Exploring Maple Canyon – Hiking, Climbing & Fall Colors in Central Utah
Located near Fountain Green, Utah, Maple Canyon is a unique destination known for its dog-friendly hiking trails, world-class rock climbing routes, and stunning fall foliage. The canyon is composed of conglomerate rock, featuring embedded pebbles and boulders, giving it the nickname “cobble climbing”—a favorite among climbers for its unusual texture and challenge.
About
The canyon gets its name from the hundreds of maple trees that line the trails and roads. Fall is the best time to visit, when the canyon comes alive with vibrant red and orange leaves. Although we missed peak colors on our visit, Maple Canyon remains a great year-round hiking spot thanks to its typically dry conditions.
There’s also camping available in the canyon, but keep in mind that dogs must be leashed at campsites. Reserve your site here.
Directions
From SLC, head south on I-15 until Nephi, Utah. Take exit 225, and drive East to Fountain Green, UT. From Fountain Green, follow the brown signs for Maple Canyon.
Here’s a driving map.
Trail Info
Distance: 5.8 miles (loop)
Elevation gain: 1,600 ft
Time: 2-4 hours
Dog Friendly? Yes, off leash
Kid Friendly? Yes, but only to the arch from Middle Canyon
Fees/Permits? $5 fee to park
Driving up to Maple Canyon. It quickly turns to a dirt road, but even small cars can drive it. Pass the Uinta National Forest sign, cross a bridge, then park on the right side of the road where there is a port-a-potty.
Parking and Trailhead
Parking area. The canyon straight ahead is Left Fork. If you are hiking this in a clockwise direction like we did, you’ll first hike up this canyon. The arch is located in Middle Fork canyon, which you will see on your way back down, if completing the loop.
You’ll immediately hike by really tall rock walls, popular with climbers.
Several rocky overhangs offer a more challenging climb. Continue hiking up canyon (heading West).
The trail will cut through two small boulders, and starts to gain more elevation.
Around 1 mile you’ll see the rock walls fade away, and you are now hiking through a forested area. The small gully was dry, but in Spring and early Summer it still flows. You’ll want to bring plenty of water for you and your dogs, since there is no water source in Fall/Winter. I also highly recommend wearing pants, since the low brush will scrape up your legs.
The views will clear, and you’ll have an awesome view to the East. Take a sharp left turn up one switchback.
Almost to the ridge and dirt road. Even in December this trail can get hot.
Pass these four concrete posts (they prevent jeeps and ATVs from driving down the trail).
Charlie loves climbing anything he can get his paws on!
On the Ridge
You should now be on the jeep road. You will follow this for 1.1 miles, until you reach the trail split for Middle Canyon.
When you are on a dirt road and there’s not much elevation gain, you make up your own entertainment!
Great views looking East down to Fountain Green, Utah.
Still walking on the dirt road, happy to be with my baby!
Keep an eye out for the brown sign leading down to Middle Canyon, where the arch is located. This sign is inaccurate – the campground is actually 2 miles, not 1/2 mile. And the Left Fork Trail, where you should have just hiked from, is not 2 miles its only 1.1 to the trail split. Either way, follow this sign down the canyon.
You’ll know you are in the right canyon when you also see these two clumps of rock walls. The trail leads down to the base of them on the right side.
Passing by the rock walls.
You’ll see another trail split sign, which again contradicts the previous sign you just saw (the other brown sign said 0.5 miles to the CG while this one now says 1.8 miles). To get to the arch, stay straight (right). Going left will take you to an overlook of the rocky area and canyon.
Cut through a small meadow.
Maple Canyon Arch
Finally, the sign for the turn off to see the Maple Canyon Arch! Walk up about 100 yards, then look up.
Yay, we reached the arch!
By this point, we hadn’t seen a single hiker this day.
Maple Canyon Arch looking North.
Furr-friends! Make your way back to the car.
Trail Map
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Nearby Hike
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