailhead. You and your pet are welcome to go trekking and rock climbing together. Length: 2.3 miles Intensity: Easy

Wild Horse Window

Bring your camera since the trip will have numerous photo possibilities, including vistas of high cliffs and jagged rock formations. Take your pet for a trip along this family-friendly out-and-back trail that's 20 minutes northeast of Crack Canyon Trailhead. Length: 1.8 miles Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The Fremont River is a well-liked trout fishing location about 40 minutes south of Crack Canyon Trailhead. Oak Creek and Muddy Creek are two additional spots that anglers enjoy. Brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout are among the many fish that call these bodies of water home.

Climbing

Crack Canyon Trail has steep parts and rocky areas that are attractive to experienced climbers. Both experienced climbers and novices will find rock climbing in Capitol Reef National Park enjoyable. The park's Wingate and Navajo sandstone cliffs offer challenging climbs with confined crevices and sharp overhangs. Most routes are between 40 and 100 feet tall, making them difficult but doable for intermediate and experienced climbers. Some climbs, such as the Chimney Rock route, are beginner friendly.

Wildlife Viewing

Watch out for animals, including golden eagles, Mexican spotted owls, prairie falcons, coyotes, mule deer and bighorn sheep. Hikers may also see several lizard species on the canyon's western rim, including chuckwallas and snakes.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If you'd rather camp somewhere with amenities, enjoy RV camping at Green River KOA Journey, located about an hour northeast of Crack Canyon Trailhead. It provides full hookups, including water, electricity and free Wi-Fi. You may also want to stay at Shady Acres RV Park, an hour northeast of Crack Canyon Trailhead. This campground features 97 paved, full-hookup sites, many of which are pull-through spaces that are longer than 100 feet. There are also free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, restrooms and showers, a convenience store and an on-site gas station.

Free Camping

Your best bets for Bureau of Land Management free camping near Crack Canyon Trailhead are Temple Mountain Campground West and Temple Mountain Campground East. Both Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are located approximately 20 minutes northeast of Crack Canyon Trailhead and are free to use. Temple Mountain Campground West has pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables under a shade shelter. At Temple Mountain Campground East, there are fire rings, pit toilets and a kiosk with map information.

RV Rentals Near Crack Canyon Trailhead Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Crack Canyon Trailhead BLM trip

Before leaving on your BLM RV camping excursion, check the weather forecast carefully because conditions can change quickly in the desert. You should also research "BLM camping near me" so that you are aware of the various places you can camp in the area. Only authorized locations may be used for camping, and some trails may impose limits or demand permits. Before lighting a campfire, confirm the regulations about fires and either pack out all human waste or use the provided facilities. Before heading out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

When camping at Crack Canyon Trailhead, it's important to respect the site's ecosystem and natural beauty by leaving everything as you found it. Scattered trash and rubbish can have adverse effects that put both people and animals in danger. Bears and raccoons may constitute a threat to tourists if left-behind trash attracts them. Use the existing fire rings. Dispose of organic waste in authorized compost piles, recycling containers and garbage cans, and pack out any trash you can't dispose of at the campsite. Keep to established pathways, and avoid approaching or feeding animals to protect delicate plant life. Also, don't disrupt cultural or natural landmarks.

Crack Canyon Trailhead Location

Start your journey to Crack Canyon Trailhead near the junction of I-70 and UT-24. On UT-24, travel 24 miles south. Turn left onto Temple Mountain Road, and continue for 7.3 miles. Park signs will be visible. After turning left onto EM1016 (also known as Behind the Reef Road), proceed for 4.1 miles until you see the trailhead parking area. Address: 125 South 600 West, Price, UT 84501 Ready to visit Crack Canyon Trailhead? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen; bathroom; and nice, soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.