Crack Canyon is a non technical walk through canyon located in the heart of the San Rafael Swell that cuts right through the center of the swell allowing people to hike from one side to another and view the amazing sandstones and strata along the way.

The parking lot is a .5 mile walk to the canyon and once you are at the head of Crack Canyon you will be greeted with some amazing swirling sandstone features cut by wind and water. that formed alien looking passage with 3D like circular shapes.

This is the most photogenic part of the canyon IMO but just getting to the entrance of the canyon is worth the visit in itself.

continuing down the canyon the colors go from oranges to cream pastel colors and whites which identify a nice parameter of color spectrum in such a short period of time.

The canyon leaves hints of all kinds of sandstone features from swirly Neapolitan textures to wind torn mosaics that just about fit every bi of the color spectrum.

There are a few down climbs to negotiate so if climbing and shimmying is not in your best interest....no need to worry, the drops are small and offer a host of negotiating techniques you can deploy but it might be good to bring some webbing or rope for a handline if you need it. 

The canyon cuts through some of the best narrows in the Swell as well as offering a time to open up and close back in with a variance of the changing geology as you continue down canyon.

To get back out you simply retrace your path and come back up the way you came back down. you can also start from the bottom and work your way up if that is of interest but I enjoyed seeing the high entrance of crack canyon with all of its glory.

I would recommend at least 2 to 4 hours to work your way through the canyon which will include a trip from car to car.  This one is a must see and I highly recommend visiting when you are in the swell.