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Dark Canyon Wilderness Recreation Area

The United States Congress designated the Dark Canyon Wilderness in 1984 . Great stone arches, old-growth ponderosa pine, aspen groves, meadows, hanging gardens and high country deserts are found at Dark Canyon. The only designated Wilderness in southeastern Utah, the 47,116-acre Dark Canyon Wilderness is located in a beautiful and remote section of the Colorado Plateau. Visitors are dwarfed by steep, sculpted and terraced sandstone walls that shade the canyon in morning and late afternoon --…

  • Managed by: USDA Forest Service
  • Coordinates: 37.823019, -109.92193

Nearby & related campgrounds

  • Dark Canyon SRMA
  • Natural Bridges Visitor Center
  • Natural Bridges Campground
  • Bears Ears National Monument
  • Kane Gulch Ranger Station
  • Cedar Mesa Backpacking Permits

Frequently asked questions

Is Dark Canyon Wilderness Recreation Area reservable?

Dark Canyon Wilderness Recreation Area is primarily first-come, first-served. Use the availability view to gauge how busy it is before you go.

Where is Dark Canyon Wilderness Recreation Area?

See the map for Dark Canyon Wilderness Recreation Area's exact location and directions.

How do I book a campsite at Dark Canyon Wilderness Recreation Area?

Pick your dates on the availability calendar, then reserve through the official booking link. You can also set an alert and we'll notify you if a sold-out date opens up.

Check campsite availability