SIDS MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS

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The wilderness is in the northwest portion of the San Rafael Swell and is named after one of the area’s earliest ranchers, Sid Swasey. The landscape is characterized by an intricate canyon system which drains northward into the San Rafael River. Mesas and slickrock domes rise between steep-walled tributary canyons where springs and creeks sustain diverse life. On the mesas, pinyon-juniper woodlands is the dominant vegetation type, while springs and creeks in the canyons create lush pockets of life amid sagebrush desert. The area is home to Utah’s largest herd of bighorn sheep as well as cougars, raptors, and various species of reptile. Two endangered species (San Rafael cactus, Wright fishhook cactus) and three threatened species (Maguire daisy, Jones cycladenia, Last Chance townsendia) may occur within the wilderness. Human history marks the area with rock imagery and historic structures including the Kofford Cabin, built by Clayton Kofford and his sons in 1936. Please appreciate, but do not touch or enter, these unique features.

Visitation Information

Sids Mountain Wilderness is located between Huntington, Utah and Interstate 70. Access varies depending on whether visitors intend to access the east or west side of the wilderness. Please see attached map or contact the Price Field Office.

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