Muddy Creek (Utah)

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The Chute of Muddy Creek, Utah

Muddy Creek is a stream draining portions of Emery and Wayne Counties in central Utah, in the western United States. It begins on the eastern slopes of the Wasatch Plateau at elevations above 10,500 feet (3200 m). It turns southward near the town of Emery, crosses under Interstate 70, and then flows along the western edge of the San Rafael Swell. Now flowing in a southeasterly direction, it enters the Swell, passes Hondu Arch and the Tomsich Butte mining area, and then begins its spectacular passage through a narrow slot canyon of Coconino Sandstone known as the "Chute".

After merging with Chimney Canyon and passing the Hidden Splendor Mine area, it passes through the San Rafael Reef at the Muddy Creek Gorge. Finally, after an estimated length of 100 miles (160 km) and a drop of 6000 feet (1825 m), it merges with the Fremont River just north of the town of Hanksville.