Great Western Trail: Horse Creek Section
The Great Western Trail is a continuous trail system that extends from Canada to Mexico and crosses through Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The trail is marked by the Great Western Trail symbol and has sections open to hikers, bikers, horseman, and Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs). Approximately 80 miles of the Great Western Trail traverses the Escalante Ranger District, utilizing existing trail systems.
7.8 miles one-way. Moderate level trail by hiking and horseback. Difficult level by biking.
Water may be available in Horse Creek. Bring your own water for day hikes. All water should be filtered or treated before drinking.
Visit a trail guide and map for this trail here: Great Western Trail: Horse Creek Section
General Information
The Trailhead: From Tropic drive 7.4 miles west on Hwy 12 to the Bryce Canyon / Antimony intersection. Turn north (right) toward Antimony. This is county road 1660 locally know as Johns Valley Road. 13.4 miles down Johns Valley Road turn right on FH 17 (Widtsoe Junction).”
The Trail: From FH 17 the trail follows a road north east. At .5 miles the trail turns right at the sign. Still following an old road the trail climbs steeply for .25 miles where the trail then leaves the road to the left. The trail begins a steep climb to the top of the ridge. The climb to the top of the ridge and the section of trail along the ridge has very scenic views. At about 2 miles the trail reaches a saddle and begins to descend towards Horse Creek. This saddle makes a good place to turn around for those looking for a shorter hike. At 3.5 miles the trail enters a drainage. Look for rock cairns to cross the drainage. From here the trail gently descends until it reaches the junction of FR 135 at 6 miles. Turn right (NOTE: if you are traveling this trail in the opposite direction this turn off can be easy to miss. When you get to the road junction just above the red “16” section number on the map look for the trail leaving to the left. If you cross over Horse Creek you went too far!) Just after turning right you will come to a fork in the road. Either fork will work but the one to the south is more scenic and less steep. At 7.75 miles the trail enters a meadow then begins an extremely steep climb up to FR 140 where the trail terminates.
Water may be available in Horse Creek. Bring your own water for day hikes. All water should be filtered or treated before drinking.
Address: 755 W Main , PO Box 246 Escalante, UT 84726
Phone: (435) 826-5499
Hours: Closed Sunday - Monday, Open Tuesday - Saturday 9 am - 4 pm. (Closed on federal holidays)
