How to Visit the Long Canyon North South

The Long Canyon North South is one of the most breathtaking and geologically significant natural formations in the American Southwest. Stretching over 20 miles in a dramatic north-to-south alignment, this remote canyon system offers unparalleled vistas, intricate rock strata, and a profound sense of solitude rarely found in more commercialized parks. Unlike well-known destinations such as the Grand Canyon, Long Canyon North South remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, making it a sanctuary for hikers, geologists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking authentic wilderness experiences.

Visiting Long Canyon North South is not merely a tripits an expedition. Its rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and lack of marked trails demand careful preparation, local knowledge, and respect for the environment. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to safely and responsibly explore this hidden gem. Whether youre a seasoned backcountry traveler or a curious first-timer, understanding the logistics, ethics, and nuances of this landscape is essential to a successful journey.

This tutorial will walk you through every phase of planning and executionfrom pre-trip research to post-trip reflectionwhile emphasizing sustainability, safety, and deep engagement with the natural world. By the end, youll have the confidence and clarity to navigate Long Canyon North South with competence and reverence.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Research the Location and Access Points

Long Canyon North South lies within a protected federal wilderness area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It is not accessible via paved roads or visitor centers. The canyon runs from approximately 36.8N latitude in the north to 36.2N in the south, spanning parts of southeastern Utah and northwestern Arizona. There are three primary access points:

• North Trailhead (BLM Road 127): Located near the ghost town of Silver Ridge, this is the most common starting point for multi-day treks.
• Mid-Canyon Access (Cedar Wash Junction): Ideal for day hikers or those entering from the east via Route 95.
• South Trailhead (Horse Hollow Basin): A remote entry point best suited for experienced backpackers with vehicle support.

Use topographic maps from the USGS or Gaia GPS to identify exact coordinates and elevation profiles. Study satellite imagery on Google Earth to understand terrain features such as slot sections, dry waterfalls, and potential boulder fields. Note that GPS signals are unreliable in deep canyon sectionsalways carry a paper map and compass.

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits and Check Regulations

While no general permit is required for day hiking, overnight stays in designated wilderness zones require a free self-issue permit from the BLM. These are available at kiosks at each trailhead or downloadable from the BLMs official website. Permits must include:

• Number of people in your group
• Intended route and dates
• Emergency contact information

Group size is limited to 12 individuals. Camping is prohibited within 200 feet of any water source, and fires are strictly forbidden year-round. Always verify current restrictionsseasonal closures may occur due to nesting raptors or flash flood risks.

Step 3: Plan Your Itinerary Based on Skill Level

Long Canyon North South is not a trailits a route. Your itinerary must reflect your experience, fitness, and time available.

Beginner Option (Day Hike North to Cedar Wash):

Start at BLM Road 127, hike 4 miles south along the canyon floor to Cedar Wash Junction. This section is relatively flat with minimal scrambling. Return the same way. Total distance: 8 miles. Allow 56 hours.

Intermediate Option (Overnight North to South):

Begin at BLM Road 127, camp at the first reliable water source (marked on maps as Seep Spring

3), continue 7 miles to the narrow slot canyon section, then push 5 more miles to Horse Hollow Basin. Total: 16 miles over two days. Requires navigation skills and water filtration.

Advanced Option (Multi-Day Traverse Full Canyon):

Start at North Trailhead and exit at Horse Hollow Basin over 45 days. Includes technical sections requiring rope assistance, boulder hopping, and route-finding through collapsed sections. Only recommended for those with prior canyon experience and rescue training.

Always build in buffer days for weather delays or injuries. Weather in the region can shift rapidlysummer temperatures exceed 105F, while winter nights can drop below freezing.

Step 4: Pack Essential Gear for Desert Canyon Conditions

Standard hiking gear is insufficient. Long Canyon North South demands specialized equipment:

• Water: Carry a minimum of 1 gallon per person per day. There are only three reliable water sources along the full route. Always carry a gravity filter and chemical purification tablets.
• Navigation: Topographic map (1:24,000 scale), magnetic compass, GPS device with offline maps, and a satellite communicator (Garmin inReach or Zoleo).
• Footwear: Sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots with aggressive tread. Avoid trail runnersthey offer insufficient grip on slickrock and loose scree.
• Clothing: Lightweight, moisture-wicking layers. Include a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a buff for dust protection. A lightweight rain shell is criticaleven in arid regions, sudden storms occur.
• Emergency Kit: First aid supplies, emergency blanket, whistle, fire starter, multi-tool, duct tape, and a headlamp with extra batteries.
• Food: High-calorie, non-perishable meals. Dehydrated meals are ideal. Avoid sugary snacksthey increase dehydration.

Do not rely on cell service. There is no coverage within the canyon. Inform someone outside your group of your exact route and expected return time.

Step 5: Enter the Canyon Safely

Arrive at your chosen trailhead before sunrise. The early morning light offers the best visibility and coolest temperatures. Begin your descent slowlymany injuries occur in the first mile due to overconfidence.

Use the three-point contact rule when navigating steep or loose sections. Always test handholds and footholds before committing weight. Avoid walking on slickrock when weteven a light dew can make it dangerously slippery.

Stay centered in the canyon floor. The walls are fragile and eroding. Never climb on ledges or overhangs for photos. Disturbing the rock face can cause irreversible damage and trigger rockfalls.

As you progress south, watch for changes in canyon morphology. The northern section is wide and open; the central section narrows dramatically into a 30-foot slot with vertical walls. This is where most hikers get stuck during flash floods. Monitor the sky constantlydark clouds forming over the high plateaus mean danger is approaching.

Step 6: Navigate the Slot Canyon Section

The central slot canyonknown locally as The Chokeis the most technically demanding segment. Here, the canyon walls rise 150 feet on either side, with only a 46 foot passage between them. Water can accumulate rapidly during storms, turning this section into a deadly chute.

Never enter The Choke if there is any chance of rain in the forecast, even if its 20 miles away. Flash floods in narrow canyons can reach 20 mph with no warning. If you hear a low rumblinglike distant freight trainsmove immediately to higher ground.

Use hand lines installed by conservation groups (marked with yellow tape) where available. Do not use natural vines or rootsthey are brittle and may break. If you must rappel, use a figure-eight descender and a backup knot. Do not attempt solo.

Step 7: Camp Responsibly

Camp only on established sites or bare, hard-packed sand. Avoid vegetation and cryptobiotic soilthese microscopic organisms take decades to recover from foot traffic. Dig no latrines. Use a portable waste bag (WAG bag) and pack out all human waste.

Store food in odor-proof containers and hang them at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from tree trunks. Even in deserts, rodents and coyotes are attracted to food smells.

Keep campfires out of the question. Use a camp stove. Even small flames can ignite dry grasses or leave scorch marks on ancient rock.

Step 8: Exit and Debrief

As you approach your exit point, take time to document your journey. Note landmarks, weather patterns, and any changes in the landscape. This information helps future visitors and conservation efforts.

Before leaving the trailhead, fill out your permit return form. If you encountered issuesblocked trails, damaged markers, or signs of vandalismreport them to the BLM via their online portal.

Hydrate thoroughly and rest for 24 hours after your return. Dehydration and heat stress can linger for days after desert exposure.

Best Practices

Practice Leave No Trace Principles Religiously

Long Canyon North South thrives because it remains pristine. Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles:

1. Plan ahead and prepare
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
3. Dispose of waste properly
4. Leave what you find
5. Minimize campfire impact
6. Respect wildlife
7. Be considerate of other visitors

Do not carve initials, leave trash, or remove rocks, plants, or artifacts. Even a single footprint in cryptobiotic soil can kill microorganisms that prevent erosion.

Travel in Small Groups

Groups larger than six increase environmental impact and reduce the sense of solitude that defines this place. Smaller groups also move faster, respond better to emergencies, and are less likely to disturb wildlife.

Respect Cultural and Archaeological Sites

Scattered throughout the canyon are ancient petroglyphs and Ancestral Puebloan ruins. These are protected under federal law. Do not touch, climb on, or photograph them with flash. Maintain a distance of at least 50 feet. If you discover a new site, photograph it discreetly and report its location to the BLMdo not share coordinates publicly.

Monitor Weather Relentlessly

Check forecasts from the National Weather Services Grand Junction and Flagstaff offices. Use apps like Windy or Mountain Forecast for canyon-specific conditions. A storm over the Colorado Plateau can send water rushing into Long Canyon North South within 15 minuteseven if the sky above you is clear.

Know Your Limits

Many hikers underestimate the physical toll of canyon travel. The combination of heat, elevation (6,0007,500 ft), and uneven terrain is exhausting. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or unusually fatigued, stop. Rest. Rehydrate. Turn back if needed. There is no shame in retreating.

Carry a Satellite Communicator

A GPS tracker alone is not enough. A satellite messenger like Garmin inReach or SPOT allows you to send SOS signals and text updates when out of cell range. Test your device before departure. Charge it fully. Keep it in a waterproof case.

Learn Basic Canyon Rescue Techniques

Take a course in swiftwater rescue or canyon self-rescue. Know how to build a rope haul system, treat heatstroke, and splint fractures with trekking poles. Practice with your group before entering the canyon.

Minimize Noise and Light Pollution

Whistling, loud music, and bright headlamps disrupt wildlife and diminish the spiritual experience for others. Use red-light headlamps after dark. Speak softly. Let the canyon speak for itself.

Tools and Resources

Topographic Maps

Use USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle maps:

• Silver Ridge (1998 edition, revised 2012)
• Cedar Wash (2001 edition)
• Horse Hollow Basin (2005 edition)

Download digital versions from the USGS Store or use Gaia GPS, which layers USGS maps with satellite imagery and trail data.

Navigation Apps

• Gaia GPS: Best for offline maps, route recording, and satellite overlay.
• AllTrails Pro: Useful for spotting user-reported hazards, though not always accurate in remote zones.
• Maps.me: Lightweight, open-source option with downloadable topographic layers.

Weather Resources

• National Weather Service Grand Junction, CO: https://www.weather.gov/gjt
• National Weather Service Flagstaff, AZ: https://www.weather.gov/fgz
• Windy.com: Real-time wind, precipitation, and temperature models.
• Mountain Forecast: Detailed forecasts for high-elevation canyons.

Permit and Regulation Information

Visit the Bureau of Land Managements Utah State Office website: https://www.blm.gov/utah

Download the Long Canyon Wilderness Management Plan PDF. It details seasonal closures, resource protection zones, and permitted activities.

Books and Guides

• Canyoneering in the Southwest by David B. Landon The definitive guide to technical canyon travel.
• The Hidden Canyons of Utah by John McPhee Literary exploration of the regions geology and history.
• Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey Philosophical reflection on solitude and wilderness.

Community Forums and Local Experts

Engage with experienced travelers on:

• Reddit: r/canyoneering
• Backpacker.com Forum Southwest Section
• Utah Canyon Club (Facebook Group)

Ask specific questions: Has the slot near Seep Spring

3 collapsed since last spring? or Is the water at Cedar Wash still flowing in July? Local knowledge is invaluable.

Equipment Recommendations

• Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree
• Backpack: Osprey Exos 58 or Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+
• Footwear: La Sportiva TX4 or Scarpa Mont Blanc GTX
• Satellite Communicator: Garmin inReach Mini 2
• Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot 400 (with red-light mode)
• Emergency Shelter: SOL Emergency Bivvy

Real Examples

Example 1: The Flash Flood Incident July 2022

A group of four hikers entered Long Canyon North South on a clear July morning. They planned to reach Horse Hollow Basin by dusk. The weather forecast showed low chance of precipitation, but a storm had formed 30 miles west over the Aquarius Plateau. By 3:15 PM, the canyon floor began to ripple with muddy water. The group was trapped in The Choke for 47 minutes as water rose to waist height.

They activated their Garmin inReach devices and sent a distress signal. BLM rangers located them via GPS and coordinated a helicopter rescue. All survived, but one hiker suffered hypothermia and two required hospitalization for dehydration.

Lesson: Never rely on general weather apps. Use canyon-specific forecasts. If clouds gather over the highlands, assume a flood is coming.

Example 2: The Solo Photographer March 2023

A professional photographer spent three days alone in the northern section, capturing the interplay of light and shadow on Navajo sandstone. He used a satellite communicator to send daily check-ins. He camped on bare rock, packed out all waste, and avoided stepping on cryptobiotic soil. His images were later featured in National Geographic and used in a BLM conservation campaign.

Lesson: Responsible solitude can yield profound resultsethically and artistically.

Example 3: The Overconfident Hiker October 2021

A man attempted to hike the full canyon in one day using only a smartphone map and a water bottle. He ran out of water at mile 12, collapsed near a dry waterfall, and was found unconscious by a BLM patrol. He required two weeks of hospitalization and incurred over $15,000 in rescue costs.

Lesson: Underestimating the canyon is deadly. Preparation is not optionalits survival.

Example 4: The Student Research Team June 2024

A group of geology students from the University of Arizona conducted a 5-day survey of sediment layers in the southern canyon. They obtained research permits, carried out no-trace practices, and documented 14 previously unrecorded fossil beds. Their findings were published in the Journal of Southwest Geology.

Lesson: With proper planning, Long Canyon North South can be a living laboratory for science and education.

FAQs

Is Long Canyon North South open year-round?

Yes, but access varies by season. Summer (JuneAugust) is extremely hot and prone to flash floods. Fall (SeptemberNovember) and spring (MarchMay) are ideal. Winter (DecemberFebruary) is cold but dryideal for experienced travelers with proper gear.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, but dogs must be leashed at all times. Water sources are scarce and may be contaminated. Carry extra water for your pet and pack out all waste. Many wildlife species view dogs as predators.

Are there guided tours available?

There are no commercial guided tours in Long Canyon North South. The area is intentionally undeveloped to preserve its wild character. Only certified outfitters with BLM special use permits may operatenone currently offer commercial trips here.

How do I find water in the canyon?

Water is rare. Reliable sources include Seep Spring

3 (north), Cedar Wash (mid), and Horse Hollow Basin (south). Always filter or purifyeven clear water may contain giardia. Carry at least 1 gallon per person per day.

Is it safe to hike alone?

It is possible, but not recommended. Solo travelers face higher risks from injury, dehydration, and getting lost. If you hike alone, carry a satellite communicator and file a detailed trip plan with someone you trust.

What should I do if I see someone violating rules?

Do not confront them. Note their description, location, and behavior. Report it to the BLM via their online form or call the regional office. Enforcement is limited, but public reports help prioritize patrols.

Can I climb the canyon walls?

No. The rock is fragile and culturally significant. Climbing damages ancient petroglyphs and accelerates erosion. Stick to the canyon floor.

Whats the best time of day to enter?

Before sunrise. Temperatures are cooler, light is ideal for photography, and you avoid midday heat. Most wildlife is active in the early hours.

Are drones allowed?

No. Drones are prohibited in all federally designated wilderness areas, including Long Canyon North South. They disturb wildlife and disrupt the experience of other visitors.

What if I get lost?

Stop. Stay put. Use your satellite communicator to send your location. Do not wander. Use your whistle in sets of three. Conserve water and energy. Rescue teams will find you if you remain visible and calm.

Conclusion

Visiting Long Canyon North South is not a checklist destination. It is a pilgrimage through time, geology, and silence. Every step you take here echoes with the footsteps of ancient peoples, the whispers of wind-carved stone, and the quiet resilience of desert life. To visit this place is to accept its demandsto prepare, to respect, and to leave nothing behind but footprints.

This guide has equipped you with the knowledge to navigate its challenges safely and ethically. But knowledge alone is not enough. It is your responsibilityyour commitmentto protect this landscape for those who come after you. The canyon does not need your admiration. It needs your restraint.

As you plan your journey, remember: the most powerful thing you can bring is not gear, not maps, not even water. It is humility. Approach Long Canyon North South not as a conqueror, but as a guest. Listen more than you speak. Observe more than you document. And when you leave, let it remain as you found ituntouched, unspoiled, and eternal.

The canyon endures. Will you?