MAKE THIS THE SUMMER OF A LIFETIME
Muley Twist & Strike Valley
Upper Muley Twist Canyon cuts lengthwise along the spine of the Waterpocket Fold creating a colorful, meandering canyon. The Navajo and Wingate sandstone layers are exposed here, tilted by the uplift and folding of the Earth’s crust and sculpted by millions of years of erosion. The Wingate, stripped of its protective Kayenta cap rock, has eroded into unusual forms including many large arches. The 0.9-mile (1.4 km) round-trip hike to Strike Valley Overlook provides outstanding views of the Waterpocket Fold and the surrounding area. The rim route in Upper Muley Twist Canyon provides similar views.
Highlights of the hike are narrow canyons, expanses of slickrock, large arches, and dramatic vistas from the top of the Waterpocket Fold. The route is marked with rock cairns and signs, but carrying a topographic map is recommended.
Muley Twist & Strike Valley
Upper Muley Twist Canyon cuts lengthwise down the spine of the Waterpocket Fold creating a colorful, meandering canyon. The massive Navajo and Wingate sandstones are beautifully exposed here–tilted by the folding of the earth’s crust and sculpted by millions of years of erosion. The Wingate, striped of its Kayenta Formation caprock, has eroded into unusual forms, including many impressive arches and natural bridges.
UPPER MULEY TWIST GENERAL DESCRIPTION
From the Upper Muley Twist Canyon trailhead, the total round trip distance is 15 miles and is best done as an overnight hike. From the Strike Valley Overlook parking area, the trip is nine miles and can be done as a long day hike or as an overnight. The three mile long Strike Valley Overlook Road is rough and usually requires high clearance or four wheel drive.
LOCATION OF TRAILHEAD
The Strike Valley Overlook Road is located one mile west of the top of the Burr Trail Road switchbacks. Passenger cars can be driven a half mile in to the Upper Muley Twist Canyon trailhead. Four-wheel drive vehicles, and often high clearance two-wheel drive vehicles, can drive three miles up the canyon to the Strike Valley Overlook parking area. Check at the visitor center for the latest road conditions before driving into the canyon with high clearance two-wheel drive vehicles.
BEST SEASON FOR HIKE
Spring and Fall
DESCRIPTION
The half mile round trip hike to Strike Valley Overlook provides outstanding views of the Waterpocket Fold and the surrounding area. The rim route in Upper Muley Twist Canyon provides similar views. From the Strike Valley Overlook parking area, it is an easy 1.7 miles up the wash to Saddle Arch. Here, a sign indicates the way to the lower end of the rim route. Follow the cairned route to the top of the Fold.