North Canyon Trail

This route leads eastward into and through North Trail Canyon. It begins approximately two and a half miles east of the Hans Flat Ranger Station on North Point Road. It is the only trail in the Maze district of Canyonlands that is accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles. Therefore, it is often more crowded than other sites in the Maze. The route leads seven miles to the road to Millard Canyon as North Trail Canyon turns sharply northward. North Canyon Trail is often used in conjunction with Maze Overlook Road to reach the Maze Overlook six miles east of the trail terminus.

Begin this hike from the trailhead on North Point Road approximately one mile from its junction with the entrance road. The trailhead lies at an elevation of 6,550 feet and descends into the canyon from that point. Walk southward for a half mile to gain access to the canyon. The trail turns westward toward the head of the canyon. Then begins to descend steeply through the drainage.

The track winds through the drainage descending steeply at first. During the first half mile in the drainage hikers will have views southward along the Orange Cliffs. Once in the canyon bottom the trail descends slowly. Approximately two miles from the trailhead a tributary canyon empties into North Trail Canyon from the south. There is no marked trail through this canyon and it has a steep drop near the mouth.

Continuing down canyon another tributary enters the main canyon approximately one half mile from the first. This tributary empties into North Trail Canyon from the north. Further eastward a third tributary empties into North Trail Canyon from the Orange Cliffs. The next canyon to empty into North Trail Canyon reaches it from the south. This is the West Fork Big Water Canyon. It extends for several miles southward. The track descends approximately 80 feet in the next mile. It also leaves the drainage turning sharply eastward to reach Millard Canyon Road.

Canyonlands National Park, 2282 S. West Resource Blvd. , Moab, UT, 84532-8000, Phone: 435-259-7164, cany_reservation_office@nps.gov