Panguitch Loop, Sunset Cliffs, Losee Canyon Entrance,

The Black Mountain Lava Flow & Red Canyon Entrance

 

• This 5 to 8-hour ride adds more unique and beautiful scenic features to the Panguitch Loop (The 3 Canyon Loop). The “Loop” is 40 miles. Adding the features below adds 10 Miles totaling 50 Miles Returning via 1800.

• After heading across the Panguitch Valley our Recommendation is that you start your day in the Volcanic Lime Kiln Canyon and continue upwards.

• At the top of Lime Kiln canyon turn Right (South) and head through Hancock Canyon. At the next intersection turn right (west) and Take the Spur Trail Out to Peterson Point. After Peterson Point, backtrack the 2 ¾ miles. Descending through Barney Cove and Casto Canyon (50” wide or less) completes the Panguitch Loop (The most scenic canyon ride in the USA).

• As You exit Casto Canyon turn South (left) and continue along the base of the Sunset Cliffs with the Bryce Canyon Red Rocks on your left.

• In a couple miles you’ll cross the wash that comes out of Losee Canyon. There is a parking area here to view Losee Canyon; or if you choose to do a short hike up canyon you’ll be rewarded by up close and personal opportunities with the Bryce Canyon Geology.
• Continue South along the 1800 Trail/ Road to the Black Mountain Lava Flow. Slow down and take in the rapid change in rock color and formation. As you cross the Black Mountain Lava flow on 1800 you’ll see the contrast of the Black Boulders that are the cooled rock evidence that this very viscous Basalt Flow literally burst out of the side of the Bryce Canyon Red Rocks aka the “Claron Formation.” Geologists estimate this happened about 1 Million Years Ago. Continue on to the entrance of Red Canyon where the trail /road 1800 ends.
• Turn Around Here facing back North, the way you came. Take in the view immediately to your East and look Back North. This is a great vantage point to view the entrance of Red Canyon and the “Black Mountain” – which consists of enormous black boulders formed as the Basalt Lava cooled and broke apart. Follow 1800 North and then West back to Panguitch where fuel and food await. Trail 1870 off 1800- just before you get back to Panguitch – can take you on to further adventure and you can come back in to Panguitch by taking 2350 back to Airport Road. This adds 10 miles more- putting your ride in the 60-mile range – IF you have the time, energy- and most importantly- the FUEL. Remember that if you want to ride more after getting fuel in Panguitch- many routes intersect here.
• The “Loop” plus Sunset Cliffs to Red canyon is 50 Miles returning via 1800. Returning via 1870 adds another 10 miles, totaling 60 Miles. This is only possible in a UTV / Side By Side because of fuel range. Dirt bikes and ATV’s must refuel after 50 miles before continuing on to more riding.