wide murky river in canyon with uplifted cliffs in background. Clear blue skys

DIRTY DEVIL WILDERNESS STUDY AREA

Values

The study area includes a portion of the canyon of the Dirty Devil River along the western side of the WSA and several tributary canyons as much as 500 feet deep. Some of the canyons are more than 10 miles long, and are bounded by sheer cliffs with large overhangs in several places. The upper parts of the benches between canyons are mostly undulating bare rock surfaces. About 70 percent of the study area is barren sand and rock, with sparse black-brush and other desert shrubs, some pinyon-juniper, saltbrush, and scrub oak. Petrified wood occurs in several canyons. Prehistoric rock art is found in Robbers Roost Canyon, which is also reputed to have been one of the major hideouts of the famous outlaw Butch Cassidy.

Visitation Information

Located in eastern Wayne County, about 10 miles southeast of Hanksville, UT.

Visitor Advisory

Easiest access to the Dirty Devil WSA is from access roads off of Highway 95 south of Hanksville. These take you to the west side of the WSA. Access to the east side of the WSA requires significantly more time and is more challenging due to changing and deteriorated road conditions. Cell service is unreliable. Be prepared for such conditions.

Flickr Album

Color Country District: Dirty Devil WSA