Last Updated on October 3, 2025
Our family spent 8 days exploring and hiking in Utah’s five national parks. We loved every minute of it. But, surprisingly, one of our absolute favorite hikes wasn’t even in a national park – it was a slot canyon on our way from Canyonlands to Capitol Reef. Little Wild Horse Canyon is one of the best slot canyons in Utah and it quickly became a highlight of our trip.
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We hiked Little Wild Horse as a family of five – including our three kids, ages 11, 14, and 16 – on a perfect late October afternoon. With narrow, winding sandstone passages and colors that shift with the sunlight, this slot canyon is exciting but still family friendly. It’s an easy way to enjoy Utah’s red rock beauty without the crowds or the demands of more remote backcountry trails. If you can carve out a morning or afternoon in your Utah itinerary, this adventure is 100% worth it.
(For more of our favorite Utah hikes, see Best National Parks in Utah: All 5 Ranked and Compared.)
Trail Details
The full Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon loop is about 8 miles round trip, but we chose to do the Little Wild Horse Canyon out-and-back only. That part includes the most scenic slot canyon sections in a much more manageable 4-to-5-mile hike. At a leisurely pace it took us just over 2 hours.
From the moment you step into the canyon, tall sandstone walls rise on both sides – at times narrowing to just a few feet across. Sunlight filters through the cracks above, making the rocks glow in shades of orange and red.
Why Little Wild Horse Canyon Stands Out
Unlike some slot canyons in Utah that require ropes or climbing gear, this trail is easy. Kids and beginners enjoy it just as much as experienced hikers. It offers just enough scrambling, climbing, and navigating to feel adventurous, but not intimidating.
Our kids had a blast climbing rocks, squeezing through tight spaces, and running ahead to surprise us around corners. We soaked up the scenery and loved watching them explore.
A Perfect Afternoon
We lucked out with a sunny clear day which made for a great experience and incredible photos. The sunlight made the canyon walls glow, and the red rock against the deep blue sky was stunning.
And the best part? We hardly saw anyone else! Compared to the crowds at Utah’s big national parks, this trail felt like we had the canyon to ourselves. (Another perk of hiking in fall! Check out our post on why autumn is the best time to visit Utah).
Getting There
The trailhead for Little Wild Horse Canyon is just 5 miles west of Goblin Valley State Park, a quick detour off Highway 24. It’s a convenient stop if you’re traveling between Moab and Capitol Reef National Park.
The drive to the trailhead is beautiful, with sweeping desert views and rugged hills. While the last stretch of road is unpaved, it’s usually in good shape for most cars.
Why It’s Great for Families
- Kid-Sized Adventure: With narrow walls, fun scrambles, and twisty turns, the canyon feels like a natural playground. Our kids loved crawling through tight spaces, climbing over small boulders, and discovering what was around the next bend.
- Safe but Exciting: Little Wild Horse Canyon offers a real sense of adventure without the danger. No ropes or technical skills are needed, it’s easy to follow, and it gives kids a chance to take the lead… (or run up ahead and lie in a niche in the wall pretending to sleep!)
3. Shade and Sun: The narrow sections stay shaded and cool, even on hot days, providing a comfortable break from the intense desert sun. This natural mix of light and shadow adds depth and beauty to the hike.
4. Pick Your Distance: You don’t have to commit to the whole 8-mile loop. Families can turn around whenever they’re ready, making it easy to tailor the hike to different ages and energy levels.
5. Varied Scenery: You’ll see towering walls, sandy sections, and desert views, all in one hike.
Tips for a Great Hike
- Check the weather. Slot canyons can be dangerous during rainy weather due to the risk of flash floods. Always check the forecast and avoid the hike if storms are predicted, even if they’re far away.
- Start early, if hiking in the summer. During the summer months the open sections of the trail can get steamy. Start your hike early to beat the heat.
- Bring water and snacks. There’s no shade outside the canyon sections and no water on the trail.
- Wear good shoes. You’ll be climbing over rocks and walking on sand and slickrock, so sturdy shoes with good grip are a must.
Add Little Wild Horse to Your List
Experienced hikers as well as families just out for an adventure will love Little Wild Horse Canyon. For us, this hike ended up being one of the best parts of our whole Utah trip. This gem may not be inside a national park, but Little Wild Horse Canyon felt every bit as rewarding – and far more peaceful – than many of the more popular trails we hiked. If you’re exploring southern Utah, don’t miss the chance to add this amazing slot canyon to your list.
Are you a fan of slot canyons? Have you hiked Little Wild Horse? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
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