Summer temperatures are moderate and water is abundant. Lower Dark Canyon is a designated primitive area lying mostly on BLM land. The canyon deepens and narrows as you head down canyon until its orange-red walls tower nearly 1,500 feet overhead. The environment here is more desert like with pinion pine, juniper and cottonwood. It is hikeable year round, though temperatures are most pleasant in the spring and fall.
Water is available throughout the lower canyon.
There are no designated campgrounds within Dark Canyon, but dispersed camping is allowed throughout. At this time, the BLM Monticello Field Office is not requiring permits to camp or hike into the Dark Canyon Wilderness Area from the Sundance Trailhead. Also during the summer months, in the lower sections, water sources are not reliable and can be an issue. There are no lodging or dining establishments at Dark Canyon. Seven new deluxe guest rooms.