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Vast desert canyon with red cliffs, rocky mesas, a winding sandy trail, scattered shrubs and a blue sky with clouds

Park news · Canyonlands

Canyonlands: Hiker Missing at Horseshoe Canyon, Search Underway

A 71-year-old hiker remains missing near the Horseshoe Canyon trailhead, in a remote stretch of Canyonlands, according to FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul.

By Jocelyn Pion,

If you're planning a trip out toward Horseshoe Canyon, be aware that a rescue operation is currently underway in this remote corner of western Canyonlands, in Utah. A 71-year-old hiker has gone missing, and crews are searching for him by air and on the ground, according to FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul (fox13now.com).

According to the same outlet, the man was last seen on August 17, 2026 at the Horseshoe Canyon trailhead. That's the staging point for the search. The area is described as remote, well off the park's busier sections, which makes the effort harder.

Rocky trail overlooking a vast desert canyon, with red cliffs, sparse vegetation and a bright sun overhead

The terrain adds to the challenge. Again according to FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul, the Horseshoe Canyon hike is rated difficult by the NPS, with daytime temperatures climbing close to 100°F. It's the kind of place where a small slip in preparation catches up with you fast.

Several agencies coordinated to cover the area. The National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and Wayne County Search and Rescue all took part, according to FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul.

If you're thinking about this route yourself, the safety basics are what matter most. Carry far more water than you think you'll need, because the heat out here is brutal. Tell someone your route and your expected return time before you set out, and don't hike alone on an isolated trail like this one. Give yourself a comfortable time buffer, too, so you're not walking during the hottest part of the day.

To place Horseshoe Canyon within the wider park and plan your visit with confidence, check out the Canyonlands park guide. If you're building a bigger trip, you can also draw inspiration from our road trip itinerary that runs through this park.