Recapture Canyon

Recapture Canyon is a canyon east of Blanding that stretches along a creek through the landscape. The valley contains several ancient structures embedded in the cliff faces or scattered across the terrain.

People used the canyon over roughly 2000 years, with the most notable period between 1150 and 1300. During this time, communities built multiple houses and storage areas within the canyon's natural shelters.

The canyon shows traces of different settlement periods that are visible in the rock formations and the landscape itself. Visitors can see how earlier peoples used the canyon's natural caves and recesses for shelter.

Access is through a hiking trail that begins northeast of a dam. The route offers a multi-hour adventure through the valley with elevation changes, for which sturdy footwear and plenty of water are important.

The canyon was protected as a preserve for archaeological sites after motorized vehicles caused damage to ancient structures in earlier years. This action shows modern efforts to protect these historical places.

GPS coordinates: 37.58333,-109.42500

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:44