Chute Canyon / Behind the Reef

Type: Loop
Rating: Advanced
Length: Up to 16 miles
Notes: Please do not bike in Wilderness Study Areas

THE RIDE: Protracted strata and slot canyons are the highlights of this tour. The San Rafael Reef jabs through the earth and creates a beautiful back- drop for this graded dirt road and, it seems, an impassable barrier to east/west travel. In reality, there are excellent slot canyons that penetrate the sandstone wall. This is a 8 mile one-way route that can be shortened to any distance for intermediates. Advanced explorers may opt for the 16 mile out and back trek. Either way, it is a day well spent to see the grand spectacle of the reef by bike, and walk through a narrow slot canyon by foot. The route passes Crack and Chute Canyons that are not open to mountain bikes, but are worth hiking.

Directions: From Green River, head west on 1-70 for about 12 miles to Hwy. 24, heading south for Hanksville. After about 30 miles take the right (west) turn at the Temple Mountain Junction and Goblin Valley. After the next intersection for Goblin Valley there is a message board and a good place to park. Begin pedaling west through Temple Wash, the road is paved for another 112 mile and then becomes graded dirt. After passing the pictograph panel on the right (up high in the alcove), look for the next dirt road branching left (south) and take it. The road climbs and falls as it parallels the backside of the reef. Shortly under 2 miles, cross the wash and continue south, climbing. Slightly over 4 miles, cross another wash that leads down to Crack Canyon, a slot canyon opportunity for hiking. The trail is about 1/2 mile off the road and is usually marked by foot tracks, or bike tracks down to the Wilderness Study Area (WSA) boundary. Cache your bike and take to foot.

From Crack Canyon, the road continues 2.5 miles down to Chute Canyon. The grade is a fast cruise, but must be climbed on the ride back out. There are some mining ruins here, and possibly a few tracks again heading into the canyon. Begin hiking from the WSA boundary.

This is a good place to turn around and head back for refreshments. To return, retrace your route. Again, this tour can be shortened to accommodate distances of varying abilities. Remember that this is rugged and at times remote country, always be prepared with plenty of food, water, and other cycling necessities.

Option: Flat Top

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