Overview

Once a well-trod route for Native American Indians, Red Canyon offers trails through red rock formations, scenic views and pine forests at an elevation of 7,400 feet.

Location /Directions

From Panguitch travel along Hwy 12 to Red Canyon. It is 9 miles west of Hwy 63 (Bryce Canyon).

Information

There is a Visitor Information Center on Hwy 12 with information of Red Canyon activities. It is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

There is also a Visitor Trailhead kiosk east of the Visitor Center.

Hiking Only Trails

• Birds Eye Trail
  0.8 mile hike to see the red rock formations close up. Trail begins at the Visitor Center and ends at the Photo Trail
• Arches Trail
  0.7 mile easy/moderate trail has 15 arches along the way and is family-friendly.
• Pink Ledges Trail
  1 mile easy/moderate trail starting at the Red Canyon Visitor Center. At the junction one path returns to the parking lot; the other goes to Ambush Rock, an area of exceptional formations.
• Buckhorn Trail
  0.9 mile moderate/strenuous trail from Red Canyon campground site #23. It leads high into the canyon with great views and is highly recommended.
• Tunnel Trail
  0.7 mile (each way) moderate hike beginning west of the highway tunnel. Ascends 300 feet through forest to a ledge with great views.
• Golden Wall Trail
  2.8 mile moderate/strenuous trail from Hwy 12 west of Visitor Center and connects with Buckhorn trail. Uphill climb gives panoramic views.
• Castle Bridge Trail
  0.65 mile moderate trail through beautiful canyons.

Biking Trails

5-mile paved biking trail through Red Canyon along Hwy 12. It runs from Thunder Mountain trailhead to Coyote Hollow Road between red rocks and towering pines. Elevation ranges from 7,200 to 8,000 feet.

Hiking/Horses/Off Road Vehicle Trails

• Ledge Point Trail
  0.6 mile easy trail goes to an overlook of Red Canyon
• Rich Trail
  2.1 mile moderate/strenuous trail connects with the Cassidy Trail
• Barney Cove Trail
  1.9 mile moderate trail used primarily to connect Casto Canyon Trail and the Fremont ATV trails.
• Also use the 4 trails listed for mountain biking

Mountain Bike Trails

• Losee Canyon Trail
  2.9 mile moderate trail from Losee Canyon to connect with Cassidy Trail
• Cassidy Trail
  8.9 mile strenuous trail named after Butch Cassidy who used sections of this historic trail
• Thunder Mountain Trail
  7.8 mile moderate/strenuous trail with outstanding red rocks.
• Casto Canyon Trail
  5.5 mile moderate/strenuous trail with great red rock views

4WD &ATV Trails

• Casto Canyon and Losee Canyon Loop
  8.4 mile popular route with elevation gain of 950 feet.
  Enter Red Canyon and turn east along Forest Service Road 118, cross Sevier River on the bridge and drive 4 miles to the trailhead. After 4 miles along the trail, at the junction go south to Losee Canyon.
• Barney Cove Trail
  Open to ATVs, this 1.9 mile moderate trail is used primarily to connect Casto Canyon Trail and the Fremont ATV trails.

Camping

The Red Canyon Utah campground near the Visitor Center is open May 1 to October 1. It has 35 sites with tables, grills, flush toilets, showers and RV pull-throughs. Phone: 435-676-8815.

Overnight stays are permitted in Losee Canyon.

Fun Facts

Red Canyon UT was where Butch Cassidy hid from the law!