Bucket list to do while living in SE Utah

This archived article was written by: Matt Gochis

On June 17, 2012, I visited Little Wild Horse Canyon to tackle the loop and complete an item on my bucket list. This was my first birthday spent away from home, usually reliving childhood memories of going to Lagoon amusement park or having a BBQ was the normal tradition. However, from the time I heard about Little Wild Horse, I always wanted to complete it and figured there was no better time than my birthday.
I pulled into the parking lot at 12:15 p.m. with a friend. We unloaded the camera, laced our shoes, grabbed our water and map and started the hike. We followed the trail, trusting the signs to guide us. We headed into the slot canyon, not really sure what to expect as this was the first slot canyon either of us had hiked.
We entered into the first tight spot of the hike, mesmerized by how beautiful the canyon was.  It was better than any picture could describe. The bright red stone walls changing colors with the different layers of stone that had been forming for thousands of years was a sight unlike any I had ever seen. Along with being caught up in the tight, low, slithering canyons, the deep crevasses provided shade throughout the hike. As we continued taking pictures after every turn, we finally reached the wash where the small slot canyon opens into a gorgeous deep canyon wash. Through this landscape we followed our map along with the well-guided trail towards Bell Canyon. 
We entered Bell Canyon. We came to a massive boulder lodged between the walls of the canyon. As if placed perfectly for hikers to climb over, around and down, the boulder provided a slight challenge, however a fun drop. Bell was a beautiful canyon, wide open and provided a unique viewpoint from the floor of the canyon. We traveled through the canyon and returned in a little over three hours. We took many pictures to seize the opportunity provided to ensure the memories we had would last forever.
The loop of Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon is one that every person needs to attempt in their lifetime. It was an experience I have never had before and one I will remember for the rest of my life. The beautiful sights of the slot canyon are unique to Southeastern Utah’s great landscape and beautiful scenery. Be sure to check it out while you are living in this area of the state.