WELCOME TO THE SWELL
A natural playground in the heart of Utah.
The Swell is a playground for the whole family. With several popular hikes in the region that take you through slot canyons (Little Wild Horse Canyon) to breathtaking vistas (the Wedge Overlook) and in an amongst the goblins in Goblin Valley, this area offers a wide variety of family adventures. In addition to getting out in nature, the museums in and around the Swell welcome visitors of all ages. From the Museum of the San Rafael and Pioneer Museum to the John Wesley Powell River Museum, visitors can go back in time and learn about the region from when dinosaurs roamed the land up to the present.
Goblin Valley State Park
The vast landscape of sandstone goblins may have visitors wondering if they’re on Mars or in Utah. The movie Galaxy Quest was filmed at Goblin Valley State Park because of its unearthly scenery. Scores of intricately eroded creatures greet visitors to Goblin Valley. Explore the geology, and camp among the nooks and gnomes in the established campground.
Little Wild Horse Canyon
Little Wild Horse Canyon is a slot canyon formed by water rushing through the cracks in the sandstone rocks of the San Rafael Swell. Hikers follow the canyon as it twists and turns through brightly colored and textured rocks. This popular hike is a great introduction to canyon exploration for beginners and families.
