Details: Slickhorn Canyon – Third Fork to Trail Fork

This strenuous hike visits the scenic Third and Trail Forks of Slickhorn Canyon

Third Fork to Trail Fork of Slickhorn Canyon

The trailhead for the Third Fork of Slickhorn Canyon is located down a spur road off of UT-261, 9.7 miles south of the Kane Gulch Ranger Station. (See driving directions below.) From the trailhead a boot beaten path heads west and descends into the canyon. The walking is generally easy, following a descending traversing across slickrock and pack sand. Along the way watch for trails crossing the pinyon and juniper clad benches adjacent to the wash that cutoff meanders in the canyon’s course.

At 1.6 miles the trail reaches a large pour-off. Follow a bypass trail that travels along the left (south) side of the pour-off rim for a short distance. Soon you will see an opening along the rim where the trail descends to the wash.

The way now becomes more difficult as boulders and small slickrock ledges create obstacles in the wash. A short distance after passing a side canyon on the right (north) at 1.9 miles reach second large pour-off. Bypass this pour-off on the left (south).

The walk is quite scenic. Sculpted red and white sandstone walls stained with desert varnish tower overhead.

At 2.5 miles the trail makes a wide “U” turn, passing two large bays on the north canyon wall. The trail now alternates between the wash and its adjacent benches, traveling through some brushy sections of the wash.

Another large amphitheater along the north wall springs into view at 3.0 miles. The bench and wash in the vicinity of the alcove is quite lush with tall grasses, junipers, willows and cottonwood trees. Just beyond the amphitheater is a large alcove situated just above the canyon floor with an interesting set of ruins including a log kiva, double deck granary and a few pictographs.

Beyond the alcove the trail travels along the bench and slickrock clad wash to the confluence with Slickhorn Canyon at 3.7 miles. At the confluence head down the sinuous canyon.

At 5.4 miles pass a prominent side canyon on the left (east). The canyon then turns to the right (west) and then back to the left (southeast), reaching the confluence of the Trail Fork of Slickhorn Canyon at 5.8 miles.

Turn left (east) and head up the Trail Fork. At 6.5 miles a cairned trail climbs the right (south) canyon wall to bypass a pour-off. As you top the pour-off look left (north) to see ruins scattered along a long narrow ledge. These ruins are known as the Big Ledge Ruins. A pair of binoculars is helpful to see the details of the structures, some of which are made of juniper logs.

Past the pour-off the route travels through a rugged section of the canyon. There is a pour-off at 7.5 and a boulder jam in the wash at 8 miles, both obstacles are bypasses on the right (south) side of the canyon. At 8.6 miles the trail climbs a series of rock ledges on the right (south) side of the canyon to detour around the final low pour-off. As you climb look left across the canyon at the north wall where you will see a small ruin tucked beneath an overhang.

The trail tops the canyon rim at 8.6 miles, emerging onto a large scrub covered field. The route now follow cattle trails heading east across the field. Soon you will reach a two track road that passes to the south of a corral. A short distance past the corral arrive at County Road #203/Point Lookout Road at 9.3. Turn left and walk 1.2 miles along the road to your vehicle parked at the Third Fork trailhead. The total distance for the loop, including the walking along the road, is 10.5 miles.