The little kiddies, they will like this one. Two interesting canyons that end in dryfalls, plus pictographs and petroglyphs make this an interesting hike that is short and easy - suitable for the whole family. As a bonus, it is close to the highway.
Getting There: turn north off I-70 onto a short dirt road at about milepost 144.8. The road is tucked behind a hill if coming from Green River, so watch carefully. There are cross roads between the eastbound and westbound lanes at this point also. Drive through a cattle gate and re-latch it. Drive .7 miles on a good dirt road to a smaller dirt road on the left. Follow this 1/4 mile to the end and a small parking lot next to a creek bed.
The Goods #1: the creek bed belongs to Box Canyon. Follow a distinct trail along the creek up the canyon as it enters the reef. Nice walls rise up on both sides, and the bottom is somewhat swampy and brushy. The canyon ends in 1/2 mile with an interesting dryfall. Return as you came.
The Goods #2: from the parking spot, a trail heads south, in the direction of the Interstate. Cross Box Canyon stream and take this small trail south as it proceeds up the drainage. After 1/2 mile, follow the trail as it turns right (west) toward the reef, as a more distinct canyon forms. Follow the canyon straight back into the reef, winding back to the end, a dramatic dryfall with a double arch on the left. (This is Spirit Arch).
The Goods #3: from Spirit Arch, return back down the canyon 1/4 mile or less to where a canyon comes in on the right (south). This is Petroglyph canyon. Follow this back a short distance. There are two petroglyphs on the righthand wall. The first is very faded and vandalized. The second is much nicer. Return to the car.
The Goods #4: last, but not least, on our tour of the area is the famous Black Dragon Canyon. Get back in the car, and drive back out to the main dirt road. Turn left and drive 1/2 mile north. At a wash and road, turn left up Black Dragon Canyon. Drive a short ways and park. (4WD high clearance vehicles can continue another 1/4 mile). Walk into the deep and dramatic canyon. There are several excellent paintings on the right side, including an interesting creature that could be a dragon! The paintings are unfortunately vandalized with chalk outlines.
