Buckhorn Draw

Overview

Buckhorn Draw has multiple vault toilets and information stations along the main road. Individual campsites have picnic tables and fires rings. 

Recreation

Buckhorn Draw Road is the main artery for the northern half of the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area. There are thousands of miles of roads and off-highway vehicle trails; from Buckhorn Draw visitors can readily access Cane Wash Road, which leads to some of the Swell’s most technical OHV trails, as well as dispersed camping along Mexican Mountain Road. Much of the area outside of the draw is designated wilderness. Motorized vehicles, bicycles, and power tools are prohibited in these areas.

Hiking: Calf Canyon and Furniture Draw are popular day hikes from Buckhorn Draw. Those seeking longer, challenging backcountry adventures will find opportunities for backpacking, with trailheads located at the Johansen Corral (west from Swinging Bridge along the San Rafael River) and at the east end of Mexican Mountain Road.

Off-roading: Non-county trails are infrequently maintained. Please choose trails appropriate to your vehicle and skill level and bring an emergency kit to self-rescue.

Rock climbing: There are many climbing routes along Buckhorn Draw. Please utilize day use areas and general parking lots when climbing or observing. Do not stop or park in blind turns, and do not park in fee campsite if you are not camping there.

Facilities

Vault toilets are located at:

• Campsites 1-7
• Campsites 18-21
• The Buckhorn Pictograph Panel (halfway between sites 23-24 and 25-27)
• Swinging Bridge Campground

Different sites are appropriate for different vehicles:

• RVs: all group sites; 1, 3, 8-11, 14, 17, 27, 30-32
• Small trailers: all of the above plus 18, 19, 22-25, 28
• Sites 20-21 are down a rough, narrow road with deep sand. High clearance and AWD/4WD required.

Natural Features

Buckhorn Draw is the San Rafael River’s longest tributary canyon. Along the nine-mile drive from the top of the canyon to its confluence with the river at the Swinging Bridge, visitors will pass below towering sandstone cliffs. The canyon is mixed sagebrush and riparian, and there are many opportunities to see mule deer within the draw and bighorn sheep in the side canyons. Designated wilderness frames either side of Buckhorn Draw: Sids Mountain Wilderness to the west and Mexican Mountain Wilderness to the east. Wilderness protects outstanding habitat and ecosystems and provides many opportunities for non-motorized recreation.