Hidden Splendor certainly lives up to its name. This incredible trail takes you down to Muddy Creek, a yearlong creek that feeds into the Dirty Devil River. All along this trail are viewpoints looking in every direction. You could easily spend hours on this trail taking great photos and enjoying the peace and quiet that the San Rafael Swell has to offer. If you are looking to spend a few nights in the area, there are many remarkable campsites providing you solitude from the bustle of the campgrounds in the area. Although this is a long out and back style trail, be sure to add this one to the must do list. You will quickly see why they call it Hidden Splendor.
Trail Difficulty and Assessment
Exclusive for our All-Access Members
Easily identify whether the trail is stock friendly
or not.
View 14 specific concerns along the trail such as
height and width restrictions.
Upgrade from free to our All-Access Membership and get
every detail, waypoint, photo, and more on every single
trail guide.
When you are an All-Access member, our trail guides
come with a short video of the author running the trail
to give you a visual understanding of what to expect.
Drive north for just under 20 miles until you reach Temple Mountain Road. Turn left (west) on Temple Mountain Road and follow for 16.3 Miles until a fork. Turn left at the fork and follow for another 3.7 miles. You must then complete McKay Flat Road.
We had the entire trail to ourselves today. Incredible sights. One slightly sketch spot on road down to camp area. Before setting up camp we walked down to muddy creek. Area was COVERED with cougar prints from at least 2 cats. SCARY amount of fresh prints. We left the area rather than risk it with cougars and a 3yo son. In way out rewarded with wild horses at McKay Flats.
I combined this trail with Temple Mountain Road and Reds Canyon Loop to make for a good half-day of exploring. This trail was amazing and you wouldn't expect the views it offers when thinking of the other trails that bring you here (hence the name Hidden Splendor). The trail was smooth in some spots and pretty bumpy in others (with some very small 3-5" shelves/drops) but I saw some Outbacks at the end so it's not that bad. One thing I want to mention is that a couple of the roads that lead you here are incredibly smooth (McKay Flat Road for example) and people were carrying the same 30mph speeds from that trail onto this one which had me dodging some a**holes in corners on my way out. The road is very dusty so keep your lights on to increase your chances of being seen.
Awesome trail, I recommend doing reds canyon while you are there as well. I’d give this trail more of a 2 rating than a 1. A 1 in my book could be doable by any vehicle. There are a few small shelf’s to go over towards the end. The last quarter mile down to the river is also looking pretty rough. Doable in any stock 4x4 but I would bring your wife’s van.
We camped at the very end of Hidden Splendor after a long weekend trip. This is still such an amazing spot. Muddy Creek was running pretty good too, so a nice dip in the water after a long few days was extremely welcomed. I love this area of Utah.
Still love this trail. I think waypoint 7 or maybe waypoint 10 are the best spots on the trail. So hard to decide.
The trail was super easy. I was able to carry a good speed in the places you can see some distance. Made for a relaxing weekend.
This is a must-do in the area! The scenery here is jaw-droppingly beautiful. I would suggest this trail to anyone looking for an easy stroll through the San Rafael Swell who is looking for a relaxing and scenic drive.
A smoky, hazy sky created a different kind of view along this trail. We stopped for a while at Waypoint 7 to take in the beauty of this central Utah treasure. There are some great views along this route.
What an awesome trail! I see where it gets it’s name. In the description it gives waypoints for scenic views, but pretty much everywhere you look it’s a scenic view! It was amazing. The trail is easy for the most part, some steeper sections with small rock steps, but nothing to difficult at all. Would highly recommend this trail if you are in the area!
Hidden Splendor is a great backcountry road that offers just incredible scenery in the San Rafael Swell. If I had to pick the best part of this route, I would have to lump it all into its entirety because there is just so much to see the entire way, it would be hard to pick just one area of the trail. But in saying that though, take your time getting to the end, and then take even longer at the end to just soak it all up!
This trail is an absolute must-do trail in the area. It is very easy and the scenery/camping near the end of the trail is mind-blowing. I can't wait to get back out into this area and camp!
I wouldn't do this road if it is raining heavily as you might get stuck in the thick clay the road is comprised of. We went out while it was semi-dry and saw a Toyota Sienna get to WP 10. I am not sure if a completely stock 2wd vehicle can do the very last WP, but you can do almost all of it.
View More Images
From the Community
Exclusive for our All-Access Members
Ask the author of a trail guide any questions you may have and
get a direct answer from the author and the community! One of
the many perks that come with an All-Access Membership.
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, he's only been off-roading since he was 16 but fell in love immediately. He attended college in Denver for Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management and wheeled in Colorado for 4 years, but ended up moving back home to Salt Lake City. He currently works in an off-road shop and spends his free time doing anything he can to stay busy, which is usually working on his jeep or playing music. Outside of off-roading, he is an avid whitewater rafter and outdoor cook. Camping at least every other weekend in any season is a normal year. The further from civilization, the better. Bring on the memories!
By clicking "ACCEPT", you agree to be the terms and conditions of each
policy linked to above. You also agree to the storing of cookies on
your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site,
enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our
site is used.