The best walks and hikes in Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area
4.4
(58)
572
hikers
14
hikes
Hikes in Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area explore the remote landscape of southern Utah's Kaiparowits Plateau. The region is characterized by the prominent Straight Cliffs escarpment, deep canyons, and expansive high-elevation tablelands. Most established routes are located in the surrounding Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, as the Wilderness Study Area itself is largely undeveloped and suited for off-trail navigation.
Best hiking trails in Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area
- The most popular hiking route is Cedar Wash Arch Trail — Grand Staircase-Escalante…
Last updated: April 27, 2026
4.29km
01:11
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
2
hikers
25.7km
07:39
730m
730m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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1
hikers
39.7km
11:49
1,150m
1,150m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
1
hikers
47.3km
14:37
1,630m
1,680m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(16)
177
hikers
3.55km
01:05
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Petrified wood is a type of fossilized wood created when tree remains undergo a mineralization process, often involving replacement by stone. While individual pieces of petrified wood are common, this area features several large trunks shimmering in various colors. The hike through this area is stunning, offering many views of colorful, fossilized tree stumps, a rewarding experience.
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Escalante Petrified Forest State Park preserves a stunning collection of fossilized trees, some over 135 million years old, scattered across a high desert mesa. Here, you'll see colorful logs turned to stone and panoramic views of Wide Hollow Reservoir. There are places to camp, canoe, hike, or ride through this beautiful area, making it a great place to spend a weekend just outside of Escalante.
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Petrified wood is a type of fossilized wood created when tree remains undergo a mineralization process, often involving replacement by stone. While individual pieces of petrified wood are common, this area features several large trunks shimmering in various colors. The hike through this area is stunning, offering many views of colorful, fossilized tree stumps, a rewarding experience.
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The Sleeping Rainbow Trail is a more challenging hike option due to its steep terrain and summer heat. Despite the difficulty, the trail rewards those who persist with views of large fossilized tree trunks. The steep beginning gives way to a mostly level path at the top, unless you continue onto the Sleeping Rainbow loop, which descends and climbs back up. For a less demanding walk, try the nearby Petrified Wood Cove Trail.
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From the lake, the path ascends a few meters, and within a short hike, visitors can spot the first petrified trees. Petrified Forest Trail is well-marked and features a mesa where fossilized wood, including large logs, can be seen. The visitor center shows fossils, petrified wood, and dinosaur bones over 150 million years old. The park also offers an optional, steeper trail, Sleeping Rainbows, for those seeking more physical channeling.
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The hike to Cedar Wash Arch is relatively flat, aside from the initial descent into the wash and the inevitable ascent back out. This white sandstone arch is on the side of a large rock with smaller rocks around the base, which is excellent for some fun scrambling. The trail is marked with cairns and can be hard to spot in some areas but, for the most far, it's just walking in a sandy wash.
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Escalante River Trail leads all the way from Escalante in the west to UT-12 in the east along the river of the same name. Be prepared to walk in the river and get wet feet at some spots.
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Cliff House Arch is a natural arch along the Escalante River. It serves as a perfect combination with Escalante Natural Bridge, as both features are less than half a mile apart.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a Wilderness Study Area (WSA)?
A Wilderness Study Area, or WSA, is undeveloped federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that is being preserved for its wilderness characteristics. Unlike a national park, a WSA like Carcass Canyon has very few facilities, no marked trails, and offers a primitive, off-trail experience. It's a place for solitude and self-reliant adventure.
Are there any easy day hikes in or around the Carcass Canyon area?
Yes, while the WSA itself is for advanced hikers, the surrounding area has accessible options. For a shorter walk with unique scenery, consider the Petrified Wood Trail – Escalante Petrified Forest loop from Escalante. It's an easy 1.7-mile (2.8 km) loop that showcases the region's fascinating geology.
What is the best time of year to hike in the Carcass Canyon region?
The best times to hike here are in the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). During these seasons, temperatures are more moderate for hiking. Summer can be dangerously hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). Winter can bring snow and cold, making access difficult.
Do I need a permit to hike or camp in the Carcass Canyon WSA?
Generally, no permits are required for day hiking or dispersed camping within the Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area itself. However, it's always best to check for the latest regulations with the managing agency, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), before your trip as rules can change.
What kind of vehicle is needed to get to the trailheads?
A high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended. Access to this remote area is via unpaved dirt roads like Smoky Mountain Road or Left Hand Collet Road, which can be impassable when wet and are often rough and sandy even in good conditions. Standard passenger cars are not suitable.
Are there any reliable water sources within the WSA?
No, you should not rely on finding water within the Carcass Canyon WSA. Natural water sources are scarce, seasonal, and may not be safe to drink without proper filtration and treatment. You must carry all the water you will need for your entire trip, which is typically at least one gallon (4 liters) per person, per day.
What are the main challenges of hiking in this area?
The primary challenges are navigation and self-sufficiency. There are no marked trails, so you must be proficient with a map, compass, and GPS. The terrain is rugged and remote, the weather can be extreme, and there is no cell service. You must be fully prepared to handle any situation on your own.
Are there any slot canyons to explore nearby?
Yes, the region is famous for them. While Carcass Canyon itself is more about open plateaus and deep canyons, nearby areas offer classic slot canyon experiences. Willis Creek Slot Canyon is a very popular and accessible option, known for its beautiful, narrow passages. Be aware that access roads can be challenging.
What makes hiking here different from Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument?
Carcass Canyon WSA is a more primitive and undeveloped part of the larger landscape. While Grand Staircase-Escalante has many established (though often rugged) trails and points of interest, the WSA is intentionally left without trails to preserve its wilderness character. Hiking in the WSA requires a higher level of backcountry and navigation skill.
Are there any long-distance backpacking routes in the region?
Yes, the area is excellent for multi-day treks. For a truly challenging and rewarding experience, the Escalante River Trail to Cliff House Arch & Natural Bridge is a difficult 24.7-mile (39.7 km) route. It requires extensive planning, navigation skills, and carrying all necessary supplies.
What do other hikers say about the trails around Carcass Canyon?
The routes in the region are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the incredible sense of solitude, the stunning panoramic views from the Straight Cliffs, and the raw, untouched beauty of the landscape.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints?
The most dramatic views are found by hiking along the rim of the Straight Cliffs, which form the eastern boundary of the WSA. From here, you get breathtaking panoramic vistas looking out over the Escalante River drainage, the Waterpocket Fold, and the Henry Mountains in the distance.
Most popular routes in Carcass Canyon Wilderness Study Area
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