Daniels Canyon Wilderness Study Area is a rugged and primitive wilderness study area in Utah, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Characterized by the towering vertical walls of Daniels Canyon, its terrain features significant elevational changes, ranging from approximately 5,600 feet (1,707 m) to over 7,700 feet (2,347 m). The landscape is dominated by pinyon-juniper woodlands, sagebrush-covered slopes, and dense shrub cover, with scattered ponderosa pine stands at higher elevations. This wild and undeveloped environment provides opportunities for several…
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4.8
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Average rating
67
People visited

4.7
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23
hikers
3.60km
01:01
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
hikers
4.54km
01:14
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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hikers
2.34km
00:49
120m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
12.6km
03:20
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Daniels Canyon Wilderness Study Area is a rugged and primitive area in Utah, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It is characterized by the high vertical walls of Daniels Canyon and an elevational range from approximately 5,600 feet (1,707 m) to over 7,700 feet (2,347 m). The landscape features pinyon-juniper woodlands and sagebrush-covered slopes.
Daniels Canyon Wilderness Study Area offers opportunities for primitive, cross-country hiking. There are no officially maintained trails within the WSA, requiring navigation skills for exploration. The adjacent Dinosaur National Monument provides additional established routes.
There are no officially designated or maintained hiking trails within the Daniels Canyon Wilderness Study Area itself. Exploration involves primitive, cross-country travel. Nearby Dinosaur National Monument offers established trails like the Ruple Point Trail and River Trail.
The Daniels Canyon Wilderness Study Area primarily offers primitive, cross-country hiking that requires navigation skills. For those seeking easier options, komoot provides a guide titled Easy hikes in Daniels Canyon Wilderness Study Area. These routes may be in the surrounding areas or offer less strenuous exploration.
The Daniels Canyon Wilderness Study Area offers a primitive experience without maintained trails, which may be challenging for some families. However, komoot features a guide for Family-friendly hikes in Daniels Canyon Wilderness Study Area. These routes are typically found in the broader region, including parts of Dinosaur National Monument.
The primary natural features include the high vertical walls of Daniels Canyon and significant elevational changes. The vegetation consists mainly of pinyon-juniper woodlands and sagebrush, with mountain mahogany and ponderosa pine at higher elevations. Rugged canyons and slopes define its wild character.
Daniels Canyon Wilderness Study Area is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 300 visitors sharing their experiences. Routes in and around the area have an average rating of 4.56 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking in Daniels Canyon Wilderness Study Area, Easy hikes in Daniels Canyon Wilderness Study Area, and Family-friendly hikes in Daniels Canyon Wilderness Study Area. These guides provide curated routes and information for various hiking preferences.
No specific permits are required for day hiking within the Daniels Canyon Wilderness Study Area itself. As a Wilderness Study Area, it is managed for its primitive character. Visitors should be prepared for self-reliant travel.
Information about Daniels Canyon Wilderness Study Area is available through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Utah website. For direct inquiries, the BLM Utah office can be contacted by phone at +1-435-781-4400. This office manages the WSA.
The terrain is rugged, featuring dramatic canyons and sagebrush-covered slopes. Elevations range significantly, from approximately 5,600 feet (1,707 m) to over 7,700 feet (2,347 m). This varied landscape contributes to its wild and undeveloped character.
The Daniels Canyon Wilderness Study Area offers relatively easy access from Highway 149. Specific access points and parking information may vary, and visitors should consult maps for detailed entry points. The area provides unique views into Dinosaur National Monument.

