Hidden Splendor

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Highlights

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.

Video

Route Information

Technical Rating

( EASY )

Waypoints

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

The trailhead begins at the intersection with McKay Flat Road and Reds Canyon.

Directions to Trailhead

Starting Point: Hanksville, Utah

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.

Camping

Dispersed

Trail Reviews (12)

Questions & Answers (2)

Q: Traveling to SLC to pick up a teardrop on April 11 and then headed to Moab area. Easter Safari is going on at this time also in Moab. Would the Hidden Splendor/Red Canyon area be a good area to check out with my teardrop while the safari is going on? Looks like it has potential for an intermediate driver and first time teardropper. Dispersed campsites are preferred.

–Greg Peters (02/15/2022)

–TJ Bosworth (02/17/2022)

Q: Is it 2 hours one way or both ways?

–Adam Bleech (08/14/2020)

–TJ Bosworth (08/14/2020)

Writer Information

TJ Bosworth

Mapping Crew - Utah

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!

Status:	Open
Typically Open:	Year Round
Length:	11.49 miles
Highest Elevation:	6539 feet
Duration:	About 2 hours
Shape of Trail:	Out & Back
Best Direction to Travel:	N/A
Nearest Town:	Hanksville
Nearest Town w/ Services:	Hanksville
Official Road Name:	1012
Management Agency:	Bureau of Land Management
District:	Price Field Office

Hanksville, Utah (Emery County)