Chute Canyon

Chute Canyon is one of many canyons that cut through the San Rafael Swell, and is relatively easier than its neighbors. not one of the more challenging ones.  The trailhead is accessed from a dirt road off Behind the Reef Road.  It is the second unmarked left after turning onto Behinds the Reef Road.  You will drive down the road past some nice campsites until you reach the trailhead signage.

The trail starts in a wide open wash.  As you continue, you begin to enter the Swell as the cliff rises higher on each side.  Chute Canyon never gets more narrow that 10 feet across and there are no obstacles or pour offs to negotiate.  There are two sections that can be difficult but easily passed using a shelf on the right.  After about 3 miles the canyon begins to open up even wider and becomes just a dry wash.

There are sections of loose, deep sand that can be bothersome, but that is part of hiking slot canyons and dry washes.  You can turn back at any time.  Chute is often done as a 13-mile loop hike with Crack Canyon and requires good navigation skills.