Slickhorn Canyon

About Slickhorn Canyon

Slickhorn Canyon on Cedar Mesa is a canyon of many shapes and colors twisted and carved in eroded reds, browns, and yellows. It is an impressive canyon with sandstone walls varying in height from 300 feet in the north end to 800 feet as the canyon approaches the San Juan River. Hiking in this canyon is rugged. The creek channel is frequently clogged with boulders, and there are many pour offs and steep talus slopes to be negotiated, challenging even the experienced hiker. A permit to hike or backpack is required.

How to Get There

For the following access points drive 9.4 miles south of the Kane Gulch Ranger Station on State Route 261 then turn right (west) on County Road 203 directly across from the Cigarette Springs Road. In 2.5 miles, you will reach a major junction; stay left, heading south. One access point is 4.3 miles south of the major junction. The road dips down into a wash where you will see two old cattle watering troughs. There are pullouts on both sides of the road for parking. A second access point is 1.2 miles beyond the access point mentioned above. The road passes over a cattle guard, and enters an area where the trees have been chained off. A corral will be visible at the head of a small draw. Park by the corral and follow the draw west into a side canyon.

Plan Your Visit to Slickhorn Canyon

Heading to Slickhorn 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)