Middle Labyrinth (Dinosaur)

Middle Labyrinth (Dinosaur) is one of three canyons that feed into Ely Creek Canyon, located in the Jones Hole area, about 5 miles downstream from the confluence of the Yampa and Green rivers. We didn’t know what to expect from this canyon, and were surprised at the quality. This would be a 3-star canyon if the approach drive and exit weren’t so arduous. There was quality from start to finish with good views, dramatic rappels, easy hiking in the canyon and even a small natural bridge. The canyon has six rappels and multiple solid downclimbs, to 20 feet, with plenty of natural anchors. Some may want to rappel a couple of the downclimbs, especially if you are on the shorter side. I probably wouldn’t repeat the canyon unless doing all three Labyrinths at one time due to the long, rough approach roads and remote trailhead.

Approach Drive (from Diamond Mountain Road – Vernal, UT) Leave the paved road at 40.6038, -109.3089. Head towards Diamond Mountain on well-maintained Rim Road (dirt). Stay on Rim Road for approximately 7 miles until making a right turn at 40.6107, -109.2091. Follow a series of rough roads for the next 10.7 miles, making multiple turns to eventually reach the trailhead. While this section of road is only 10.7 miles, expect an hour or more of driving. CAUTION - Once you leave Rim Road, the roads become successively more rugged, steep, rocky and remote. A high clearance 4x4 vehicle is required. You should be self-sufficient and well prepared; this is a remote trailhead and a long walk if you have problems. Consider traveling this road with multiple vehicles. There’s reasonable camping at the trailhead. Approach Hike From the trailhead hike east 1.7 miles to gain the ridge above the start of West Labyrinth Canyon. The hiking is generally easy with multiple small canyon crossings. Once on the ridge, continue hiking east for another 0.3 mile to the start of Middle Labyrinth Canyon.

Leave the ridge, dropping down to reach 40.5815, -109.0688 which is the start of the canyon. From this point head down canyon over loose rocks and small sandstone slides. The first rappel is only 10-15 minutes down canyon. There are multiple small downclimbs throughout this canyon where a handline is useful. The last person can down climb with spotting or partner assist. After the small natural bridge, it’s 15 minutes to the canyon end. Canyon end is at 40.57084, -109.07445. Warning – We found a mountain lion perch about 2 minutes from the natural bridge. We didn’t see any lions, but the area had obvious sign and smelled like a cat box.

As you enter the main canyon from West Labyrinth, it’s worth going a few hundred feet upstream to explore a short section of slot. From the canyon end, hike southeast 0.4 miles through the creek bottom until it becomes overly brushy. Continue heading southeast for 0.35 miles, staying up above and on the south side of the creek to avoid the worst of the brush, until being forced by a cliff face to cross the brushy creek and join the exit trail for East Labyrinth Canyon. Follow the exit for East Labyrinth for 0.4 miles until intersecting the faint trail to Island Park at approximately 40.5644, -109.0628. There’s an old trail sign here. Follow the Island Park trail south (crossing the creek, faint trail) and then head 0.8 miles west on the trail to reach the canyon rim. The Island Park trail is faint, brushy and lightly traveled in spots. Follow the Island Park trail until you have climbed out of the canyon and traversed the rim to 40.5608, -109.0728. From here head NW about 2 miles overland along the canyon rim to reach the parking area.