Western Wanderlust Chronicles

Last weekend, Greg and I set out on an unforgettable adventure through the San Rafael Swell, a geological marvel formed 40-60 million years ago. Our day began exploring the extraordinary slot canyons of Bell & Little Wild Horse Canyons, followed by a visit to the whimsical formations of Goblin Valley State Park. These non-technical slot canyons provided just the right mix of adventure and accessibility, making it a perfect day for exploration.

Morning in the Maze: Bell & Little Wild Horse Canyons

We kicked off the day with an 8-mile loop through the non-technical slot canyons of Bell and Little Wild Horse. For Greg, it was his first time exploring these natural mazes, and the thrill of squeezing through tight passages was infectious.

We started with Bell Canyon, where the sandstone walls twisted and narrowed into a stunning labyrinth. At one point, the canyon narrowed so dramatically I had to shuffle sideways, unable to fit my feet side by side. Beyond the narrows, the sunlit wash gave us a chance to pause for a snack and enjoy the silence of the desert. A little farther along, we followed the Behind-the-Reef Road and stumbled upon an abandoned cabin and rusted car—ghostly reminders of the area’s history.

Then came Little Wild Horse Canyon, where small pools of water shimmered between the smooth walls. I braced myself between the narrow canyon walls to navigate over a shallow pool. Moments like this perfectly encapsulate the thrill of slot canyon exploration—tight passages, unexpected obstacles, and a sense of discovery around every corner.

Alien Landscapes: Goblin Valley State Park

With the morning’s adventure behind us, we headed to Goblin Valley State Park, just a short drive away. This park is truly otherworldly, filled with quirky, mushroom-shaped rock formations known as “goblins” stretching endlessly into the distance. Sculpted from red sandstone, these surreal shapes make you feel as though you’ve stepped onto another planet.

Greg’s silhouette against the towering goblins perfectly captured the magic of this place. As we explored the valley, we climbed between the whimsical formations, marveling at their bizarre textures and intricate details. From a panoramic vantage point, we could see rows of goblins spreading across the landscape like an alien city. It’s easy to see why this enchanting place sparks the imagination.

As the temperature climbed to 98 degrees, we sought refuge in a cool, shaded spot among the goblins to relax and recharge. Despite the heat, we couldn’t help but marvel at the incredible textures and shapes of these mushroom-like formations. Varying in size and design, they resembled mythical creatures frozen in stone. The magical, otherworldly terrain captivated us so completely that we didn’t mind the sweltering desert sun.

Tacos and Twilight in Green River

After a day full of exploration, we returned to Green River to unwind. We treated ourselves to delicious tacos from a local food truck and settled into the perfect spot to watch the fiery sunset melt into the horizon. As the fading light painted the sky in warm hues, a crescent moon rose above the silhouetted skyline. It was a peaceful and beautiful way to end a day brimming with adventure and discovery.

Highlights of the Day

• Favorite moment in the slot canyons: Navigating the tightest passage in Bell Canyon and feeling the thrill of discovery with every turn.
• Most intriguing find: The abandoned cabin and car near the canyon divide—hidden treasures of the desert.
• Goblin Valley’s magic: Climbing among the goblins and imagining mythical creatures in their unique shapes.
• Best way to wind down: Tacos, a stunning sunset, and the peaceful quiet of Green River.

Exploring the San Rafael Swell was an incredible adventure filled with laughter, discovery, and awe-inspiring natural beauty. From the narrow, winding passages of Bell & Little Wild Horse Canyons to the alien-like formations of Goblin Valley and a serene evening in Green River, every moment was unforgettable. These non-technical slot canyons made for an accessible and exhilarating experience, and Greg and I are already looking forward to our next adventure!