| Red Canyon |
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The Red Canyon Trail is a 5.5 mile paved trail through one
of Utah's most scenic canyons. Slope is fairly gentle, with only 1000 feet
of altitude change (200 feet per mile). But not all youngsters are capable
of riding up from the bottom. Consider a shuttle ride, coasting the trail
downhill, if you're out of shape or have young children.
View of the canyon walls from the trail. The red rock is Claron Formation Limestone, formed at the bottom of a large freshwater lake about 20 million years ago. This same rock is found in Bryce Canyon. Photos August 15, 2002. |
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| The trail has a well-built base and is very smooth. It's
marked for uphill and downhill lanes. Curves are slow and easy. The trail
crosses two campground entrances, but that's the only traffic you'll
encounter. The trail is cut through the bumps, like a road, rather than
following the natural contours. This makes for a very smooth ride.
Vincent Bria leads the charge downhill, followed by Kristen (Bruce's daughter), Vince's sister Savannah, then Alex and Jessica. The longleaf pines along the trail smell like vanilla. Stick your nose up to the bark. |
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Besides the widely spaced pines, there are a few juniper and
cedar. Rabbitbrush, manzanita, and sage are found in open areas.
Paintbrush blooms in the spring.
At 7000 feet, the summer temperature is usually nice. But in early afternoon the trail can get a little warm for climbing. Jessica pauses to admire the scenery. |
| The Red Canyon Trail is also the uphill route for riders who
are doing the Thunder Mountain Trail as a loop.
It also serves as a connector for riders who are looping back from Casto
Canyon (via the Fremont Trail) or Cassidy Canyon.
View along the trail in the upper section.
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Getting there: Upper Trailhead: Drive about 8 miles south of Panguitch on US-89, then turn east on U-12. Go all the way up Red Canyon on U-12 until the road levels out in a steppe area at the top (about 8 miles from US-89). Watch for a gravel road GPS N 37° 43.169' W 112° 15.322' (on both the right and left sides of the road) about 1/2 mile after reaching the top of the hill. If you've been watching the paved trail alongside the road, you'll see that it ends here. The road is labeled "Fremont ATV Trail." Turn right and park inside the fence. Jessica is followed by her mom Diane, while Jackie serves as official pace-dog. |
| Thunder Mountain (lower) Trailhead: Find Bryce Canyon
on your Utah map. Now look a bit west and north and find the town of
Panguitch. Head to Panguitch, then drive south on US-89. Turn east from US-89 on U-12
and drive about 3 miles
until you reach the Thunder Mountain parking area on your right, just
before the Dixie National Forest and "Red Canyon" sign. GPS is N 37° 44.595' W 112° 19.747'.
A ride well done. L to R: Vince, Jessie, Alex, Kristen, Savannah. |
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For a printable, one-page riding guide to this trail, click here. This web site is supported by sales of guidebooks, bicycle components, and tools. We have books on Utah hiking, rock climbing, driving, fishing, and more! |
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For lodging in the Red Canyon area, as well as travel guides and information on other activities, may we
suggest: |
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