Activities in Utah › Nature Areas & Viewpoints › Blanding
Dark Canyon Wilderness Recreation Area
- Where
- Blanding, UT (San Juan County)
- Indoors or outdoors
- Outdoors
- Good for
- outdoor lovers
Good to know
Dark Canyon Wilderness is a 47,116-acre designated wilderness in southeastern Utah with stone arches, old-growth ponderosa pines, aspen groves, and hanging gardens across varied terrain. Backpackers and wilderness enthusiasts will appreciate this remote, protected landscape far from developed areas. Plan for a full wilderness experience since this is backcountry with limited facilities.
Updated October 22, 2026
The United States Congress designated the Dark Canyon Wilderness in 1984. Great stone arches, old-growth ponderosa pine, aspen groves, meadows, hanging gardens and high country deserts are found at Dark Canyon. The only designated Wilderness in southeastern Utah, the 47,116-acre Dark Canyon Wildern
About Dark Canyon Wilderness Recreation Area
Dark Canyon Wilderness Recreation Area is a nature area or viewpoint in Blanding, Utah, in San Juan County. It's an outdoor activity. The nearest other nature area or viewpoint is North Long Point, about 3.4 miles away, with 89 more within 30 miles. It's a good fit for outdoor lovers.
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Common questions
Where is it?
Blanding, Utah.
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