Sheiks Canyon - Cedar Mesa

Sheiks Canyon
Green Mask & Yellow House Ruins

Cedar Mesa
Hiking

Sheiks Canyon is one of the less traveled tributaries of Grand Gulch. I also think it is one of the better canyons because you usually have the canyon to yourself. Among the numerous Anasazi ruins to be found in the canyon is the famous Green Mask ruins and pictographs. This canyon also contains a really nice ruin known as Yellow House. Please take only pictures and leave only footprints.

Circle of Friends:
Sheiks Canyon is part of the "Circle of Friends" program. Members of the "Circle of Friends" have access to more specific information, explicit route information, GPS waypoints, trailhead location and detailed maps. If you would like more information on joining the "Circle of Friends" visit the sign up page.

"Circle of Friends"

General Information:
Sheiks Canyon contains many outstanding ruins for day hikers to explore, and provides excellent access into Grand Gulch for those doing multi day backpack trips. Sheiks Canyon is rated 1A III using the Canyon Rating System. Navigation for this route is moderate.

A good route description, detailed map and a GPS are very helpful in navigating and locating ruins. All the ruins in know of in Sheiks Canyon are correctly located on the detailed map supplied to members of the Circle of Friends, these ruins range from a few scattered remnants to outstandingly well preserved clandestine archeological finds that will dazzle you. A BLM Backcountry Permit is required to hike Sheiks Canyon.

Stormy, Sierra and Shauna at Yellow House

Trailhead Information:
          This trailhead is accessible to all high clearance vehicles in good weather. The last 1/4 mile of this road gets a little rough. A carefully driven passenger vehicle can probably access all but the final 1/4 mile to the actual trailhead. Camping is available at the trailhead and other nearby locations.

          From Blanding, Utah travel south on Utah Highway 191 for 3 miles to the junction of Utah Highway 191 and Utah Highway 95. Travel west 28 miles on Utah Highway 95 to the junction of Utah Highway 95 and Utah Highway 261. Travel south on Utah Highway 261 for approximately 10 1/2 miles to mile marker 21.7 and the signed Bullet Canyon Road (N37° 25' 51", W109° 56' 00").

          Turn west (right) onto the Bullet Canyon Road (SJC 251). Follow the well maintained dirt road for 1.1 miles to the signed Bullet Canyon Trailhead (N37° 25' 50", W109° 57' 01"). From the Bullet Canyon Trailhead follow the road north (right) for 1.4 miles to a junction (N37° 27' 03", W109° 57' 13"). Turn west (left) and this junction and follow the road (SJC 250) 1.6 miles to the Sheiks Canyon Trailhead. There is a trail register, self-serve permit station, and parking for several vehicles at the trailhead.

Bullet Canyon - Sheiks Canyon Loop:
Bullet Canyon combines well with Sheiks Canyon to create an outstanding loop hike.

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