San Rafael Swell Recreation Area

As part of the John D. Dingell. Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019, congress designated San Rafael Swell Recreation Area (approximately 217,000 acres). The San Rafael Swell Recreation area features magnificent badlands of brightly colored and wildly eroded sandstone formations, deep canyons, and giant plates of stone tilted upright through massive geologic upheaval.

The "Swell" features endless amounts of recreational experiences including: hiking, biking, four wheel driving, horseback, canyoneering, and river running. Don't miss the Little Grand Canyon and Buckhorn Wash Pictograph Panel. For an overview of the "Swell" make sure to check out Cedar Mountain Day Use Overlook. You will be able to discover Petroglyphs and Historical areas throughout the 'Swell".

The following Wilderness areas were congressionally designated around the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area as part of the John D. Dingell. Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act and are currently closed to OHV use: Big Wild Horse Mesa, Cold Wash, Devil’s Canyon, Eagle Canyon, Horse Valley, Little Ocean Draw, Little Wild Horse Canyon, Lower Last Chance, Mexican Mountain, Middle Wild Horse Mesa, Muddy Creek, Red’s Canyon, San Rafael Reef, and Sid’s Mountain.

Off Highway Vehicle use will continue to be allowed on the following four identified routes: 1) The wash bottom of Coal Wash, including the short dugway from west which enters this wash, and North Fork Coal Wash south until it exits the Wilderness over "Fix-it-Pass", 2) The wash bottom of South Fork Coal Wash from its junction with the North Fork to and including the "Eva Conover" way, 3) The "Devils Racetrack" way and 4) the Justensen Flat access way, including lower Eagle Canyon southeast from the junction of this way.