Slickhorn Canyon cuts through Cedar Mesa in southeastern Utah, offering rugged backcountry exploration managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The canyon’s sandstone walls rise from 300 feet at the north end to 800 feet near the San Juan River, revealing layers of eroded reds, browns, and yellows shaped over millennia.

This is challenging terrain suited for experienced hikers. Expect boulder-choked creek beds, steep talus slopes, and pour-offs requiring route-finding skills. The canyon rewards effort with ancestral Puebloan ruins, rock art panels, and deep solitude.

Dispersed camping is permitted throughout Cedar Mesa with a required overnight permit, available through the BLM’s Cedar Mesa permit system. No developed campgrounds exist within the canyon itself. Visitors must pack all water and practice Leave No Trace principles in this fragile desert environment.

Access points include trailheads along Highway 261 on Cedar Mesa. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for some approach roads. Spring and fall provide ideal hiking conditions, with mild temperatures and occasional water in the creek. Summer brings extreme heat, while winter access can be limited by snow.

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