Multi-use red rock canyon trail featuring hoodoos, stream crossings, and scenic cliffs, accessible to hikers, bikers, and off-road vehicles under 50 inches wide.
General Information
Trail may be impassable after heavy rain or snow
How to Get There
From Bryce Canyon National Park (15 mi): Take UT-12 W for 13 miles, turn right onto the gravel road marked for Casto Canyon, and continue 3 miles to the trailhead parking area.
Overview
The Casto Canyon Trail winds through a vibrant red rock canyon carved into the same Claron Formation that forms nearby Bryce Canyon. This 11-mile out-and-back trail is a hidden gem for hikers, mountain bikers, and OHV riders alike, offering a quieter alternative to more crowded routes. The trail follows a dry wash through a wonderland of hoodoos, sandstone cliffs, and ponderosa pines, with over 20 stream crossings that add a playful element to the journey. While the terrain is moderately challenging, the scenery is consistently stunning, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light.
Accessible from Scenic Byway 12, the trailhead includes a vault toilet and ample parking for trailers. The trail is open to off-road vehicles under 50 inches wide, making it popular with ATV and side-by-side riders, though weekday visits tend to be quieter. Spring and fall offer the best conditions, with wildflowers blooming in May and golden foliage in October. Whether you're hiking, riding, or photographing, Casto Canyon delivers a dynamic and colorful experience in the heart of Utah’s canyon country.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for Casto Canyon Trail, which are released under the
Jeff P from Berkeley, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted Fisher Towers Trail
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