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Little Grand Canyon Trailhead

Castle Dale, Utah · Emery County · Facility

Little Grand Canyon trailhead serves as the starting or ending point for those hiking through the Little Grand Canyon. The trailhead is located past the Swinging Bridge and .8 miles west of the Buckhorn Draw Rd. This hike explores the San Rafael river as it cuts through the Little Grand Canyon. This area is a popular 2…

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About Little Grand Canyon Trailhead

Little Grand Canyon trailhead serves as the starting or ending point for those hiking through the Little Grand Canyon. The trailhead is located past the Swinging Bridge and .8 miles west of the Buckhorn Draw Rd. This hike explores the San Rafael river as it cuts through the Little Grand Canyon. This area is a popular 2-3 day backpacking trip with primitive campsites where user are required to practice leave no trace ethics. The San Rafael River should only be floated in small crafts above 200 CFS and large crafts above 500 CFS. Hikers should only attempt to hike this section when the river is below 50 CFS. The hike is approximately 18 miles with numerous river crossings required. The side canyons along the hike offer endless miles of exploring.

Plan Your Visit to Little Grand Canyon Trailhead

Heading to Little Grand Canyon Trailhead? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Little Grand Canyon Trailhead?

No central reservation system listed for Little Grand Canyon Trailhead. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/257019) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Little Grand Canyon Trailhead?

The trailhead is located past the Swinging Bridge Campground and .8 miles west of the Buckhorn Draw Rd.

How do I contact Little Grand Canyon Trailhead?

You can reach the park at phone: 435-636-3600 or email: utprmail@blm.gov.