Hike John's Canyon, Utah

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Access to the lower end of John’s Canyon is via Utah Highway 261 from the turn off to Goosenecks State Park. One can drive the dirt road along the north rim of the San Juan River, up to a drill pad near the mouth of John’s Canyon. The upper part of John’s Canyon can be entered from a dirt road off Highway 261, via a side canyon just south of the drill pad. John’s is a varied canyon. Narrow and confined in its upper reaches, it opens up in the lower stretches until the canyon floor is over a mile wide. The sandstone walls of the Cutler Formation reach up to 1000 feet high. There are a few boulder falls and small pour offs in the upper canyon. The roughest parts of the canyon are only of moderate difficulty. One can hike from the upper part to the lower in two days, although more time is recommended to explore side canyons. There are no signs or trails in the canyon so route finding is required. Water Sources: Water is not plentiful in the upper canyon and the spring near the drill hole in the lower canyon usually has water You may encounter several structures and artifacts of historical or archaeological value. These structures are extremely fragile, so please do not climb on walls, or walk on roofs. Items such as potter pieces, rope fragments, etc. should be left in place. Rock art, can be photographed, but they are also fragile, and should not be tampered with. All hikers and overnight in-canyon hikers require a permit. Group size is limited to 12 persons. Groups of eight or more persons and parties with stock require an advanced permit. During the high use season (March 1 – June 15 & Sept. 1 – Oct. 31), all overnight permits must be picked up at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station between 8:00 a.m. and noon on the trip start day. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets must be kept out of springs, pot holes and other natural water sources. Pets are not allowed in ruins.

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