Cat and Dizzy Trail Canyons | Western Swell

Hiking Cat and Dizzy Trail Canyons - Western Swell Hiking Cat and Dizzy Trail Canyons

Western Swell

Overview | Getting There | Route | Photos | Maps | Comments

Overview

RATING: Moderate Hike

Sun

A slight chance of rain before 8am, then a slight chance of rain and snow between 8am and 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 49. West northwest wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

49 | 29

Mon

A slight chance of snow between 11am and 2pm, then a chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

43 | 26

Tue

A chance of rain and snow before 11am, then rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

43 | 29

Wed

A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

42 | 28

Thu

Sunny, with a high near 38.

38 | 20

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Spring, Fall, Winter (when no snow on the ground)
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None, bring all you will need.
NOTES: High clearance required to get to the trailhead, though the roughest section (last 1.0 miles or so) could be walked if needed.

Sun

A slight chance of rain before 8am, then a slight chance of rain and snow between 8am and 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 49. West northwest wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

49 | 29

Mon

A slight chance of snow between 11am and 2pm, then a chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

43 | 26

Tue

A chance of rain and snow before 11am, then rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

43 | 29

Wed

A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

42 | 28

Thu

Sunny, with a high near 38.

38 | 20

View Full Weather Details
Open desert on the way to the trailhead

Open desert on the way to the trailhead

Nestled on the western edge of the San Rafael Swell, Cat and Dizzy Trail canyons offer a moderate day hike in a very seldom visited area. The hike goes down Cat Canyon to Muddy Creek, then returns up via Dizzy Trail, making a loop hike. Though I generally like most areas of the Swell, these canyons seemed a bit stark for even my tastes. I would, however, recommend the hike in early spring when the wild flowers are in bloom. They were out during my hike and made for a stunning contrast of colors and vibrancy in an otherwise muted landscape.

A short stretch of narrows near Muddy Creek makes the hike, though most of the hike is out in the open desert. Beware, bugs will be problematic in late spring, bring long sleeves and pants. The Muddy Creek or spring water could be filtered, but bringing all the water you need is recommended.

There are springs along the way, and Muddy Creek always flows, but the water can be alkaline and cause stomach upset. I would recommend carrying all you need, and not planning on filtering.
Lucy wandering between Dizzy Trail and Cat Canyons

Lucy wandering between Dizzy Trail and Cat Canyons

Getting There

The trailhead is reached off of Interstate 70, exit 108. This is about 50 miles west of Green River, UT or 54 miles east of Salina UT.

From the highway, go south, staying on the main road signed Lone Tree Crossing. (road #923)

  • 0.45 - Stay right.
  • 1. 0 - The main road crosses a wash, then begins heading south along the wash.
  • 5.3 - T-Junction. Go left and reset your odometer. (Onto Road #927)
  • 0.6 - The road goes up the wash bed.
  • 1.4 - Side road on the right.

    Go right and reset your odometer. Note: The road from here is rough and requires at least high clearance. It can be walked if needed.
  • 1.2 -Go right.
  • 1.4 - The Bottom of Cat Canyon and the trailhead.
In the narrows of Cat Canyon

In the narrows of Cat Canyon

Heading down Cat Canyon

Heading down Cat Canyon

Route

To Muddy Creek (1.5-2 hours)

From the bottom of Cat Canyon, head downstream. It is open and easy walking. In about 30 minutes (1.6 miles), Dike Spring is on the right. On the return, you will re-enter Cat Canyon at this spot.

Continue down Cat Canyon. About an hour or so from the trailhead (2.2 miles), the canyon becomes entrenched and deepens quickly. Dizzy Trail canyon comes in shortly on the left, but it is worth the short side trip to continue down to Muddy Creek proper. (2.8 miles one way from the trailhead)

Up Dizzy Trail (2.5-3 hours)

From Muddy Creek, go back up Cat Canyon to the divide with Dizzy Trail. Go right up Dizzy Trail. The canyon is deep walled at this point, but soon passes through a spring and tamarisk before opening up into the badlands. Stay in the main wash, following it for 2 miles from Cat Canyon (about an hour) to a very well used social/animal trail leaving on the left.

Follow the social trail as it climbs up, meanders west, then northwest across the badlands. Beautiful country in a very stark way. After 1.3 miles (25 or so minutes), it descends back into Cat Canyon. Go right, up Cat Canyon back to the trailhead.


Maps

Route / 11.85 miles / Elevation Range 5,295 - 5,897 ft.
Printable Maps:

Dike Spring

12S 492429mE 4290095mN

N38° 45' 34" W111° 05' 14"
Leave Dizzy

12S 494166mE 4289427mN

N38° 45' 13" W111° 04' 02"
Muddy Creek

12S 491712mE 4288475mN

N38° 44' 42" W111° 05' 43"
Confluence

12S 492055mE 4289013mN

N38° 44' 59" W111° 05' 29"
Cat Canyon

12S 493997mE 4291210mN

N38° 46' 11" W111° 04' 09"
Trailhead (2wd)

12S 493366mE 4292884mN

N38° 47' 05" W111° 04' 35"

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