Utah Trails
Hidden Splendor

Hidden Splendor

Hanksville, Utah (Emery County)

Last Updated: 09/25/2020

5 / 5 ( 10 reviews )

Information

Nearby Trails

Status:	Open
Typically Open:	Year Round
Length:	11.5 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

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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

Weather

7 day forecast for Hidden Splendor

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

Trailhead Coordinates: 38.662624, -110.907630

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 (11)

Author:	Josh Noesser Official Crew
Status:	Open
Offroaded on:	09/22/2020
Rating:

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.

Author:	John Official Crew
Status:	Open
Offroaded on:	09/19/2020
Rating:

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.

Author:	Tim Palmer Official Crew
Status:	Open
Offroaded on:	09/19/2020

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.

Author:	TJ Bosworth Official Crew
Status:	Open
Offroaded on:	09/19/2020
Rating:

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!

Author:	Todd Official Crew
Status:	Open
Offroaded on:	09/19/2020
Rating:

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

Author:	Cory W Official Crew
Status:	Open
Offroaded on:	09/19/2020
Rating:

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

Author:	Bryan Peterson
Status:	Open
Offroaded on:	04/10/2020
Rating:

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!

Author:	Josh Noesser Official Crew
Status:	Open
Offroaded on:	02/03/2019
Rating:

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

Author:	TJ Bosworth Official Crew
Status:	Open
Offroaded on:	10/12/2018
Rating:

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

Author:	Todd Official Crew
Status:	Open
Offroaded on:	10/12/2018
Rating:

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!

Author:	John Official Crew
Status:	Open
Offroaded on:	10/12/2018
Rating:

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.

Questions & Answers (1)

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!

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