Manti LaSal National Forest

This trail follows Castle Valley Ridge for most of its length and provides some breathtaking views into Castle Valley and the desert country of Southeastern Utah beyond. It climbs 1,200 feet from 8,100 feet in elevation to 9,300 feet. Vegetation consists of stands of Subalpine Fir and aspen and open sagebrush/grass slopes.

Trail Data

Access: This trail can be traveled from about June 1 through October. Both trailheads are easily accessible and the trail can be traveled either way. Loop hikes including FDR 110 require a walk of about 5 miles along the road. Intersecting trails include Lone Pine Ridge Trail, Second Water Canyon Trail and North Fork of Corner Canyon Trail.

Trailhead: Approximately 1 mile from Huntington Canyon up Nuck Woodward Canyon on the east side of Forest development road (FDR) 110.

Length: 9 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Travel Time: 56 Hours

Suitability: This trail is suitable for foot, mountain bike, and horse travel.

Trail Ends: On the same road (FDR) 110, approximately 5 miles from the beginning point

Additional Information

Recreational Opportunities: Wildlife that may be encountered includes deer and elk, badgers, Coopers and Red Tailed Hawks. The loop trip descending this trail with a return up the Nuck Woodward Road is a challenging mountain bike trip. It is best traveled from the top down. Trail use is light throughout the summer and moderate during the big game hunting seasons.

Geology: This trail is located mostly within the Upper Cretaceous Blackhawk Formation (approximately 78-82 million years old) from which most of Utah's coal is produced. The rocks on either side of this north-trending ridge have been dropped down by faults making Castle Valley Ridge what geologists call a horst.

Special Considerations: The trail is in a travel restricted area (see Travel Map), and is limited to foot, horse, and bicycle use only. Cattle graze this area during summer. During the summer lightning poses a hazard along the ridge tops especially during the afternoon hours. Any drinking water obtained along the trail should be appropriately treated before use.

Maps

USGS 7.5' MAP(S): Rilda, Candland, Wattis
USFS MAP(S): Manti-LaSal Travel Map, Manti-LaSal Recreation Map