Hidden Splendor

The trail does live it's name with those sights

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 beautiful trail should be on everyone's list to check out. One could easily spend the day relaxing and enjoying the views

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.

Absolutely gorgeous trail. It is very easy and was recently graded. Highly recommend it if you are in the area. Plan extra time to take in the sights!

This trail is a must-do for the view! Seriously, just do it!

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!

What a cool trail, I can't wait to go back and check out more of the area.

Absolutely incredible trail. This is a must-do if you are in the area. Pictures will never do this one justice.

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.