North Salt Wash

Utah, UT

Tucked on the western edge of the San Rafael Swell, Salt Wash offers easy access with big views, deep canyons, and many petroglyphs to visit along the way. Given all there is to see and do, I am surprised this is as seldom visited as it is, and highly recommend it. The area seems to see a fair bit of horse traffic, but very little foot traffic.

A full out-and-back from the trailhead to the San Rafael River makes for a nice moderate/long dayhike. The best parts, however, are early on in the hike, so shorter out-and-back options are available for the less ambitious. Visiting just the first panel or two would make a great family friendly hike. Salt Wash has perennial water, making this a good dog friendly hike. Beware, bugs can be an issue in the spring.

There is decent primitive camping at the trailhead. For bigger views, continue about 0.5 miles past the trailhead for a few small sites right on the rim of Salt Wash that offer great views and ok primitive camping.