The highlight of the hike is a deep, narrow, twisting canyon with large alcoves. The canyon offers many opportunities for side trips and exploring. From 1881 to 1884, the canyon served as a wagon route for Mormon pioneers traveling south toward
San Juan County. The canyon was thought to be narrow enough to "twist a mule" hence the name Muley Twist. The Post Cut-off Trail is marked with rock cairns and signs, but carrying a topographic map is recommended. It is extremely hot in summer and water sources are unreliable; carry adequate water. Use caution in narrow canyons particularly during flash flood season (typically July-September).
Beginning at the trailhead on the
Burr Trail Road and hiking down canyon to The Post parking area via The Post Cut-off Trail is a nice 6 mile (9.7 km) hike, but necessitates leaving a vehicle at each end. If you don't have two vehicles, turn around when you get to the sign indicating The Post Cut-off Trail for a nice 8 mile (12.9 km) round trip hike. A hike through Lower Muley Twist Canyon can be done as a long day hike or as an overnight trip by starting and ending at The Post parking area; total distance 15 miles (24.1 km). Hiking the entire canyon from the trailhead on the Burr Trail Road and back is best done as a 2 to 3 day trip; total distance is 21.3 or 23.4 miles (34.3 or 37.7 km) depending on the route. Backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips and can be obtained at the visitor center.
Best seasons for hike: Spring and fall.
Mileage:
Burr Trail trailhead to The Post Cut-off Trail: 4 miles (6.4 km)
The Post Cut-off Trail: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Burr Trail trailhead to Halls Creek Canyon: 12 miles (19.3 km)
Junction of Lower Muley Twist and Halls Creek Canyons to the Post parking area: 5 miles (8.0 km)
Total mileage for upper loop (Burr Trail trailhead to The Post Cut-off trail and back via the Notom/
Bullfrog and Burr Trail Roads): 10.25 miles (16.5 km)
Total mileage for lower loop (from The Post parking area and back): 15 miles (24.1 km)
Total mileage for entire loop (from Burr Trail trailhead to Halls Creek and back via the Notom/Bullfrog and Burr Trail Roads): 21.25 miles (34.2 km)
Total mileage for entire loop (from Burr Trail trailhead to Halls Creek and back via The Post Cut-off Trail): 23.4 miles (37.7 km)
