Little Wild Horse Canyon

Little Wild Horse Canyon is a slot canyon in the San Rafael Swell, Utah, west of Goblin Valley State Park near Hanksville. The highlight is a long section of narrow canyon walls where you have to squeeze through sideways. The walls are smoothly sculpted, and the slots are usually shaded even at midday.

A popular option is the loop with neighbouring Bell Canyon: it is about 13 kilometres (8 miles) long and moderately strenuous, and can be walked in either direction. Alternatively, hike only part of the way into the canyon and turn back. The terrain is not technical but involves some scrambling and suits a first taste of canyoneering. Toward the end of the narrows a dry step about 1.8 metres high must be overcome, and some people need a boost. After rain or summer thunderstorms there can be ankle-deep pools.

A gravel road leaves the Goblin Valley Road just before the state park to the trailhead; it is considered suitable for a family car, and there are vault toilets. Spring and autumn are best. In summer start early, and in August afternoon thunderstorms threaten. Never enter a slot canyon if rain is likely anywhere in the catchment area: flash-flood danger.