Into the Swell: Exploring Utah’s Best-Kept Secret
Welcome to the San Rafael Swell.
Whether you’re a Fossil Buff, a Geo Buff , a History Buff, or just someone looking to escape into a striking desert landscape, “The Swell” is a playground of epic proportions. Here is your guide to exploring one of Utah’s most spectacular hidden gems.
What Exactly is the San Rafael Swell?
Millions of years ago, tectonic forces pushed the Earth’s crust upward, creating a massive, dome-shaped anticline (a geological “swell”). Over countless millennia, wind and water eroded this dome, carving out a labyrinth of deep canyons, towering sandstone cliffs, jagged fins, and colorful badlands.
Today, it is a vast tract of public land managed primarily by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It’s raw, remote, and largely undeveloped, making it a true frontier for outdoor adventure.
Top Must-Do Adventures in the Swell
- The Wedge Overlook (Utah’s “Little Grand Canyon”)
You don’t need to drive to Arizona to see a staggering, thousand-foot-deep gorge. The Wedge Overlook provides a breathtaking, bird’s-eye view of the San Rafael River winding through towering sandstone cliffs.
The Vibe: Awe-inspiring and highly accessible.
Tip: It is one of the best spots in the state for sunrise or sunset photography. - Little Wild Horse & Bell Canyon
If you want to experience the magic of a slot canyon without needing technical climbing gear or ropes, this is the place. The 8-mile loop through Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyons takes you through narrow, twisting, beautifully sculpted Navajo sandstone walls.
The Vibe: Family-friendly but thrilling.
Tip: Little Wild Horse is very popular and can hold ankle-deep water in spots. Always check the weather first—never enter a slot canyon if rain is in the forecast due to extreme flash flood danger. - Goblin Valley State Park
While technically a state park sitting right on the edge of the Swell, this is a non-negotiable stop. It features thousands of mushroom-shaped sandstone hoodoos (the “goblins”). You are free to wander off-trail, play hide-and-seek among the formations, or hike to the “Goblin’s Lair,” a massive cavern hidden within the cliffs.
The Vibe: Like walking on the surface of Mars.
Tip: It gets hot out there, so explore early in the morning or late in the afternoon. - Buckhorn Wash & The Swinging Bridge
The Swell isn’t just a geological wonder; it’s steeped in human history. Driving through the scenic Buckhorn Draw will lead you to the Buckhorn Wash Pictograph Panel, featuring ancient rock art left by the Fremont and Ute peoples over 2,000 years ago. Further down the road, you can walk across the San Rafael Swinging Bridge, a historic suspension bridge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937.
