Horse Canyon & The Plug Route variation

Home
Maze District
Canyonlands National Park
The Maze District is most famous for an area of canyons that create the reason for the name The Maze. In several areas, you have three or four directions to go up canyons creating a confusing labyrinth of routes. A few loop trips are possible in these canyons, although you could include Pete's Mesa Trail for half of it to stay high getting views down into canyons instead of looking up the whole time. Established routes are marked by cairns and water is best available in spring time. If names are available for all these canyons, I have not found them. My route went through the South Fork Horse Canyon and a variation of the Plug Route that started at Chimney Rock instead of at The Plug (see map). There are so many twist and turns, it doesn't help to give a description of the route. Most try to hit the highlights, like the famous Harvest Scene and at least one overlook area. I thought Plug Canyon south of the Harvest Scene was the best, but the long South Fork Horse Canyon seemed more adventurous. I'm sure there are many great towers and walls in nearly every canyon, whichever you choose. From what I have read, the most reliable water source is a natural spring just below the Maze Overlook. Water was plentiful when I was in the canyons so I didn't need to look for the spring, so I didn't mark it on the map. Be aware that getting in and out of the canyons is on slickrock that sometimes requires a bit of scrambling. For most its no big deal but a person uncomfortable with heights will not like the ledges and drops you pass by. The park recommends bringing 25 feet of rope so you can lower your backpacks (its much safer to scramble these sections without a pack on).
Distance: 14+ miles from trailhead to trailhead
canyonlands canyonlands canyon walls Chocolate Drops Harvest Scene canyonlands hiking route maze district plug canyon maze district maze district map maze overlook Horse Canyon Horse Canyon Horse Canyon Horse Canyon backpacking South Fork
Horse Canyon wash wash
Dropping in below Chimney Rock
East side of the Chocolate Drops
Area near the Harvest Scene
Confluence of the Plug Route Canyon and the variation I took from Chimney Rock
Harvest Scene
South Fork Horse Canyon
South Fork Horse Canyon
South Fork Horse Canyon
South Fork Horse Canyon
South Fork Horse Canyon
South Fork Horse Canyon
South Fork Horse Canyon
Exiting the South Fork Horse Canyon
Exiting the South Fork Horse Canyon
Chocolate Drops
West side of the Chocolate Drops