Backpacked to the canyon floor from Sundance TH with Chris Dickson and Rebecca Lahr. Spent three amazing nights camping along the creek between Lean-To and Lost canyons. Hiked up the canyon one day with intent of making it to Youngs Canyon, but threatening storms forced us to retreat. Hiked downstream towards the Colorado the next, which was very exciting. Lots of traversing on high trails far above the canyon bottom. Only encountered a handful of people during our 4 days around the area.
Hiked the Sundance trail in the morning down to the creek and then ended up going downstream maybe halfway to the river before heading back and hiking out in the early evening. I had all sorts of energy and excitement and I wanted to explore a lot more but I could see that this environment was taking a bit longer for my dogs- who are used to being in the mountains and not the desert- to acclimate to and I had to take it easy on them. This is a great canyon! Really great views from up on the rim, too. It got surprisingly busy with people, though (large groups!), despite the impressive 'talus slope' portion of the route. Can't wait to do some major exploring in Dark Canyon in the future, but I hope to be able to avoid the crowds.
benbusack - May 8, 2011 9:52 pm Date Climbed: Apr 24, 2011
Spectaculacious
Hiked in from wooden shoe canyon to youngs and back. Would do sun dance to river and lost next time as canyon gets progressively more epic as you descend. Encountered all possible weather in a five day trip and wind was relentless. Truly special place.
LadyWawa - Mar 27, 2011 10:54 am Date Climbed: Mar 19, 2011
Different!
A really unique experience! I got caught in a hellish storm coming back up the scramble towards Sundance Trailhead. THAT PART is not so recommended. :)
mountaingazelle - May 11, 2010 1:05 am Date Climbed: May 8, 2010
Dark Canyon
Three day backpack from the Sundance Trail. This was a great hike and beautiful canyon. No other people were in Dark Canyon past Lost Canyon and few were down lower. There was a lot of water in the canyon and wildflowers were everywhere in early May.
May 8 - Hiked down to Dark Canyon and made camp and then hiked up Lost Canyon.
May 9 - Hiked up through Dark Canyon to Youngs Canyon and the waterfall.
May 10 - Hiked through lower Dark Canyon and then back up to the trailhead.
John Styrnol - Sep 23, 2008 7:36 pm Date Climbed: Apr 24, 2003
Awesome Place
A awesome canyon. Entered from the Sundance Trail.
seanpeckham - May 27, 2008 11:42 pm Date Climbed: May 24, 2008
4 days in the lower part
Day 1: Sundance trail, explored Lost Canyon
Day 2: Hiked up to Young's Canyon, wandered up that a short distance, then back to camp
Day 3: Hiked down to Lake Powell (more or less) and back, then wandered partway up Lean-To Canyon
Day 4: Back out the Sundance trail.
Incredible place, one of the best canyons I've ever hiked in.
seth@LOKI - Jun 20, 2007 12:50 am Date Climbed: Apr 22, 2007
Looked into Dark Canyon from Elk Ridge, Babylon Meadows, Big Notch, Duck Lake, ect.
Elk Mountain is a narrow highcountry ridge barely hanging above the desert maze below.
distressbark - Apr 12, 2015 3:09 pm Date Climbed: Apr 7, 2013
Sundance TH backpackBackpacked to the canyon floor from Sundance TH with Chris Dickson and Rebecca Lahr. Spent three amazing nights camping along the creek between Lean-To and Lost canyons. Hiked up the canyon one day with intent of making it to Youngs Canyon, but threatening storms forced us to retreat. Hiked downstream towards the Colorado the next, which was very exciting. Lots of traversing on high trails far above the canyon bottom. Only encountered a handful of people during our 4 days around the area.
MTfred19 - Jul 3, 2014 3:47 pm Date Climbed: Apr 10, 2014
Sundance TrailHiked the Sundance trail in the morning down to the creek and then ended up going downstream maybe halfway to the river before heading back and hiking out in the early evening. I had all sorts of energy and excitement and I wanted to explore a lot more but I could see that this environment was taking a bit longer for my dogs- who are used to being in the mountains and not the desert- to acclimate to and I had to take it easy on them. This is a great canyon! Really great views from up on the rim, too. It got surprisingly busy with people, though (large groups!), despite the impressive 'talus slope' portion of the route. Can't wait to do some major exploring in Dark Canyon in the future, but I hope to be able to avoid the crowds.
benbusack - May 8, 2011 9:52 pm Date Climbed: Apr 24, 2011
SpectaculaciousHiked in from wooden shoe canyon to youngs and back. Would do sun dance to river and lost next time as canyon gets progressively more epic as you descend. Encountered all possible weather in a five day trip and wind was relentless. Truly special place.
LadyWawa - Mar 27, 2011 10:54 am Date Climbed: Mar 19, 2011
Different!A really unique experience! I got caught in a hellish storm coming back up the scramble towards Sundance Trailhead. THAT PART is not so recommended. :)
mountaingazelle - May 11, 2010 1:05 am Date Climbed: May 8, 2010
Dark CanyonThree day backpack from the Sundance Trail. This was a great hike and beautiful canyon. No other people were in Dark Canyon past Lost Canyon and few were down lower. There was a lot of water in the canyon and wildflowers were everywhere in early May.
May 8 - Hiked down to Dark Canyon and made camp and then hiked up Lost Canyon.
May 9 - Hiked up through Dark Canyon to Youngs Canyon and the waterfall.
May 10 - Hiked through lower Dark Canyon and then back up to the trailhead.
John Styrnol - Sep 23, 2008 7:36 pm Date Climbed: Apr 24, 2003
Awesome PlaceA awesome canyon. Entered from the Sundance Trail.
seanpeckham - May 27, 2008 11:42 pm Date Climbed: May 24, 2008
4 days in the lower partDay 1: Sundance trail, explored Lost Canyon
Day 2: Hiked up to Young's Canyon, wandered up that a short distance, then back to camp
Day 3: Hiked down to Lake Powell (more or less) and back, then wandered partway up Lean-To Canyon
Day 4: Back out the Sundance trail.
Incredible place, one of the best canyons I've ever hiked in.
seth@LOKI - Jun 20, 2007 12:50 am Date Climbed: Apr 22, 2007
Looked into Dark Canyon from Elk Ridge, Babylon Meadows, Big Notch, Duck Lake, ect.Elk Mountain is a narrow highcountry ridge barely hanging above the desert maze below.
Scott - Jun 13, 2007 9:55 am
DarkI've been there. Best part of Dark Canyon is Youngs Canyon to Lost Canyon, but not too many people see that section.
mow10 - Jun 13, 2007 2:00 am Date Climbed: Oct 15, 1999
I love Dark CanyonLed a group of teens on a 7 day loop through the greater Dark Canyon area. Remote, dramatic and beautiful. Don't think just go!