Kane Gulch to Junction & Turkey Pen Ruins

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views

Explore fascinating Anasazi ruins and a beautiful canyon in an isolated setting.

Starting right out of the ranger station, cross the road and enjoy easy running in the desert wash. Pass through tall tunnels of grass until the canyon starts in about a mile. There's an unusual stand of aspen trees here, which would normally require a much higher elevation. But they have survived in this micro-climate as clones of the same tree for 11,000 years!

At 2 miles, the canyon opens to a huge bowl and pour-over. The canyon becomes much deeper here, with imposing walls on each side. You'll cross the stream many times, but the trail remains easy (though not always easy to find - look for cairns!).

At 4 miles, you come to an major side canyon to the right and a huge grove of cottonwoods. Look up to the right on the cliff and you'll see the Junction Site - perched under a huge overhang with excellent natural protection. Below the cliff is the "midden," or trash heap. Yep, this is where they threw the trash from the ruins above. Tons of broken pottery sherds litter the ground. Respect the area and do not disturb the artifacts. There are fun ruins to explore on ground level as well as the higher ones, which you cannot access. Respect the chains that block access to delicate areas of the site. Foot traffic can cause damage to these areas!

Back on the trail, continue .7 miles to the Turkey Pen Ruin where you can observe the second story structures from a distance. The BLM and Bears Ears Commission has closed public access to this archaeological site. Please respect the closure.

The Kane Gulch Trail continues for many miles, but this is the turn-around point for this route.