Lake Powell, Utah · San Juan County
The Sundance Trail is the primary access route into the lower portion of Dark Canyon. The trail is approximately three miles from the trailhead to the bottom of the canyon. The trail descends a 50% talus slope and 1,120 vertical feet into Dark Canyon. Once in the bottom, hikes up and down canyon are popular. The hike i…
The Sundance Trail is the primary access route into the lower portion of Dark Canyon. The trail is approximately three miles from the trailhead to the bottom of the canyon. The trail descends a 50% talus slope and 1,120 vertical feet into Dark Canyon. Once in the bottom, hikes up and down canyon are popular. The hike is strenuous. There is no developed trail. Once in the canyon, there is a reliable stream up to Young's Canyon. No permit is required.
From the turnoff to Natural Bridges National Monument, travel west on U-95 for approximately 35 miles to the sign marking the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area boundary. Drive about 1.4 miles further on U-95 and turn right onto the first dirt road after the White Canyon bridge (just before milepost 53 on U-95). After you turn, you will see the San Juan County (SJC) road 2731 signpost. Travel five miles on 2731 to a Y-intersection with SJC 2081. Turn right on 2081. If coming from Lake Powell on U-95, travel about a mile east from the Hite Marina turnoff. Turn left onto a dirt road directly across from milepost 49. This road is marked SJC 2081. Travel about four miles to a Y-intersection with SJC 2731. Stay on 2081. This is where the two routes meet, so from either direction, after about 3.4 miles from this intersection, there will be a Y-intersection where you do not turn, but the road becomes SJC 256. Stay on 256 for about 3.5 miles until you see a wooden BLM sign for the Sundance Trailhead. Continue to the trailhead parking lot. From the trailhead parking, walk the two track to the edge of the canyon. From here, the trail descends to a 50% talus slope and 1,120 vertical feet into Dark Canyon. Once in the bottom, hikes up and down canyon are popular.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Heading to Sundance Trail? A few things to know before you go:
Photo: Sergei AkulichUtah's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.
Photo: Tobias MrzykSteep is hard. These are the ten Utah trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.
Photo: Sergei AkulichTen gentle, well-marked Utah trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.
Photo: Tobias MrzykUtah's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.
Photo: Diego LozanoFederal parks and recreation areas in Utah ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.
Photo: Joshua EarleUtah's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.