Ashdown Gorge

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Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Waterfall

Check the weather and water level before going in. A flash flood could leave a hiker stranded, unable to ford the stream. There are few places where one could not quickly climb up above a flash flood, but it could make the route impassable.

This description is for the in/out hike from the bottom of Ashdown Gorge. A through-hike down Rattlesnake Creek Trail into the gorge is already listed.

Beginning at the large (but unsigned) pull-out on Utah 14, there is a doubletrack trail angling down to the canyon bottom. Once at the bottom, the route heads upstream, climbing around the man-made waterfalls, and up the canyon.

There is no trail; the route follows the stream up the canyon bottom. There are few difficulties, but the stream will need to be crossed dozens of times. Wet feet are guaranteed. Trying to stay dry will just waste time. The gorge is beautiful all the way.

After about 3 miles, there is a confluence where Rattlesnake Creek flows into the gorge. A huge stone hoodoo marks the location. It is difficult to miss. This route follows Rattlesnake Creek to the left. The water here becomes clearer.

After less than 1 mile, the canyon splits again into 2. There is a waterfall a short distance up each of these tributaries, Lake Creek to the left and Rattlesnake Creek to the right. Both of these should be explored.

The return is back along the same route and somewhat easier going downstream.