Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
250.00 ft (76.20 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.50 mi (5.63 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Hunter Canyon is a beautiful canyon located off Kane Springs Road, near Moab. The easy and scenic hike is enjoyable for all, and a great choice for families with small children. An added bonus is that this area receives far fewer visitors than other popular areas, so you’ll likely have a good amount of solitude in Hunter Canyon.

The trail begins by walking through the Hunter Canyon Campground. Cross the small creek and head into the canyon. Continue following the sandy but easy-to-hike trail as it carries onward up the canyon. You’ll cross the stream several times but should be able to keep your feet dry as the flow is low and there are rocks and logs that you can use to hop across in most areas.

As you continue through the towering sandstone walls of Hunter Canyon keep an eye out for Hunter Arch, located about 3/4 of a mile in on the right side of the canyon. Due to the angle of the arch it is difficult to get a good view from the trail, but those seeking more adventure can make the side trip to scramble up toward the arch.

The trail continues following the creek upstream and eventually comes to an area where the creek flows over bedrock and there are shallow pools of water. This is a pretty spot, and a good turnaround point. The trail does continue onward for another half mile or so before ending at a dry waterfall, otherwise turn around and retrace your steps back to the campground and trailhead.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Beautiful canyon. No crowds.

Trailhead Elevation

4,071.00 ft (1,240.84 m)

Highest point

4,228.00 ft (1,288.69 m)

Features

Vault toilet
Near lake or river
Wildlife
Family friendly
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Comments

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