Lavender Canyon is an amazing spot in Canyonrims Recreation Area almost in Canyonlands. Lots of folks make their way through Canyonlands as part of larger bikepacking trips, but that means permits and rules. If you stay outside of the border of Canyonlands you can camp anywhere you leave no trace. The hardest part of this route is finding the start of the trail in the maze of trails in the area. You should only do this on a fatbike, the sand would be hell on a regular bike. In fact you should just fat-bikepack in the desert.
So I went completely the wrong way and ended up below the six shooter, then went up a few dead ends and then back to the actual trail via the old landing strip. It was amazing, awesome and beautiful.
Also the trail to the six shooter is full of climbers, climbers who will offer you drinks. Climbers are awesome.
The correct way to go is through the gate, down the steep but short descent and head towards the east, you’ll get to a closed gate with a sort of wooden entrance and cattle pen thing. This is the right way. This is Davis canyon, follow it for a few miles in a big sandy wash and either drive to the Lavender Canyon sign or just ride from the entrance. I’d ride, but I did drive when I did Davis canyon later. I think the ride was more fun. A Subaru could make the drive if it has not rained. My Jeep had no problem.
One word of advice for new desert travelers, outside of the summer it gets cold at night, like REALLY cold. So bring tons of layers even if it hits 55°F during the day, your water will freeze if you don’t bring it in the tent.
To get into the top part of Lavender where there are petroglyphs and ruins you will need to stop in the visitor center and get a code for the gate. You cannot camp in that part, but just backtrack and find an amazing spot to camp. This is a great overnight, or you could link together doubletrack and ride forever.
