School Section Canyon Hike
A final side canyon hike in lower Gray Canyon — Book Cliffs terrain before the Nefertiti take-out.
School Section Canyon Hike at mile 72.3 accesses the side canyon adjacent to School Section Camp in lower Gray Canyon — approximately 2 miles above the Nefertiti take-out. The hike follows the canyon drainage up from the river, gaining elevation through the lower Gray Canyon walls. The canyon here is less dramatic than upper Desolation but the hike offers a final side-canyon excursion before the float ends. The lower Gray Canyon walls show the transition from the deep Roan Cliffs stratigraphy of upper Desolation to the more open Book Cliffs terrain approaching the Price River confluence area. This hike is a good last-morning option for groups camping at School Section before pulling out at Nefertiti.
Quick stats
- Distance
- 3 mi round trip
- Elevation gain
- 400 ft
- Time
- 1.5–3 hrs
- Difficulty
- Moderate · family-friendly
- Best months
- Apr, May, Sep, Oct
Know before you go
BLM Desolation/Gray Canyon Special Recreation Management Area.
Wildlife & geology
Wildlife you might see: canyon wren (Catherpes mexicanus).
History
Named for School Section Canyon, adjacent to the Section 16 school section lands.