Dark Canyon Wilderness
Dark Canyon Wilderness, Protected wilderness area in southeastern Utah, United States.
The canyon complex extends from desert landscapes near Colorado River to forested slopes of Abajo Mountains, spanning elevations between 4,000 and 8,000 feet.
The Dark Canyon Wilderness received federal protection in 1984, preserving 47,116 acres of natural terrain within the Manti-La Sal National Forest system.
Ancient cliff dwellings throughout the canyons demonstrate the presence of Ancestral Puebloan communities who inhabited this region centuries ago.
Visitors need to carry minimum one gallon of water per person daily, as water sources from springs and streams remain inconsistent throughout the area.
The canyon walls rise 3,000 feet above the floor, creating periods of darkness in narrow sections during early morning and late afternoon hours.
Location: Utah
Operator: United States Forest Service
GPS coordinates: 37.77640,-109.89800
Latest update: May 12, 2025 18:48
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