Meandering Green River cutting through deep red sandstone canyon walls near Moab, Utah.

Labyrinth Canyon & the Green River

Far from the crowds of Arches or Canyonlands, the Green River winds quietly through sheer canyon walls that rise more than a thousand feet above the water. This is Labyrinth Canyon—a place where silence dominates, where desert bighorn sheep step carefully across ledges, and where the night sky reveals more stars than most visitors have ever seen.

Though known for its legendary flatwater rafting trips, Labyrinth Canyon also offers rugged hiking opportunities into the remote BLM lands that line its rim and tributary canyons. Here, exploration feels like stepping back in time, into a landscape that hasn’t changed in millennia.

Infographic card showing canyon, hiking, and rafting icons for the Green River corridor.

Visiting Labyrinth Canyon

Labyrinth Canyon is one of the most remote BLM destinations near Moab. It offers:

  • Backcountry hiking: Explore rim trails and side canyons with solitude and stunning views.

  • Unspoiled wilderness: This stretch of the Green River remains wild, quiet, and undeveloped.

  • Dispersed camping: Remote campsites along the river and rim provide true desert solitude.

  • Rafting & kayaking: Calm waters make this one of the West’s most accessible multi-day flatwater trips (best covered on rafting-focused sites).

Getting There

Labyrinth Canyon is accessible from several points northwest of Moab:

  • Ruby Ranch Access: About 45 miles from Moab. Fee required to launch boats or start hikes into canyon lands.

  • Mineral Bottom Access: Roughly 50 miles from Moab, reached by dirt road via UT-313. Popular take-out point for rafters and hikers.

  • Horsethief Area Trails: Located near Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district, offering rim access with views into Labyrinth Canyon.

👉 Tip: Roads to Mineral Bottom and Ruby Ranch can become impassable after rain. High-clearance vehicles recommended.

What to Expect

  • Terrain: River corridor, towering canyon walls, sandy washes, desert benches, and slickrock mesas.

  • Atmosphere: Remote and quiet—perfect for those seeking solitude.

  • Best Seasons: Spring and fall. Summer is dangerously hot; winter offers stark beauty and complete solitude.

⚠️ Safety Callout

Labyrinth Canyon is true wilderness. Prepare carefully.

  • Water: No reliable drinking water—carry everything you need.

  • Navigation: Hiking trails are primitive; GPS or detailed maps are essential.

  • Heat: Expect extreme sun exposure on rim hikes.

  • Access Roads: Rough and often impassable in wet weather.

  • Remoteness: No cell service. Emergency response is slow.

Infographic with icons for water jug, desert sun, remote location, 4x4 vehicle, and compass navigation.

FAQs Labyrinth Canyon

Q: Can I hike in Labyrinth Canyon?
Yes. While most visitors raft the Green River, there are trails and routes from the rims and side canyons.

Q: Where are the best hiking access points?
The Horsethief area, Mineral Bottom Road, and various rim overlooks offer hiking access.

Q: Do I need a permit to hike or camp?
No permits are required for day hiking. Overnight river trips may require permits or fees at access points.

Q: Is rafting the only way to explore Labyrinth Canyon?
No. While rafting is popular, rim hikes offer incredible views and solitude.

Q: Is it family-friendly?
Rim hikes are strenuous and remote—best for experienced hikers. River trips, however, are calm and family-friendly when planned properly.

Map showing Labyrinth Canyon on the Green River with nearby attractions including Island in the Sky District across the river, Gemini Bridges & Behind the Rocks closer to Moab, and Potash Road along the Colorado River.

Next-Step Adventures Nearby

After experiencing Labyrinth Canyon, consider:

  • [Island in the Sky District] – Canyon overlooks just across the river.

  • [Gemini Bridges & Behind the Rocks] – Rugged desert hikes closer to Moab.

  • [Potash Road] – Scenic drive with petroglyphs and climbing areas.