This Route tours three Spectacular Canyons: Lime Kiln, Middle Hancock and Casto Canyons, with the optional spur trail to Peterson Point. This route departs from American ATV Rentals at 467 N Main St Panguitch Utah 84759. Your guide will lead you through Town the 1 mile to the River Lane Trailhead on the NE corner of Panguitch
Maps and Navigation Orientation takes place at the River Lane Trail Head, located next to our Hospital, Garfield Regional Medical Center.
When your Maps Orientation is complete, and you are clear and comfortable with your Route Navigation, your Ride begins.
North to South Directions: You will follow BLM 2350 for 3 Miles East past Panguitch Airport to the entrance of the other worldly Lime Kiln Canyon where you’ll explore it’s unique blue, green & ash grey Hoodoo’s.
You’ll ascend the Sevier Plateau via Lime Kiln Canyon 10 miles North of the Sunset Cliffs, starting at 6665’ feet in the valley. This Canyon lies below the twin 9990’ Hancock Peaks.
Geological Highlight – This unique twin peak has formed over the last 25-26 Million Years-(Along with all the Rugged Peaks you see marching off to your North). This mountain range or the” Sevier High Plateau” started its life as a massive Volcanic Debris Flow, (aka Pyroclastic Flow or Lahar) resulting from massive volcanic earthquakes and eruptions during a very active phase of the Marysvale Volcanic Field to the North of present day Panguitch. This gargantuan landslide & “flow” was some 600-800 square miles of eruptive debris that flowed from North to South into this area, which at that time was roughly sea-level! Coinciding with the increased activity of large scale Vulcanism across the North American West, of which the Marysvale Field was part, Plate Tectonics & Uplift began to accelerate pushing up Mountain Ranges and basins to higher elevations over Time. This Uplift of the “debris field” from this massive landslide, combined with 25 Million Years of Erosion of the volcanic pyroclastic flows, towers above you during your entire ascent to the intersection at the top of Lime Kiln Canyon. You’ll find Claron Red Rock part way up. Note it’s mixed with other layers and colors here, from the debris flow that over-topped it millions of years ago. You’ll reach 8500’ at the top of this canyon about 15 miles (approximately 1 hour) into your ride.
At the top of Lime Kiln Canyon you’ll encounter a very clearly marked intersection, where you will turn Right / South to begin the ride through Middle Hancock Canyon. The spectacular lithified (turned to stone) towers of volcanic ash, magma and debris flows display a rainbow of colors against numerous backgrounds of greys, browns and ghostly white soils. Many Volcanic rocks abound in this 5 mile section, along with incredible multi-colorful stratigraphic layers. You’ll find many smaller rocks across your trail at times. Other times you’ll see enormous cliffs of solidified ancient pyroclastic ash, lava and mud flows towering above you to heights of almost 10,000’
The rare Geology of these first two Canyons is very unique. It occurs only in The North Bryce Canyon Backcountry and cannot be experienced in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Middle Hancock Canyon ends at a “T” Intersection atop a high ridge; look North here and observe fantastic colorful layers, huge volcanic debris peaks, and the eroded volcanic debris canyons you’ve just come through. Here you Turn West (right) on spur trail 697, following the large Brown sign towards Casto Canyon.
¼ Mile later you’ll come to a Fork in the Trail. Peterson Point is to the Right (continuing West). Barney Cove and Casto Canyon trail is the South fork to the left, where the 50” Width Restriction Begins.
50” Wide or Less Vehicles descend the Paunsaugunt Plateau via Barney Cove through Casto Canyon. Casto Canyon is famous for it’s Bryce Canyon Geology. Here you’ll find rugged, beautiful and majestic Claron Formation Red Rock Hoodoo’s, Arches, Bridges and Windows as you get up close and personal with the geology of Bryce Canyon. The enormous natural Red Amphitheaters further down Casto Canyon are simply awe-inspiring and leave most folks speechless. People come from all over the world to experience this secluded and one of a kind backcountry Canyon. There are few travelers this far out. In Casto Canyon you may see a few folks or you may have it to yourself.
The Exit of Casto Canyon is at the base of the Sunset Cliffs. Take the Dirt road to your Right to head back to Panguitch if you need a break. Continue Exploring, to your right or left, paying attention to the Fuel Range on your specific vehicle as discussed with your Guide during Orientation.