Collins Canyon

About Collins Canyon

Collins Canyon is a tributary and popular access route into Grand Gulch. A trail gradually descends two miles to the junction with Grand Gulch. Grand Gulch is a popular area for hiking and backpacking to see Ancestral Puebloan cliff ruins and rock art in a natural setting. Grand Gulch and its tributaries feature miles of winding canyons lined with cliffs that provided sheltered overhangs to people in the past. Some ruins are amazingly inaccessible, perched high on ledges and under overhangs. Other attractions include the scenery and wildlife, as well as the solitude of desert canyons. Hiking and backpacking in Collins Canyon requires a permit or day pass. For permit information click on the following links:Cedar Mesa Backpacking PermitsCedar Mesa & Comb Ridge Day Hiking

How to Get There

Drive north from the Kane Gulch Ranger Station on State Route 261 for approximately 4 miles to U.S. Highway 95. Turn left, driving about 9 miles to State Route 276 and turn left again. Near Milepost 85 there is a sign indicating the Collins Canyon Road (County Road 260) to the left (south). This dirt road travels 6.5 miles to the trailhead; there is one fork, stay right. The road ends at the trailhead. It is 2 miles to the junction with Grand Gulch and the trail is easy.

Plan Your Visit to Collins Canyon

Heading to Collins Canyon? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)