Drive the Wild Horse Road Near Hanksville and Feel Like You’re on the Moon
Straddling Wayne and Emery counties, Wild Horse Canyon Road is a scenic dirt road that runs through the San Rafael Swell in the US state of Utah.
Where is Wild Horse Road?
The road is located north of Hanksville (a small town that was settled in 1882 by Ebenezer Hanks, who named it after himself), in the central part of Utah, within Goblin Valley State Park. It’s a really cool drive to see more of the San Rafael Swells.
Is Wild Horse Road worth the drive?
The road, officially known as Road 1013, winds and curves through long, thin portions of sandstone in the heart of the San Rafael Swell. It offers a drive through a landscape of open desert terrain with sparse vegetation.
Is Wild Horse Road unpaved?
The road is completely unpaved, with sections of soft sandy parts that can make driving tricky. Most of the trail runs through riverbeds or washouts, so it’s important to be cautious, especially depending on the weather. This trail sees very light use, giving it a truly remote feel. Expect to encounter loose sand in the washes, along with potential large rocks and timber that has been brought downstream by flash floods. Always stay alert to ensure a safe journey.
Where does Wild Horse Road start and end?
The road runs from Highway 24 west of Hanksville to the entrance area of Goblin Valley State Park. Most of the road is easy to drive in a full-size, high-clearance vehicle, with a little more technical terrain near the Goblin Valley State Park end.
How to cross Muddy Creek on Wild Horse Road?
The road involves crossing the challenging Muddy Creek near the Highway 24 side, which can be especially difficult after rainfall. The difficulty depends on the water current and the stickiness of the mud. Right after a storm, the creek can become deeper, and the churned-up mud can make the crossing even more treacherous. If you're unsure about whether you can safely cross, it’s recommended to walk through first to test the depth and assess the consistency of the mud.
Pic: Shannon Bushman