USA The Dive

The area between the canyon rim and Buckskin Gulch is called “The Dive”. It’s a vast area of twisting swirling formations of slickrock pocked with water pockets. Unfortunately, the remoteness of the area makes it somewhat difficult to reach. Most of the access roads are very deep sand “trails”. To complicate matters further, once you get within a couple of miles of the canyon rim where this photo was taken, the “roads” have signs posted as “Administrative Use Only”. I believe this is because they were constructed by local ranchers who lease the land to raise cattle. This is public land so you’re able to WALK on the roads but you’re not supposed to drive on them. It’s about a two mile slog through very deep sand to get to the trailhead, so really have to want to get there.

From Hwy 89 in Utah, turn right on Long Valley Rd (next to Paria Outpost and Outfitters). Drive 5.1 miles. At 4.2 miles, the road splits. Stay straight (left). At 4.5 miles, road splits. Stay sharp left and drive 0.6 miles to right turn (5.1 miles from Hwy 89). It’s approximately a 2 mile hike from here to the trailhead, then another half mile or so to the slickrock.