Wild Horse Window - San Rafael Swell

Wild Horse Window
AKA: Eye of Sinbad & Spirit Eyes

San Rafael Swell
Hiking

Wild Horse Window is a dazzling natural bridge located near Temple Mountain in the San Rafael Swell. The bridge is easy to visit and should be enjoyable for all ages. The bridge is so massive that pictures do not do it justice, this is one you have to actually visit to appreciate.

General Information:
Wild Horse Window is a fun adventure the entire family can enjoy. The hike to the natural bridge is just under 1 mile each way with less then 200-feet of elevation gain. Total time required to visit the bridge and return is 1 to 2 hours. The bridge can easily be visited year round, but the San Rafael Swell can be hot in summer.

A minimum of 1 liter of water is recommended for each person visiting Wild Horse Window. It is only a short hike but it is a desert environment, so go prepared.

A GPS is not required for this route but I have provided waypoints for the gear junkies. Navigation for this route is easy. The USGS 7.5' Map titled "Temple Mountain" shows the area surrounding Wild Horse Window. All waypoints and maps for this route use the WGS84 datum. This route is rated 1A I using the Canyon Rating System.

Improved campgrounds with modern toilets and hot showers are located nearby in Goblin Valley State Park. There are also numerous primitive campsites near the trailhead. If you use one of the primitive campsites be warned that the area is popular with the off-road and ATV crowd so plan to share.

Trailhead Information:
Wild Horse Window is located in Emery County between the towns of Green River and Hanksville. From Green River, Utah follow I-70 west for 11 miles to Exit #149 and Highway 24. Follow Highway 24 south for 24 miles to mile maker 136 and the signed turn-off to Goblin Valley State Park. Follow the Goblin Valley road west for 5.2 miles to Temple Junction and a BLM information kiosk.

At Temple Junction, the road heading west (straight ahead) leads to the Temple Mountain Pictographs and other destinations. Take the road heading south (left) and follow it for 0.3 miles to an unsigned dirt road heading west (right). Follow the dirt road for 0.3 miles to its end overlooking Temple Wash. This is the Wild Horse Window Trailhead.

Route Information:
From the Wild Horse Window Trailhead (N38° 38' 51", W110° 39' 46") look directly west, about half way up the side of the reef you will see what looks like a giant cave. The giant cave is Wild Horse Window. Hike west following a hiker made trail, cross Temple Wash and climb up the west bank. Take a sighting on the giant cave and make a beeline for Wild Horse Window (N38° 39' 12", W110° 40' 35").

Lots of fun can be had by all exploring the area around Wild Horse Window. On the hike back to the trailhead it is possible to visit a kiddie slot canyon if you look in the entrance of the canyon known as Wild Horse Canyon just to the south.

Wild Horse Window Facts:
Wild Horse Window is also known as "Eyes of the San Rafael" and the "Eyes of Sinbad". This is a cave style natural bridge located in a sandstone formation. The actual skylight measures 35-feet by 22-feet.