Spring Canyon

Who doesn't like a natural river crossing? Located far out in the San Rafael Desert, trail 9600 legally crosses the San Rafael River at Spring Canyon—a very rare allowance within this region of Utah. Continuing your overland adventure with Gillis Ranch makes this water crossing extra special. The water crossing depth can vary depending on the season and recent rains from far up north. In late spring, the snow melt will make it impassable, while it will be ankle-deep in the summer and winter. The drop down into the water on one side is vertical. You need substantial ground clearance to get up it. Traveling south makes the ledge down. The water is too deep if the water isn't over two feet below the dirt bank. The rest of the route is wide open desert two-track through scrub brush. Look for camping along the southern bank of the water crossing, or later in the route, there is a site hidden in the boulders. You will get pinstripes approaching the river crossing.