Muddy Creek with Music and Mud Canyons
Muddy Creek with Music and Mud Canyons
San Rafael Swell—Muddy Creek Wilderness
Other Details
Seasons:
Spring, Summer, Fall
Rappels:
0–3+ to 27 ft
Additional Gear:
Wetsuit recommended in all but the hottest conditions
Water:
Generally some pools, wading/wet most of the day, be sure it’s warm and you have all essential gear dry bagged
Flash Flood Risk:
High—do not enter if rain is in the forecast
Expected Time:
6–10 hours
Distance:
16.5 miles (Music Canyon 5.9 mi; Muddy Creek 5.6 mi; Mud Canyon 5.0 mi)
Notes:
- Water in the San Rafael Swell is heavily mineralized and works as a laxative, even after being filtered.
- Several nice campsites are nearby
- Bugs can be a problem at times. Bring spray!
- Muddy Creek can be done alone (15 mi) but requires a 1–1.5 hour shuttle each way
- Check the Muddy Creek flow rate before attempting
- <100 CFS is recommended for hiking
- 100–200 CFS is still hike-able but bring an inner tube for deep/narrow sections
- 150 CFS will work with an inflatable with some dragging
- >200 CFS for inflatable or hard-shell kayak (canoes aren’t recommended through rapids)
- NO SUPs—best suited to duckies, kayaks, and canoes—duckies are preferred
Nearby Routes:
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