The Ute Canyon Trail runs 4 miles through a verdant riparian corridor highlighted by lush and varied vegetation, stunning sandstone walls and abundant wildlife. The trail continues .9 miles on the Corkscrew to Liberty Cap, a 160 million year old lithified sand dune above the lower canyon.

View of upper Ute Canyon; note the line of cottonwoods along the central wash

Ute Canyon supports one of the highest concentration of birds in the Monument

Despite its unimproved designation, the Ute Canyon Trail is well-defined and easy to follow

An adjacent sandstone dome to Liberty Cap

Nine species of lizards inhabit the Monument, including the yellow headed collared lizard

The Ute Canyon trail wraps around this promontory near the Corkscrew Trail junction

Purple Fruited Prickly Pear Cactus produce a very sweet, edible fruit also favored by coyote

Soils in the Monument are primarily comprised of wind blown material, and eroded Entrada, Wingate, and Chinle sandstone

Big Sagebrush's fragrant oils deter herbivores like deer from feeding on them

The Corkscrew Trail follows a route built by the Park's first ranger and chief advocate, John Otto

Liberty Cap is a sandstone dome on top of the north wall of Ute Canyon

Bighorn sheep are drawn to Ute Canyon's lush grasses and reliable water pockets

Entrada sandstone formed 165 million years ago during the Middle Jurassic period

Slickrock formations on the climb to Liberty Cap