Buckhorn Wash is in the San Rafael Swell in central Utah. The drive through the Swell begins on a small dirt road on Highway 10, just north of Castledale, Utah. The upper portion of the road crosses the high desert plains. The road crosses through the Mancos Shale. Although the area is dry most the year, the road is completely impassable when wet.
The Buckhorn Wash breaks through the Navajo Sandstone and works its way down through towering Sandstone cliffs as you make your way to the San Rafael River. Signs along the drive tell you the names of the different sandstone layers. There are several panels of pictographs and petroglyphs along the road, making the road a delight for sight seers, geologists and anthropologists.
Interstate 70 (51 pictures) The Buckhorn Wash road continues on after crossing the San Rafael Bridge to I70.
San Rafael Swell (18 pictures) Buckhorn Wash cuts into the center of the San Rafael Swell, providing access to the San Raphael River and Mexican Mountain.
The Wedge Overlook (23 pictures) The road to the Wedge Overlook branches off the Buckhorn Wash road about a mile before you head into the canyon. The Wedge Overlook provides and excellent view of the San Rafael canyon.