Buckhorn Trail

Red Canyon hoodoos without the Bryce Canyon crowds

(35)

Panguitch, UT

About

The Buckhorn Trail runs through Red Canyon in the Dixie National Forest, about 10 miles west of Panguitch on US-12. Red Canyon is often treated as a quick scenic drive on the way to Bryce Canyon, but the Buckhorn Trail gives you a reason to stop and get into the red-rock terrain on foot. The canyon's hoodoos and cliffs glow in the same orange-red tones as Bryce, without the crowds.

Trail Details

The out-and-back route covers roughly 1.9 miles round-trip with about 505 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. Most hikers finish in under 90 minutes. The trail climbs steadily from the Red Canyon Campground area, winding through eroded red-rock formations before reaching a viewpoint overlooking the canyon. Expect some steep sections and loose rock — trekking poles help on the descent.

Combining with the Golden Wall Trail

Many hikers connect the Buckhorn with the Golden Wall Trail for a longer loop of 2–3 hours. The combined route takes in more varied terrain and adds color contrast between the canyon's crimson walls and the surrounding ponderosa pine forest. Check the Dixie National Forest website or ask at the Red Canyon Visitor Center (open seasonally) for current trail conditions before heading out.

Getting There

The trailhead is accessible via paved US-12. Park at or near the Red Canyon Campground. The area is managed by the Dixie National Forest, and no fee is required for day hiking, though the campground itself charges a fee. Summer afternoons bring afternoon thunderstorms — start early.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early fall offers the most reliable access. Summer is the busiest period and brings warm midday temperatures at this elevation; afternoon thunderstorms are common and can develop quickly, so starting early and planning to be off the exposed terrain before early afternoon reduces risk. Spring can bring lingering snow at higher points and muddy trail conditions after wet weather. Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer visitors — a good window if the weather holds. Winter access depends on road and trail conditions, which can vary considerably.

Trail Tips

Trekking poles are worth bringing for the descent — the steep sections have loose rock that can be slippery underfoot.
If you plan to connect with the Golden Wall Trail for a longer loop, check current conditions at the Red Canyon Visitor Center or on the Dixie National Forest website before heading out.
Most hikers finish the out-and-back in under 90 minutes, but the elevation gain makes it feel longer than the distance suggests — leave enough time for the climb back.
Cell service can be limited in canyon terrain; download any maps or trail information before you arrive.

Getting There

The trailhead is accessible via paved US-12, roughly 10 miles west of Panguitch. Park at or near the Red Canyon Campground — the trailhead begins in this area. The approach road is paved and suitable for standard vehicles. The Red Canyon Visitor Center is located nearby and is open seasonally; stopping there for current trail conditions is worthwhile, particularly earlier and later in the season when conditions can vary.

What to Expect on Buckhorn Trail

Buckhorn Trail is a short out-and-back route through Red Canyon in the Dixie National Forest, covering roughly 1.9 miles round-trip with about 505 feet of elevation gain. The trail climbs steadily from the campground area, winding through eroded red-rock formations — hoodoos and cliffs in the same orange-red tones as Bryce Canyon, but with far fewer people on the path. Some sections are steep and the surface includes loose rock, so the descent demands attention underfoot. The route tops out at a viewpoint overlooking the canyon. Hikers looking to extend the outing can connect with the Golden Wall Trail for a 2–3 hour loop that takes in more varied terrain, including color contrast between the canyon's crimson walls and the surrounding ponderosa pine forest.

Reviews (35)

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4.6

35 reviews

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Maegan Hendrix

a week ago

Probably our favorite hike we did on our trip. Extremely beautiful view on the way up, and at the top. There was good shade at the start of the hike, so it kept the temperature good, but the end of the hike there’s much less shade, so just remember to get started at a decent time and bring water. It’s dog friendly, so long as they’re leashed. We were also able to enjoy some different birds, and a horned toad! Parking is kind of difficult, there’s not many spaces; luckily we went early enough to snag a spot. Easy to moderate. Lots of switchbacks, and some quick elevation gain, but not a very long hike. There’s quite a bit of flatter spots after the switchbacks.

Rachel Brower

9 months ago

Short walk for some great views. Lots of switchbacks in the beginning but the trail is well maintained and easy to follow. Parking is somewhat limited at the trailhead but it doesn't seem that there are many ppl who do this hike for some reason. You will pull into the campground and drive through it to get to the parking area. You'll be required to display your national park pass or pay the day use fee.

Julia Wessel

a year ago

Very steep trail with many switchbacks that made it interesting. Stunning views from the top!

Hyunhoon Na

2 years ago

Adventures in Panguitch

2 years ago

This trail is a foot only trail and is about 1 mile one way. 2 miles out and back. Good trail, well marked and has quite a few switch backs so the elevation increases a couple hundred feet on the trail. There are some benches along to trail to rest and look at the great views. This trail begins in the campground with it clearly being marked. The trailhead is on the east end of the campground between two campsites. The trail ends with a great vantage point overlooking the canyon. At the end of the trail , it is very narrow with drop-offs on both sides of the trail. When we went it was very windy at the top, so we stopped short of the end because it feel like we were gonna get blown of the side because of the wind.