Uploaded December 2021 | Updated September 2026, 28 minutes ago
This season 8 finale shares an overnight exploration of a lesser visited corner of Utah's San Rafael Swell. This was my last overnight trip before COVID-related travel restrictions were tightened throughout Utah and other places.
My route followed a track generously shared by Road Trip Ryan. Here is his summary of the hike also found at the link below:
"From Hidden Splendor, it is a somewhat hefty 7-8 miles one way to the confluence of the North and South Forks of Chimney Canyon. This is more than most will want to tackle for a day hike, though it makes a very pleasant overnight trip. There are some old mining ruins at the confluence, and a good spring, making it a great place to set up base camp and explore the upper forks unencumbered by heavy packs."
Be prepared to cross Muddy Creek a couple of times along the way. Note that there is a 20' downclimb scramble on the return to Muddy Creek from Chimney Canyon that will be too steep for some; a rope to lower my pack was especially helpful for this section.
roadtripryan.com/go/t/utah/san-rafael-swell/chimney-canyon-from-hidden-splendor
Music by:
Boards of Canada
"Dayvan Coyboy"
Boards of Canada
"Tears From The Compound Eye"
This season 8 finale shares an overnight exploration of a lesser visited corner of Utah's San Rafael Swell. This was my last overnight trip before COVID-related travel restrictions were tightened throughout Utah and other places.
My route followed a track generously shared by Road Trip Ryan. Here is his summary of the hike also found at the link below:
"From Hidden Splendor, it is a somewhat hefty 7-8 miles one way to the confluence of the North and South Forks of Chimney Canyon. This is more than most will want to tackle for a day hike, though it makes a very pleasant overnight trip. There are some old mining ruins at the confluence, and a good spring, making it a great place to set up base camp and explore the upper forks unencumbered by heavy packs."
Be prepared to cross Muddy Creek a couple of times along the way. Note that there is a 20' downclimb scramble on the return to Muddy Creek from Chimney Canyon that will be too steep for some; a rope to lower my pack was especially helpful for this section.
roadtripryan.com/go/t/utah/san-rafael-swell/chimney-canyon-from-hidden-splendor
Music by:
Boards of Canada
"Dayvan Coyboy"
Boards of Canada
"Tears From The Compound Eye"
