Casto Canyon Trail

Beginning at the Casto Canyon trailhead, the trail takes you into a wonderful world of red hoodoos, sandstone cliffs of white, pink and even green colors. The spectacular red rock is evident along most of the Casto Canyon ride until you reach the forested areas of ponderosa pines, where the colors changes with every turn of the trail. This trail includes several passages through the usually dry riverbed but local heavy thunderstorms can and will change that quickly. The trail goes upwards easterly for approximately 5.5 miles where it connects to the Sanford Road. The trail continues northeast approximately 1.9 miles and is referred to as the Barney Cove Trail.

The trail junction with the Sanford road will also connect you to the Limeklin trail which drops back down towards the west and ends near the Panguitch Airport. The Sanford road additionally connects the rider to the Fremont ATV trail, on which the traveler can go south towards Tropic Reservoir and the Great Western Trail and north to the Piute ATV trail system. Elevation changes from approximately 7000 feet to 7840 at the Sanford Road/Barney Cove Trail area.

Losee Canyon is not for OHV’s, but just for bikes, hikers and horses. At the trailhead there is ample parking for trailers for both OHV’s and horses and includes a loading ramp, hitching rails and basic signs. There is no water at the trailhead and camping is not allowed at the parking area/trailhead.

Facilities: Fuel, food, lodging and camping are available in Panguitch along Hwy 89 and the Red Canyon Area along Hwy 12.

To find out more about this trail and many other excellent trails in Garfield County, visit Garfield County Trails.

Start from either of 2 locations to get to the trailhead. From Panguitch, head south along Hwy 89, (shoulder of the road only) towards the first dirt road on the left just prior to going up the hill. This dirt road takes you past the dump and continues along until you reach the trailhead. At the trail head there is a bathroom available.

The other approach is from Hwy 12 east towards Red Canyon, and just prior to reaching the first red rocks you will spot the sign for Losee and Casto Canyons on the left side (north) of the highway. Take the good dirt road to the trailheads of Losee and then further on Casto Canyon.