Reds Canyon / Tomsich Butte

Type: Loop
Rating: Advanced
Length: 32.5 miles
Notes: Carry extra supplies, food, water.

THE RIDE: This is a remote route reserved for advanced riders who are looking for an extended tour through the most desolate reaches of the San Rafael Swell. What seems to be a ride to nowhere, across barren lands, soon turns into a delightful backcountry outing that reveals the swells inner beauty. The ride is a long day in the saddle that has endless flats, a furious downhill that leads to Tomsich Butte and Muddy Creek, and a long climb back up Reds Canyon that also seems endless. With all of this is spectacular desert scenery, solitude, and a fine view of Hondoo Arch, a large arch set on the edge of a massive cliff.

Directions: There are two possible access routes to the preferred trailhead. From Green River, head west on 1-70 for about 30 miles to exit 129, signed Ranch Exit. The dirt road follows the interstate west, then bends south after almost 2 miles. After about 10 miles veer right at the intersection signed for "Tan Seep/Reds Canyon." At 14 miles veer right again at a sign for "Tan Seep/Reds Canyon." After a mile from this junction is another intersection signed for Reds Canyon (right)/McKay Flat (left). Find a parking spot here and head out across McKay Flats (south).

Access is also possible from Temple Mountain; continue on the graded dirt road from Temple Mountain for 9.5 miles to an intersection signed for 1-70 (right). Veer left and continue to the next junction for "Reds Canyon/McKay Flat." Go straight to the next sign, about a mile, to the sign for "Reds Canyon/McKay Flat" and park. Begin pedaling south for McKay Flats.

The pedaling is easy as you roll along across McKay Flats, the ride along this section is a cruise. After about 8 miles there is a fork in the road signed for the Hidden Splendor Mine and Reds Canyon. Head right for Reds Canyon and Tomsich Butte, drop down the wild section of downhill here. The road falls away steeply on the sides and the speeds can be fast in sections. Use caution rounding some of the corners as the gravel may be loose in spots. Upon reaching Tomsich Butte, take time to explore some of the old mining ruins in the area, but do not venture into any shafts as there are many hazards to this activity.

At the fork, take the left road to circle around Tomsich Butte. On the south side of this large butte flows aptly named Muddy Creek. Above you and across the river look for massive Hondoo Arch, one of the best formations around. Continue looping around the butte. The road can be faint in spots and passes between Tomsich and North Buttes, rejoining the main road at 16 miles from the trailhead. From here head north up Reds Canyon where the road runs in the dry streambed in sections, but is not too difficult. Pass the turnoff for the Lucky Strike Mine, or take the short side trip to this large abandoned ruin site, about 2 miles round trip.

Continuing up canyon, the uphill seems endless - try to enjoy the spectacular scenery. Eventually you reach a switchback and climb out of the drainage, at about 28 miles from the trailhead. After passing by Family Butte, the road loops back to your vehicle about 2 miles ahead. All in all a super tour of the remote regions of the magnificent San Rafael Swell.

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