How to Hike the Kelly Canyon South

The Kelly Canyon South trail is one of the most breathtaking and technically rewarding hiking experiences in the western United States. Nestled in the remote, rugged terrain of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in northeastern Utah, this trail offers hikers a rare combination of alpine meadows, dramatic canyon walls, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views of the Wasatch Range. Unlike more crowded trails in nearby national parks, Kelly Canyon South remains relatively under the radarmaking it ideal for those seeking solitude, challenge, and raw natural beauty.

Despite its allure, the trail is not for beginners. With steep ascents, exposed ridgelines, variable weather, and minimal signage, proper preparation is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of how to safely and successfully hike the Kelly Canyon South trailfrom pre-trip planning to post-hike recovery. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or an ambitious day hiker looking to push your limits, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate this extraordinary route with competence and respect for the environment.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Route Planning

Before setting foot on the trail, invest time in understanding the Kelly Canyon South route. The trail begins at the Kelly Canyon Trailhead, located off Forest Road 078, approximately 12 miles north of the town of Kamas, Utah. The full loop is approximately 14.5 miles with an elevation gain of 3,800 feet, reaching a high point of 10,400 feet at the South Kelly Canyon Divide.

Use topographic maps from the USGS or digital platforms like Gaia GPS and AllTrails Pro to study the route. Pay close attention to contour linesareas where the lines are tightly packed indicate steep terrain. Identify key landmarks: the first major stream crossing at 1.8 miles, the junction with the North Kelly Canyon Trail at 4.2 miles, and the ridge traverse that begins at 7.1 miles. Bookmark these points in your navigation app.

Check the National Weather Service for the Kamas forecast and consult the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests official website for trail advisories. Seasonal snowpack, recent rockfall, and fire closures can dramatically alter trail conditions. The optimal hiking window is late July through mid-September, when snowmelt has receded and temperatures are moderate.

2. Gear Selection and Packing

Proper gear can mean the difference between an unforgettable adventure and a dangerous situation. Heres a curated packing list based on the trails demands:

• Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with aggressive tread and ankle support. The trail includes loose scree, slickrock, and wet riverbedstrail runners are not recommended.
• Backpack: A 3040L pack with a hip belt and hydration compatibility. Even for day hikes, youll need space for emergency layers, food, and water.
• Layering System: Base layer (merino wool or synthetic), insulating mid-layer (fleece or down jacket), and waterproof shell. Temperatures can drop below 40F at the summit, even in summer.
• Navigation: GPS device or smartphone with offline maps (Gaia GPS recommended), physical map, and compass. Cell service is nonexistent beyond the trailhead.
• Hydration: Carry at least 3 liters of water. A filtration system (Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree) is essential for refilling from alpine streams.
• Food: High-calorie, lightweight snacks: nuts, energy bars, dried fruit, jerky, and electrolyte tablets. Plan for 250300 calories per hour of hiking.
• Emergency Kit: First-aid supplies, emergency blanket, whistle, headlamp with extra batteries, fire starter, and multi-tool.
• Other Essentials: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm, sunglasses, bear spray (recommended but rarely needed), and a lightweight trekking pole for stability on descents.

Do not underestimate the impact of altitude. Even fit individuals can experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness above 9,000 feet. Consider spending a night at 8,000+ feet the day before your hike to acclimate.

3. Trailhead Access and Parking

The Kelly Canyon Trailhead is accessible via Forest Road 078, a graded dirt road that requires a high-clearance vehicle. While 2WD vehicles can make it in dry conditions, a four-wheel-drive SUV or truck is strongly advised, especially after rain or snowmelt. The final 1.5 miles are rocky and rutted, with occasional water bars and erosion zones.

Arrive earlyparking is limited to approximately 1520 spots. If the main lot is full, use the overflow area 0.3 miles back, but ensure your vehicle is parked completely off the roadway. Do not block gates or private land access points.

There are no restrooms, water sources, or trash bins at the trailhead. Pack out everything you bring in. Leave no trace principles are not optional herethey are mandatory for preserving this fragile ecosystem.

4. The Hike: Segment by Segment

Section 1: Trailhead to First Stream Crossing (01.8 miles)

The trail begins gently, winding through aspen groves and sagebrush flats. The elevation gain is minimalonly 200 feet over the first mile. Watch for signs of wildlife: deer, marmots, and occasionally elk. The trail is well-defined here, marked by occasional cairns and faded orange blazes. At 1.8 miles, youll reach your first stream crossing. The water is cold and knee-deep. Remove your boots, roll your pants, and cross quickly. Use trekking poles for balance. Do not lingerwet feet increase the risk of hypothermia.

Section 2: Forest Ascent to North Kelly Canyon Junction (1.84.2 miles)

This is the most sustained climb of the hike. The trail steepens to 1520% grades and enters dense conifer forest. Switchbacks are frequent but well-constructed. Take short, frequent breaksevery 20 minutesto regulate breathing and hydration. Around mile 3.5, youll pass a small, unnamed waterfall cascading over mossy basalt. This is a good spot to refill water and rest. At 4.2 miles, youll reach the junction with the North Kelly Canyon Trail. Look for a wooden signpost with faded paint. Turn right (south) to continue on the Kelly Canyon South route. Do not follow the more popular North Trailit leads to a dead-end ridge.

Section 3: Ridge Traverse and Summit Push (4.27.1 miles)

This is the most exposed and technical portion of the hike. The trail narrows significantly and begins to contour along the canyon wall. There are several sections with loose rockuse your hands for balance. Stay on the trail, even if it seems to disappear under scree. Following the cairns is critical. Between miles 5.5 and 6.3, the trail climbs through a narrow couloir where wind can be intense. Secure your pack straps and avoid sudden movements. At 7.1 miles, youll reach the South Kelly Canyon Divide, the highest point of the hike. The view is expansive: the Uinta Mountains to the east, the Wasatch Plateau to the west, and the entire Kelly Canyon basin below. This is your turnaround point if doing a day hike. If backpacking, the nearest designated campsite is 0.6 miles south along the ridge.

Section 4: Descent to Lower Canyon and Return (7.114.5 miles)

The descent from the divide is steep and relentless. The trail drops over 2,000 feet in 3.5 miles. Use your trekking poles aggressively to absorb impact. Watch for loose talus and hidden roots. Around mile 9.5, the trail re-enters the forest and begins to follow a seasonal creek. This is where youll need to cross the stream againthis time, the water is wider and shallower. The final 2 miles return to the trailhead along the same path as the ascent. Fatigue can set in herestay alert. Many accidents occur on the return leg due to complacency.

5. Timing and Pace

Plan for a full day8 to 10 hours total. Start no later than 6:30 a.m. to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in the high Uintas. Hike at a steady pace: aim for 1.2 to 1.5 miles per hour on uphill sections and 2 to 2.5 miles per hour on descents. Rest for 1015 minutes every 2 hours. If youre behind schedule by 30 minutes at mile 6, consider turning back. The descent is unforgiving after dark.

Best Practices

Leave No Trace Principles

Kelly Canyon South is in a designated wilderness area. The following Leave No Trace principles are non-negotiable:

• Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know the regulations, weather, and terrain. Pack for the worst-case scenario.
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to established trails. Avoid trampling alpine vegetation.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, including food scraps and toilet paper. Use a WAG bag for human waste if no vault toilet is available.
• Leave What You Find: Do not pick wildflowers, move rocks, or carve into trees.
• Minimize Campfire Impact: Fires are prohibited above 9,500 feet. Use a camp stove.
• Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance. Never feed animals. Store food in bear-resistant canisters.
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Yield to uphill hikers. Keep noise levels low. Use headphones for music.

Weather Awareness

Mountain weather changes rapidly. Clear skies at dawn can turn to thunderstorms by noon. Watch for these signs:

• Dark, towering cumulonimbus clouds
• Sudden drop in temperature
• Wind shifting direction
• Static electricity (hair standing on end)

If you hear thunder, descend immediately. Avoid ridgelines, isolated trees, and open meadows. Seek shelter in dense forest or a depression below tree line. Do not lie flatcrouch on your insulation pad with feet together.

Navigation and Communication

Even with GPS, always carry a paper map and compass. Batteries die. Signals drop. Learn how to use a compass with your map: align the needle with north, then rotate the bezel to match your bearing. Take bearings at trail junctions and record them in your notebook.

Consider a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach Mini 2. It allows you to send SOS signals and share your location with loved oneseven without cell service. Register your itinerary with a friend or family member before you leave.

Physical and Mental Preparation

Train for 68 weeks before your hike. Focus on:

• Cardio: Hiking stairs, hill repeats, or treadmill inclines with a weighted pack
• Leg strength: Squats, lunges, step-ups
• Core stability: Planks, dead bugs, bird-dogs
• Endurance: Long weekend hikes (8+ miles) with elevation gain

Mental resilience is equally important. Practice staying calm under stress. If you feel overwhelmed, pause, breathe deeply, and reassess. Hiking is not a raceits a journey of presence.

Tools and Resources

Recommended Apps

• Gaia GPS: Offers detailed USGS topographic maps, offline download capability, and trail overlays. The Kelly Canyon South route is pre-loaded in many user-created collections.
• AllTrails Pro: Provides user reviews, photos, and recent trail condition reports. Filter by difficult and wilderness to find relevant entries.
• Mountain Forecast: Hyperlocal weather predictions for peaks and ridges. More accurate than general forecasts for high-elevation zones.
• REI Co-op Trail Conditions: Community-reported updates on snow, mud, and trail closures.

Maps and Guides

• USGS 7.5 Quadrangle Map: Kelly Canyon, UT The most accurate topographic reference. Available as a free PDF download from the USGS Store.
• Hiking the Uintas by John F. Moulton A comprehensive guidebook with route descriptions, historical context, and safety tips.
• Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Visitor Map Free at ranger stations and online. Shows forest roads, trailheads, and boundaries.

Permits and Regulations

No permit is required for day hiking on Kelly Canyon South. However, if you plan to camp overnight, you must obtain a free self-issue wilderness permit from the Kamas Ranger Station or download it from the forest service website. Permits must be filled out and left in the box at the trailhead. Group size is limited to 12 people. No motorized or mechanized equipment (including e-bikes or drones) is permitted.

Local Resources

For real-time updates, contact the Kamas Ranger District directly:

• Phone: (435) 783-4300
• Website: www.fs.usda.gov/uwcnf
• Address: 1001 Main Street, Kamas, UT 84036

Local outfitters like High Uintah Outfitters and Wasatch Mountain Guides offer guided trips, gear rentals, and shuttle services if you need assistance with transportation or logistics.

Real Examples

Case Study 1: The Unprepared Hiker

In August 2022, a solo hiker attempted Kelly Canyon South wearing trail runners and carrying only 1 liter of water. He started at 10 a.m., underestimated the climb, and reached the ridge at 4 p.m. A sudden thunderstorm rolled in. He became disoriented in the fog and slipped on wet rock, twisting his ankle. With no phone signal and no emergency gear, he spent the night on the ridge. Rescuers located him the next morning via his satellite beacon. He suffered from mild hypothermia and a sprained ligament. His mistake? Lack of preparation, poor gear selection, and ignoring weather warnings.

Case Study 2: The Experienced Backpacker

In September 2023, a pair of experienced hikers from Salt Lake City completed the Kelly Canyon South loop as a two-day backpacking trip. They started at dawn on Friday, camped at the ridge (10,400 ft) with a lightweight tent, and descended Saturday morning. They carried a solar charger, bear canister, and a small water filter. They documented their journey with a GoPro and shared photos on social media, encouraging others to respect the trail. Their success came from meticulous planning, physical conditioning, and a deep respect for the environment. They left no trace and even collected two plastic bags of trash left by others.

Case Study 3: The Group Hike Gone Right

A group of six university students from Utah State University hiked Kelly Canyon South as part of an outdoor leadership course. They practiced navigation with compasses, assigned roles (navigator, medic, timekeeper), and conducted a pre-hike risk assessment. They encountered a minor rockslide near mile 6 but stopped, assessed the area, and waited 20 minutes until the debris settled. They communicated their status via satellite messenger and continued safely. Their instructor later used their experience as a case study in risk management and team dynamics.

FAQs

Is Kelly Canyon South suitable for beginners?

No. This trail is rated difficult due to sustained elevation gain, exposure, and technical terrain. Beginners should gain experience on trails like Mirror Lake or Mount Timpanogos before attempting Kelly Canyon South.

Can I hike Kelly Canyon South in the spring or fall?

Its possible, but risky. Snow can persist into June, and early-season storms are common. In October, temperatures drop rapidly, and ice can form on rocks. Late July through mid-September is the safest window.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Yes, but they must be leashed at all times. The trail passes through wildlife habitat, and off-leash dogs can disturb elk, moose, and birds. Pack out their waste.

How do I avoid getting lost?

Carry a physical map and compass. Mark your route in Gaia GPS before you leave. Take photos of trail junctions. If youre unsure, stop and reorient. Never guess a direction.

Is there cell service on the trail?

No. Service is unreliable even at the trailhead. Rely on offline maps and satellite communication devices.

What should I do if I see a bear?

Stay calm. Do not run. Speak firmly and back away slowly. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Store food in a bear canisternever in your tent.

Can I camp anywhere along the trail?

No. Camping is only permitted in designated wilderness areas. The only legal campsite on the Kelly Canyon South route is 0.6 miles south of the summit. Follow all posted rules.

How long does it take to complete the hike?

Most hikers take 810 hours for a day hike. Backpackers typically split it into two days. Allow extra time if youre taking photos, resting, or navigating difficult sections.

Whats the best time of day to start?

Start by 6:30 a.m. to avoid afternoon storms and to ensure youre off the exposed ridge before 3 p.m.

Are there water sources along the trail?

Yesthree reliable streams: one at 1.8 miles, one near the North Junction at 4.2 miles, and one near the descent at 9.5 miles. Always filter or treat water before drinking.

Conclusion

Hiking the Kelly Canyon South is more than a physical challengeits a profound encounter with the wild heart of the Wasatch Range. It demands respect, preparation, and humility. The trail does not reward recklessness; it rewards those who move with intention, who study the land before they step upon it, and who leave it untouched for those who come after.

By following the steps outlined in this guideresearching the route, packing appropriately, respecting weather and terrain, and adhering to Leave No Trace principlesyou transform from a visitor into a steward. You become part of the tradition of those who have walked this path before you, not to conquer it, but to understand it.

The summit view from the South Kelly Canyon Divide is unforgettable. But the true reward lies in the quiet moments: the crunch of gravel underfoot, the scent of pine after rain, the silence broken only by a distant ravens call. These are the things that linger long after your boots are clean and your map is tucked away.

So lace up your boots. Check your compass. Fill your water bottles. And step onto the trailnot as someone seeking to check a box, but as someone seeking connection. The canyon is waiting.