🏜️ Off the Beaten Path: Boondocking, Slot Canyons & Scenic Trails in Utah’s San Rafael Swell

Switching Gears RV Diary
Dec 29, 2024
5 min read

December 29, 2024

Part of our 12-part series exploring Utah’s most remote and stunning destinations

🌄 A Red Rock Wonderland Near Goblin Valley

Last week, we explored a stunning boondocking site just outside Goblin Valley State Park, nestled in the sandstone playground of the San Rafael Swell. We wandered among whimsical hoodoos—those surreal rock formations that make the land look like it belongs on another planet.

This week, we’re staying close to that magical terrain and diving into one of Utah’s most iconic slot canyon hikes: Little Wildhorse Canyon. But first—let’s talk campsites.

🛻 Choosing the Perfect Campsite: What Really Matters?

Whether you’re a full-time RVer, a weekend explorer, or a tent-in-the-trunk kind of traveler, choosing the right spot to camp is deeply personal. Some people want:

✅ Easy access and pull-through spots
🧼 Amenities like showers and dump stations
🔥 Fire rings and picnic tables
🏕️ Proximity to others for a community vibe

And all of that can be found at Goblin Valley State Park Campground, where $45/night gets you access to clean restrooms, and reservable spaces.

But for us? We’re boondockers at heart. And we prioritize something different.

🏞️ Our Favorite Amenity: Space (and a Desert Playground)

We live for boondocking—camping for free on public lands with no hookups and no crowds. And this part of Utah delivers in spades. Out here, we have:

🌌 Unobstructed stargazing
🏜️ Room to roam
🔇 Quiet nights
🐾 Trails right out the back door

At our current spot, there are no fees, no reservations, and no neighbors just feet away. Just wide-open red rock terrain and that magical desert silence.

The Hubs even lit up the rocks around camp with LEDs, turning our site into a cozy desert hideaway. He was very pleased with himself. 😄

💬 What’s Your Camping Priority?

Do you prefer full hookups or remote solitude? Let us know in the comments—your insights help others plan their trips too!

🛣️ Trail Access Right from Camp

One of our favorite perks of this site? Direct trail access.

No need to haul Julius (our side-by-side) in the back of the truck. We can ride straight from camp into Utah’s maze of scenic trails, many of which wind through washes—dry riverbeds that vary from soft sand to chunky rock.

Every wash leads to something unforgettable.

🥾 Hiking Little Wildhorse Canyon: Utah’s Slot Canyon Star

Just a short drive from Goblin Valley sits one of Utah’s most visited and beloved slot canyons: Little Wildhorse Canyon.

Utah is home to more slot canyons than anywhere else in the U.S.—maybe even the world. And Little Wildhorse is a favorite for good reason.

🥾 Your Hiking Options:

Little Wildhorse Out-and-Back (3.6 miles, ~3–4 hours): Narrow passages, sculpted walls, and a manageable hike for most.
Little Wildhorse + Bell Canyon Loop (8 miles, ~4–6 hours): A full circuit through two canyons, best for experienced hikers.

We chose the shorter out-and-back route, perfect for our pace and needs. With my lung condition, long hikes can be tough—but this trail let me go as far as I wanted, then turn around without missing out.

⏰ Pro Tips: Beat the Crowds and Hike Smart

This trail is popular, so:

🚗 Arrive early to beat the crowds and snag one of the two small parking lots.
🚻 Bathrooms are available at the trailhead (a rare luxury in remote Utah).
☀️ Bring water—the canyon can heat up fast.
⚠️ Check the weather—never hike slot canyons if rain is forecast, even miles away. Flash floods can be deadly.

We got there early and had the canyon mostly to ourselves. By the time we finished, it had turned into a tourist conga line. 😅

🐶 Hiking With Limitations—and a Dog

I’ll be honest—hiking is tough for me. My lungs were damaged years ago from illness, and even mild uphill stretches can feel like Everest. But I wanted to experience this place, so I paced myself, took breaks, and let the moment guide me.

Also, this trail is dog-friendly, so our pup Sadie came along!She was a little unsure at first—slot canyons are narrow, and a few rock scrambles were tricky. But with a little help from the Hubs, she crushed it. 🐾

🧗 “I Would Have Been the Best Hiker…”

I always say:

“If my body could keep up, I’d be the best hiker.”

Every peak would be mine, every trail conquered. But even though my health doesn’t allow me to go full-send, we’ve found ways to adapt our adventures.

That’s where Julius (our side-by-side) comes in. It lets me access places I couldn’t otherwise hike, and be part of experiences I’d otherwise miss.

Also—if there’s a cool rock formation nearby, the Hubs will stop. He’s never met a boulder he didn’t love. 😄

🛻 Road Conditions & Off-Road Options

After the hike, we explored further up Wildhorse Road, which transitions into an off-road route. We weren’t in Julius at the time, so we only went as far as we felt safe.

For those with the right gear, this road offers a fun, scenic route deeper into the San Rafael backcountry—complete with panoramic overlooks and geologic eye candy.

🏛️ Utah’s Public Lands: Who Owns What?

Here’s a cool fact:👉 71% of Utah is public land!

23% is national parks, monuments, and wilderness
48% is managed by the BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or state agencies

We’ve explored both types, and Goblin Valley State Park is especially well-run: clean facilities, thoughtful signage, and a clear passion for preservation.

📚 Fun Fact: Utah has filed a legal challenge asking the U.S. Supreme Court to limit federal control over unappropriated public land. The state wants more authority over how it’s used and protected. It’s a complex issue, and one worth watching for anyone who loves outdoor access.

🔮 What’s Next? Temple Mountain Road & Red Canyon Loop

Next week’s plan:

🚐 Scout more boondocking spots along Temple Mountain Road
🏞️ Ride the Red Canyon Loop—a scenic route that winds through some of the Swell’s wildest and most beautiful corners

If you love the mix of solitude, jaw-dropping geology, and the freedom of backroad exploration, you won’t want to miss it.

🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel🔔 Hit the bell for alerts💬 And drop your favorite Utah spot in the comments!

🌌 Final Thoughts: The Magic of Solitude

There’s a special kind of peace that settles in when you’re off the grid in a place like this. No distractions. No noise. Just wind brushing red rocks and stars spilling across the sky.

We don’t camp here for comfort. We camp here for connection. With nature. With each other. And with parts of ourselves that only emerge in the stillness.

Whether it’s tackling a slot canyon, off-roading into the unknown, or helping your dog over a sandstone boulder—these are the moments that make it all worth it.