San Rafael Swell Adventure Guide
A massive desert playground filled with slot canyons, overlooks, old mining areas, and smooth desert roads. Great mix of easy exploration and adventurous side obstacles.
What to Expect
The Swell is remote, wild, and incredibly scenic. Huge sandstone domes, deep canyons, and wide open desert roads offer endless exploration opportunities.
Best Seasons: Spring & Fall
Difficulty Range: Beginner → Moderate
Vehicle Needs: Stock-friendly with optional harder spurs
Popular Areas & Routes
- Fix-It Pass (Easy Side) — Scenic, remote, mild obstacles
- Temple Mountain Road — Smooth dirt & mining history
- Goblin Valley Backroads — Family-friendly desert exploring
- Wedge Overlook — “Little Grand Canyon” — beginner-friendly
- Buckhorn Wash — Petroglyphs, pictographs, and sandstone walls
- Behind the Reef — Intermediate spurs & slot canyon access
- North Fork Coal Wash — Moderate sand & ledges
If You Go
- Bring LOTS of water — no services
- Fuel up in Price or Green River before entering
- Flash flood risk in washes
- Very remote — recovery services limited
- Navigation tools recommended (offline maps)
- Pack out everything — fragile desert ecosystem