Behind The Reef

One of two new trail additions to EJS in 2025, Behind the Reef Trail is located west of Goblin Valley near Hanksville, UT. Distance to the trail head from Moab for this trail is approximately 100 miles. Suggested route is north from Moab on US 191, to West I-70 then south on US 24 to Goblin Valley. Once in Goblin Valley, go west on Temple Mountain Road, then south on Behind the Reef Road until you reach Little Wild Horse Canyon Wash (BLM 858) and there adventure begins.  

The route enters Little Wild Horse Canyon Wash, which contains some very narrow sections. Due to the narrow nature of this portion of the trail large pickups are not advised to take this trail.

This trail departs from the Maverik Gas Station on the west end of Green River at 8:00am. Please plan your trip from your lodging location to be at the gathering point for departure at 8:00am.

Scenery

The trail explores the San Rafael Reef geologic feature to the west of Goblin Valley State Park. The Reef is approximately 75 miles long and is made primarily of steeply tilted layers of Wingate and Navajo Sandstone, which nature has eroded in soaring fins, cliffs, domes and rugged canyons. Factory Butte to the west and the Henry Mountains to the south provide beautiful vistas for your enjoyment. Along the trail you will pass the remnants of the Factory Butte mine, Bell Canyon Hiking Trail and the Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon. 

Surface

The trail is mostly hard packed dirt, sandy canyon wash bottoms, a tight squeeze and one tricky ledge on the way in and out. This trail will enter and exit from the same location on the Reef.

Trail Details

This trail covers Little Wild Horse Canyon, Behind the Reef Trail, Horse Valley Wilderness overlook, Goblin Valley. Trail length is approximately 20 miles.