Maple Canyon is defined by maple groves, conglomerate cliffs, and a natural arch. It also offers more than 550 climbing routes, ranging in difficulty from 5.4 to 5.14. Those who prefer to explore on foot or horseback will also find opportunities for hiking and riding there. Three challenging loop trails are each 3 to 5 miles long. When choosing between a climbing route and a loop trail, you can consider the difficulty rating for climbing and the length and challenge level for a loop trail.
Routes and Elevation Profiles
The Arapeen Trail can be accessed through seven canyons along the Sanpete Valley, including near Ephraim, Manti, and Fairview. Its elevation ranges from the Sanpete Valley at about 6,000 feet to nearly 11,000 feet along Skyline Drive. Seasonal access varies. If you plan to ride the trail, check access and route conditions before setting out.
The Arapeen Trail map brings together difficulty ratings, route suggestions, points of interest, fishing spots, campsites, and trailhead information. Map content and trail conditions may be updated. Another way to find your bearings is the Ephraim Skyline Trail 101 MTB: Of its total 101 miles, 23 are paved and 78 run over gravel or unpaved roads. Ephraim Canyon is a mountain biking area in Sanpete County.
Museums and Learning
The Fairview Museum’s Horizon Building includes natural history and Native American exhibits. Its displays include a mammoth skeleton about 15,000 years old, nicknamed “Spirit.” The Heritage Building has a different focus: it houses works by Fairbanks and Graham, as well as hundreds of artifacts from the pioneer era and early history of Sanpete County. Fairbanks’ sculpture “Love and Devotion,” designated a national shrine, is also located there. Together, the two collections offer insights into natural history, art, and the history of the county.
The Snow College Graham Science Center is home to the only permanently installed planetarium with a fixed dome south of Provo in southern Utah. During the school year, the planetarium offers free public shows about once a week. Groups of up to 25 people can reserve private shows. If you’re planning to attend a specific show or book a group visit, check the schedule or reservation availability beforehand.
The Sanpete County Fair
The Sanpete County Fair has been a county tradition since 1916. Its program includes a professional-level rodeo sanctioned by the Rocky Mountain Professional Rodeo Association (RMPRA). The Exhibit Building displays crafts, produce, artwork, and homegrown creations. Visitors can browse the exhibits throughout the Fair and submit an exhibit of their own.
The Mammoth Parade is also part of the program, featuring floats, marching bands, and local dignitaries. At Fun on the Farm, children can role-play farming activities and learn how food gets from the farm to the table. The Utah Cattleman's Association Beef Dinner serves locally sourced beef from local ranchers. Anyone planning to attend the Fair should check the event dates in advance. The program brings together exhibits, a rodeo, a parade, an interactive activity for children, and a meal with regional roots.
History and Art in Ephraim
The historic granary in Ephraim was built in 1876 by the Female Relief Society to help those in need and store wheat. After being restored, it was converted into a community arts space. Granary Arts closed its physical gallery space in 2025.
The wider regional context is also part of the story: Sanpete County is one of the six counties in the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area. The region’s themes range from landscapes and trails to museum collections and a county tradition whose history dates back to 1916.
Discover more destinations: Ephraim, San Juan County, Wayne County, Davis, Washington, Beaver County, Weber, Grand.
For the main travel overview: Utah.
