Deep in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park, along the White Rim Trail, lies a natural wonder that is as thrilling as it is intimidating: The Black Crack. This narrow crevice plunges about 65 feet (20 meters) straight down through layers of sandstone, cutting right across the hiking path like nature’s own booby trap.
The crack was formed over thousands of years through the slow but powerful process of erosion, as water seeped into tiny fractures and expanded them over time. Eventually, those small fissures widened into the dramatic gap visitors see today.
While it’s wide enough to cross in just a few steps, the view into its dark depths is enough to make even experienced hikers pause. The trail has no guardrails, so hikers must cross with care — some even jump it for the thrill, though that’s not exactly recommended.
From the edge, the surrounding landscape unfolds into breathtaking red-rock canyons and distant mesas, making this spot one of the most memorable (and nerve-wracking) highlights of the park. The Black Crack isn’t just a geological curiosity; it’s a reminder of the forces that have shaped the American Southwest into a rugged, awe-inspiring wilderness.
