Sheets Gulch Trail

Hikers can expect a mostly rocky terrain that follows a winding dry wash into increasingly narrow corridors. About 3.5 miles into the trek, a stunning vertical "jug handle" arch appears on a bench to the right, which can be reached with a short 20-foot scramble. As you continue deeper, the towering canyon walls transition from the creamy white of Navajo Sandstone to the deep reds of the Wingate layer. Shaded north slopes provide a surprising microclimate for Douglas Fir trees, while the turnaround point near the six-mile mark features a lush grove of cottonwood trees surrounding a seasonal seep. Most of the route is straightforward, though a few dry falls and boulder obstacles may require a helping hand to navigate safely.