Overview
Ferron Canyon is one of the eastern drainage canyons that cuts through the face of the Wasatch Plateau, and the Ferron Canyon Hike follows Ferron Creek through the canyon's lower and middle sections. The trail begins at the Ferron Canyon Campground and travels upstream through a narrow canyon corridor with walls of gray-green Mancos Shale capped by colorful sandstone. The creek provides continuous sound and reflects the canyon walls in its pools during high water.
This is a solid canyon hike in the Manti unit of Manti-La Sal National Forest that sees less traffic than the plateau ridge trails. The canyon ecosystem is distinctly different from the open grassland above: cottonwood and willow shade the creek, songbirds are active in the riparian zone, and the canyon walls provide scale and enclosure that the plateau lacks.
The Route
Campground to Canyon Narrows (Miles 0-2.0) The trail follows Ferron Creek from the campground upstream through open canyon terrain. The walls are lower here and the canyon floor is wider. The creek is crossed several times on stepping stones or log crossings that vary by season. At mile 2, the canyon narrows and the walls close in on both sides.
Canyon Narrows (Miles 2.0-3.2) The most visually striking section of the canyon, where the Mancos Shale walls rise 300 to 400 feet on either side of the creek. The trail squeezes along the creek bank in some sections. Early morning light on the east-facing walls is particularly good for photography.
Upper Canyon and Turnaround (Miles 3.2-3.5) The canyon opens briefly at the upper end of the maintained trail section, where a small meadow along the creek provides a good lunch spot. Beyond this point, the trail becomes less defined as it climbs toward the plateau rim. Return by the same route.
When to Hike
May and June offer the highest creek flow and the best riparian birding. Creek crossings may be wet in early May.
July through September the creek drops but the canyon is pleasant and shaded. Afternoon storm runoff can briefly raise the creek; watch water levels if you hear thunder upstream.
October brings cottonwood fall color in the canyon and very few other visitors. The canyon walls glow orange-red in the lower-angle autumn light.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 1.5 to 2 liters of water; creek water requires treatment before drinking. Waterproof footwear or gaiters are useful in early season when creek crossings are wet. A light layer is helpful in the shaded canyon sections. Individual needs vary by season and pace.
Trailhead Access
The trailhead is at Ferron Canyon Campground, reached via Forest Road 022 from the town of Ferron in Emery County. The road is paved for the first several miles and then transitions to graded gravel. No day-use permit or fee is required as of 2026. A vault toilet is available at the campground. Dogs are welcome on leash. No cell service in the canyon. Ferron has gas and limited services.
Nearby
The Dark Canyon Overlook sits on the plateau rim above this canyon and provides a completely different perspective of the same landscape. The Wasatch Plateau Skyline Trail runs along the ridge above the canyon head. Check conditions before your trip: /learn/checking-conditions-before-you-go. Follow Leave No Trace along the riparian creek: /learn/leave-no-trace-7-principles.