Tucked into the northern portion of the San Rafael Swell lies Mexican Mountain, a mound of black and red/orange Coconino Sandstone. The San Rafael Swell is one of the most unique geological areas in the world, carved away by wind and water and leaving behind some incredible features. The northern ar...Read More
Highlights of San Rafael River Road/Mexican Mountain
Camping
Desert
Iconic
Highest Elevation
5468 ft
Shape of Trail
Out & Back
Typically Open
Year Round
Best Direction
N/A
Official Trail Name
San Rafael River Road
Nearest Town
Castle Dale
Nearest Services
Castle Dale
Management Agency
Bureau of Land Management
District
Price Field Office
Overview
Tucked into the northern portion of the San Rafael Swell lies Mexican Mountain, a mound of black and red/orange Coconino Sandstone. The San Rafael Swell is one of the most unique geological areas in the world, carved away by wind and water and leaving behind some incredible features. The northern area of the swell is home to The Wedge, also known as the Little Grand Canyon, as well as Buckhorn Draw which boasts multiple pictographs and petroglyphs left by the Fremont Indians over 2,000 years ago. The small but mighty San Rafael River carved its way through this area leaving patches of lush vegetation creating many incredible camping opportunities. Running alongside this river is the San Rafael River Road/Mexican Mountain Trail, which takes you from San Rafael Bridge Campground off of Buckhorn Draw and back toward the mountain itself. Although well maintained, this off-road trail is well worth your time for some of the most incredible scenery within the San Rafael Swell.
Trail Difficulty and Assessment
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Trail Guide Overview
9 Waypoints
29 Trail Photos
1 Trail Concerns
2 Community Reviews
1 Video
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