Turtle Canyon

Desolation, defined as "a state of complete emptiness," is the feeling that comes over you at the end of Turtle Canyon. Traveling over 25 miles across rugged, washed-out ruts and rocks, you’re rewarded with a primitive campsite along the flowing Range Creek. Accessing the southernmost point within the protected Range Creek permit area, Turtle Canyon travels through the Desolation and Turkey Canyon Wilderness Areas. The early route travels along the Bookcliffs, with distant views across The Swell. As you traverse deeper into the high desert, the trail becomes less maintained. The graded dirt turns to rocky washes, requiring high-clearance, durable tires, and low-range 4x4. The area is very remote and is only advised for experienced drivers with reliable vehicles. There are very few campsites along the route, because the one at the end is worth the drive, if you’re adventurous enough.  Range Creek is a permit-only hiking area managed by the Natural History Museum of Utah. It’s $1.00 for an annual permit to reserve access into this amazingly well preserved area.