Paria River Canyon Rim Road — Skutumpah to Cannonville via Bull Valley Gorge
A drowned truck, canyon rims, and zero cell bars.
There’s a 1954 Chevy truck wedged across Bull Valley Gorge that’s been there since a flash flood washed it off the road seventy years ago. The truck acts as a bridge now, and the road just keeps going like nothing happened — that’s Skutumpah Road in a nutshell. This 60-mile corridor runs south from Cannonville through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, tracking the Paria River drainage rim toward the Arizona border, passing through Johnson Canyon and skirting the Vermilion Cliffs escarpment. The road surface is bentonite clay over slickrock — when it’s dry it’s washboarded gravel; when it’s wet it’s a skating rink that’ll put you in a ditch regardless of how good your tires are.
Two-wheel drive high-clearance rigs can handle this in dry conditions, but 4WD is strongly advised given how fast Utah clay turns treacherous. Avoid entirely after rain — this is non-negotiable, not a guideline. Best season is May through June and September through October; summer monsoons make July and August a gamble. No permits required for vehicle travel. Nearest fuel is Kanab to the south or Tropic to the north — fill both directions. Cell service is nonexistent. Dispersed camping is allowed on BLM land throughout, and the stargazing from the rim is legitimately world-class.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 60 mi / 96.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6500 ft |
| Best season | May-June, September-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD (dry) / 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Kanab, UT |
| Land manager | BLM Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | blm.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this without a lift?
Yes, stock high-clearance trucks handle Skutumpah Road fine in dry conditions. A 2WD with decent clearance can squeak through when it's bone dry, but 4WD is the real call — any moisture turns this road into a skating rink that will end your day sideways in a ditch.
When should I avoid this trail completely?
Stay off it during and after rain — the clay surface becomes impassable fast, even for 4WD rigs. Best windows are May–June and September–October; summer monsoons (July–August) can shut it down without warning and winter snow closes it entirely.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp on Skutumpah Road?
No permit required to drive the route. Dispersed camping is allowed on BLM Grand Staircase-Escalante land with no fee, but stay 200 feet from the road, water sources, and cultural sites — the Monument has strict Leave No Trace enforcement.
What's the sketchiest section and what should I expect?
Bull Valley Gorge bridge is the moment — it's a narrow slot canyon crossing where a 1954 pickup fell in and still sits wedged there, now literally part of the bridge deck. The crossing itself isn't technically hard, but it's tight, exposed, and not the place to find out your spotter skills are weak.
How far is the nearest gas and should I carry extra water?
Kanab is your last reliable fuel stop before the southern end; Bryce Canyon City covers the north — tank up at both if you're running the full 60 miles. There are no guaranteed water sources on route, so carry all your water; the Paria River runs but it's silty and requires treatment.
Trail track
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