When you love exploring new nation, head for Kanab, Utah within the southern a part of the state and use it as a base for a lot of days price of incomparable mountain climbing. The city presents fast entry to Zion and Bryce Canyon Nationwide Parks, a number of state parks, beautiful desert landscapes, caves, distinctive geologic formations, sand dunes, slot canyons, arches, hoodoos, the well-known Wave hike, together with attention-grabbing desert vegetation and wildlife. Described are eight of the very best hikes within the Kanab, Utah space – together with solutions for a number of extra we didn’t have time for on this journey.
This publish consists of some affiliate hyperlinks. When you make a qualifying buy via one in every of these hyperlinks, I’ll obtain a small share of the sale at no further price to you. Thanks very a lot in your help.
Security precautions for mountain climbing in Kanab
- Slot canyons are harmful locations to be caught in if there may be rain within the forecast. Backpacker Journal calls Buckskin Gulch one of many 10 most harmful hikes in America – although nobody has died but, however the menace is there each time there’s a storm within the forecast. Keep away from visiting if there may be any rain forecast within the space.
- Don’t rely on cell service on many of the hikes within the Kanab space.
- Most of the greatest hikes in Kanab are distant, so that you don’t run into many individuals – and assist is usually a great distance off.
- Entry roads can develop into impassable after rain or snow. When you don’t have a excessive clearance AWD automobile, chances are you’ll get caught in sand or depart a bumper behind in a wash. Clarify that to your automobile rental firm.
- Guided hikes are the most secure technique to go until you have got numerous expertise or are nicely ready. E-book any variety of the very best hikes in Kanab with one of many native tour firms.
What’s the greatest time to go to Kanab?
Plan to go to Kanab within the spring (March – Could) or in fall (September to November) if you need nice mountain climbing circumstances with daytime highs within the 65 -75ºF vary. Summers ought to be prevented due to excessive warmth – and issues of safety. Winter is usually a beautiful time to hike, however snow is feasible, and a few roads develop into impassable with snow.
Location map of the very best hikes in Kanab, Utah
- Click on on the three dots within the high right-hand nook to e mail a duplicate of the map to your self.
Wire Go to Buckskin Gulch hike
Trailhead location: To succeed in the Wire Go trailhead drive 37 miles east from Kanab on Freeway 89. Flip proper onto Cockscomb/Home Valley Highway and comply with it for about 8 miles to achieve the massive car parking zone.
Issue in accessing trailhead: A excessive clearance AWD automobile is advisable. A number of folks drive their common vehicles, however many have points. Your name.
Size of hike: 1.8 miles one technique to the junction of Wire Go and Buckskin Gulch. Proceed proper for one more mile or so relying on circumstances. Whole mileage return is roughly 5.6 miles.
Elevation acquire: Minimal
Time wanted: 3 -4 hours
Issue: Simple
Charges or permits required: There’s a Buckskin Gulch day use allow required which you should buy on-line. It’s $6 per individual and per canine.
Distance from Kanab: 60 minutes
Buckskin Gulch is one in every of Utah’s well-known slot canyons with the title because the longest steady slot canyon on the planet. Most individuals do the Wire Go to Buckskin Gulch hike fairly than the complete day Buckskin Gulch hike as a result of it’s straightforward, takes solely about three hours, and it’s very stunning. Keep away from the canyon if there’s a trace of rain within the forecast. In reality, you would possibly wish to verify in with the folks on the Bureau of Land Administration Kanab Subject Workplace for an in depth climate forecast.
Over the size of the hike, lookup in awe at hovering canyon partitions, try the petroglyphs, climb down a 10-foot ladder, search for the “Queen within the rock”, and have enjoyable strolling via the slot canyons.
Coyote Buttes South
Trailhead location: The trailhead is definitely in Arizona. Learn my South Coyote Buttes weblog for a full description together with the right way to get permits.
Issue in accessing trailhead: Tough. A excessive clearance 4X4 automobile is extremely advisable.
Size of hike: A minimal of three – 4 miles for those who solely go to the Cottonwood space.
Elevation acquire: Minimal however up to a couple hundred toes relying on the place you hike
Time wanted: 3 – 4 hours to discover the world from the Cottonwood trailhead
Issue: Average
Charges or permits required: $9 non-refundable reservation payment plus a non-refundable recreation payment of $5.00 per individual and per canine. Everybody, it doesn’t matter what their age, have to be included within the allow. Rely on not less than $US200 (+tip) per individual for those who go guided. There are 20 spots drawn day by day for the lottery.
Distance from Kanab: 2 hours and quarter-hour to drive between 70 and 73 miles! A lot of the drive is sluggish happening sandy off-the-beaten path roads.
The Coyote Buttes South space is a should go to space within the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Despite the fact that it’s time consuming, troublesome, and doubtlessly costly to go to, it’s nicely price it – on par with the Wave, in keeping with our guides who work on this again yard all yr lengthy.
Coyote Buttes South is like no different place on the planet I’ve visited. The mountain climbing is straightforward however distinctive, otherworldly even at instances, stuffed with color and unbelievable rocks which have some attention-grabbing tales to inform. It covers a big space so there’s rather a lot to see in 3 – 4 hours together with fragile, paper skinny layers of eroded rock, wave like formations, dinosaur tracks, multi-layered and vibrant hills – together with some attention-grabbing vegetation. When you go guided, you’ll be taught rather a lot!
Bunting Hike
Trailhead location: From the Freeway 89/Freeway 89A intersection drive south on Freeway 89A for 0.9 miles to Kanab Creek Drive. Flip proper and comply with it for 1.9 miles to Stansfield Drive. Flip proper onto Stansfield Drive, and proceed 0.2 miles to the trailhead, situated on the precise.
Issue in accessing trailhead: Simple – all paved.
Size of hike: 3 miles roundtrip plus an elective 2 miles spherical journey to the tip of the Bunting Spur. Add a couple of half mile return to see the dinosaur tracks through a aspect path.
Elevation acquire: Roughly 860 toes
Time wanted: 2.5 – 4 hours relying how briskly you climb steep rock
Issue: Average
Charges or permits required: Free
Distance from Kanab: 9 minutes
The Bunting hike, accessed by driving via one of many neighbourhoods in Kanab, is a good one if you need a exercise with sweeping views of crimson rock mesas.
The primary mile of the hike is flat as you head for the Vermilion Cliffs. Attain an intersection after about 0.6 miles the place, for those who go left and hike a couple of quarter od a mile, you’ll see dinosaur tracks within the rock. After a brief go to, retrace your steps to the intersection and now take the right-hand path. You’ll begin climbing, steeply at instances (don’t neglect a solar hat, sunscreen, and many water) to achieve one other intersection earlier than the highest of the Vermilion Cliffs. Go proper if you wish to do the one-mile hike to the Bunting Spur Overlook or left to proceed up the Vermilion Cliffs.
There are a number of trails as we found as you get near the highest. We went proper at one level till it regarded to us prefer it was going to go across the mountain. We bailed, retraced our steps, and took the opposite path, climbing steeply once more to achieve the highest of the Vermilion Cliffs and a few panoramic views of the encircling space. The crimson rock mesas could be beautiful later within the day through the golden hour. We additionally loved the scrubby vegetation, reminding of us of hikes we’ve got carried out in Colorado.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Trailhead location: Begin on the Customer Centre in Coral Pink Sands State Park
Issue in accessing trailhead: Simple driving on asphalt.
Size of hike: Variable relying on how a lot exploring you wish to do
Elevation acquire: As much as 100 toes
Time wanted: Enable 1 -3 hours relying on how a lot exploring you wish to do.
Issue: Simple
Charges or permits required: There’s a $10 payment to enter Coral Pink Sands State Park.
Distance from Kanab: 28 minutes
If you wish to really feel like a child once more, head to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, a couple of 30-minute drive west of Kanab. What you’ll discover is 3,000 acres of wind-blown dunes made up of salmon-coloured sand that you would be able to run, hike, bounce, or sand-board in. Go for the untracked sand dunes for those who’re into exploring – however preserve observe of the place you’re, particularly for those who wander a ways from the Customer Centre. Most individuals don’t go far. If it’s in any respect doable head for the dunes when the solar is setting, and also you get the very best mild.
ATVs are allowed on a number of the dunes, so we did our greatest to keep away from them. Choose a weekday to go to and also you gained’t see as lots of them.
Statement Level, Zion Nationwide Park
Trailhead location: Begin on the East Rim path or the East Mesa Path. The Weeping Rock trailhead is now not an possibility.
Issue in accessing trailhead: Tough entry – a 4WD automobile is required. East Zion Adventures presents a shuttle possibility.
Size of hike: 6.4 miles return from the East Mesa trailhead
Elevation acquire: 750 toes
Time wanted: 3 – 5 hours
Issue: Average
Charges or permits required: You will have to buy a park move for $US35 to enter Zion Nationwide Park. It’s good for per week.
Distance from Kanab: 45 minutes
The East Mesa path is the best and hottest path (now) to hike to Statement Level. Compared to the hike that used to begin on the Weeping Rock trailhead, the hike is far much less of a leg burn and the surroundings on the way in which up, much less dramatic. However the consequence is similar – an unbelievable view from Statement Level together with Zion Canyon and Angel’s Touchdown, sitting 1,000 toes beneath!
Kanab Sand Caves aka Moqui Caverns hike
Trailhead location: Situated off Freeway 89, 5.3 miles south of Kanab
Issue in accessing trailhead: Simple
Size of hike: Roughly 1.0-mile return
Elevation acquire: 100 toes
Time wanted: About an hour
Issue: Simple
Charges or permits required: None
Distance from Kanab: 7 minutes to the car parking zone
When you’re within the neighborhood of Kanab, take the time to do the fast hike as much as the Moqui Caverns, also referred to as the Kanab Sand Caves. Though they’re man-made, constructed within the 1970’s for mining sand that was utilized in glass making, they do supply charming views from the cave home windows overlooking the freeway. Attempt to go to late within the day when the sunshine on the caves virtually makes them glow.
From the car parking zone it’s a flat, straightforward stroll to the purpose the place you have to climb up easy rock – albeit with good traction – to a ramp of types that leads you to the caves. The caves are about 300 toes lengthy and are made up of rooms. On the very finish of the final one, chances are you’ll want the sunshine out of your telephone to see something. The quantity of graffiti is astounding – so please don’t add any extra.
Stomach of the Dragon hike
Trailhead location: An unmarked highway off Freeway 89 near Mt. Carmel Junction
Issue in accessing trailhead: Simple – drive a brief distance on a gravel highway in any kind of automobile.
Size of hike: Roughly 0.5 miles spherical journey with the choice to hike an extra 1.5 miles return after exiting the tunnel
Elevation acquire: Negligible for those who simply to the stomach a part of the hike; as much as 180 toes for those who hike to the tip of the path.
Time wanted: 15 – half-hour
Issue: Simple
Charges or permits required: None
Distance from Kanab: 22 minutes
When you like the concept of strolling via a weirdly photogenic, man-made tunnel used to divert water underneath Freeway 89, then I feel you’ll benefit from the Stomach of the Dragon hike. It’s an odd one for positive as its extra of an attraction than a hike, however in case you are near Mt. Carmel Junction, west of Kanab, it’s price half-hour of your time.
From the car parking zone head in direction of the opening within the rock as you look in direction of the freeway. It could be a bit arduous for some folks to climb down the five-foot abutment after which up the rocks on this part, however you’ll see a neater technique to come on the opening if you’re on the bottom. The precise hike via the tunnel doesn’t take lengthy – maybe 5 -10 minutes, however footing is uneven inside, even slippery in locations, and for those who don’t have your telephone’s mild or a headlamp, you could possibly simply lose your steadiness and damage your self. Use frequent sense in right here.
You may stroll via the tunnel on the far finish and preserve going up a dry creek mattress for one more 0.5 to – 0.75 miles nevertheless it’s not that attention-grabbing, and your time is best used on a extra attention-grabbing hike.
When you’re a photographers may have some enjoyable within the stomach – and you could possibly find yourself spending a whole lot of time in what seems like an enormous gut.
The massive takeaway from the Stomach of the Dragon was the sheer quantity of graffiti. It’s disappointing to see how many individuals have defaced the rock.
The Wave
Trailhead location: Start on the Wire Go trailhead. It shares the identical trailhead because the Wire Go – Buckskin Gulch hike.
Issue in accessing trailhead: A excessive clearance AWD automobile is advisable. A number of folks drive their common vehicles, however many have points. You resolve if it’s definitely worth the danger – which it undoubtedly isn’t if the highway is moist or snowy!
Size of hike: 6.4 miles
Elevation acquire: Roughly 400 toes.
Time wanted: 3 – 4 hours
Issue: Average
Charges or permits required: $9 non-refundable administrative payment plus a brand new day by day lottery based mostly on a geofence system (the place you need to be within the specified space with a cell phone) and that’s $9 per strive. There’s nonetheless the choice of the advance lottery system 4 months out. There’s a recreation payment if chosen of $7 per individual and canine. The underside line – numerous charges, poor likelihood of profitable a spot, and a whole lot of do’s and don’ts when you’ve gained eg. non-transferable, can’t change dates with out forfeiting and extra.
Distance from Kanab: 60 minutes
You’ve all seen images of the Wave, however the probabilities of seeing it in individual are getting slimmer yearly because the variety of folks making an attempt for permits continues to climb. When you’re one of many fortunate few, you’ll take pleasure in wave-like rocks in loopy patterns that look otherworldly.
When you don’t go guided to the Wave, chances are you’ll encounter route-finding difficulties because the path just isn’t marked. Make sure you obtain the route beforehand. As soon as on the Wave, photographers will likely be in heaven making an attempt to seize motion in rocks that by no means transfer.
Extra solutions on the place to hike close to Kanab
- White Pocket – This hike is greatest carried out as a tour as you want a excessive clearance, 4WD automobile to get to the trailhead for the all-day journey. Discover a moonscape-like panorama crammed with swirling, twisted multi-coloured rocks, many akin to the Wave – however you don’t want a allow.
- Toadstools Hike – From Kanab drive east 45 miles to achieve parking for the Toadstools. The family-friendly, 2-mile return hike will take you right into a panorama of hoodoos and balancing rocks in a wide range of shapes and colors. It may be carried out year-round and also you solely want a number of hours to do the hike.
- Dinosaur Tracks – For a brief, 1-mile spherical journey hike, go to the Dinosaur Tracks yr spherical. The trailhead for the generally steep and rocky hike is simply 3 miles outdoors of Kanab. On the high of the path search for the tracks of 3-toed dinosaurs within the massive flat rocks.
- Wahweap Hoodoos – Head to the Wahweap Hoodoos, about 55 miles east of Kanab. Over a 9-mile spherical journey hike, discover the hoodoos that are available all sizes and shapes. Two-wheel drive vehicles can drive many of the technique to the trailhead.
- Peekaboo Slot Canyon – Peekaboo Slot Canyon is a crimson and orange-hued canyon that’s been known as “Antelope Canyon with out the crowds.” A excessive clearance AWD automobile is required (take into account a guided tour) to go to Peekaboo Slot Canyon, situated simply 9 miles north of Kanab.
The do’s and don’ts of mountain climbing in a desert atmosphere
I don’t wish to be a preachy type of do-gooder individual, however I’m blown away by how unprepared individuals are after they hike and the issues they do open air. Please be thoughtful of your atmosphere and go ready on all these Kanab space hikes.
- Keep on the paths. Cross-cutting causes erosion. Within the desert atmosphere, stick with rocks the place doable and keep away from cryptobiotic soil – see picture beneath illustrating the black crust overlain sand.
- Observe Go away No Hint rules, packing out every thing you packed in – apples cores and orange peels included.
- Don’t vandalize rocks or decide flowers. Even in Buckskin Gulch, we noticed the place folks had carved their initials. Not cool!
- Go ready to be self-reliant. Carry further water and meals together with the mountain climbing necessities.
- Keep away from mountain climbing within the warmth of a day.
- When you don’t know the right way to learn a map, get a GPS or Garmin-InReach Mini and learn to use it.
- Don’t rely on cell service for many of the hikes.
- When you’re not an everyday hiker, be part of a guided tour. You’ll be taught rather a lot and it’s a great way to construct your confidence in a wilderness setting.
- Plan forward so you may get permits or not less than try to get permits for the Wave and Coyote Buttes South. Don’t attempt to sneak onto trails that require permits. Trails just like the Wave are carefully monitored, and you may be fined if caught and not using a allow.
- Entry to most of the trails require a excessive clearance 4X4 automobile. If you wish to try driving tough, generally very sandy backroads, rethink your plan. Rental vehicles are doubtless not allowed on most of the roads and for those who get caught or lose a bumper you’ll be able to count on to pay over $US700 – a really costly tow.
The place to remain in Kanab and close by
John and I spent one night time at Canyon’s Boutique Lodge. It has a improbable onsite restaurant known as Sego.
We spent one other couple of nights at Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch. It presents glamping tents in a tranquil setting however there isn’t a onsite restaurant so you will want to deliver meals, cutlery and plates or drive into Kanab.
When you’re on a tenting finances, try the Stateline Campground, situated on the Utah – Arizona border. There are 8 campsites and it’s free.
Interested by spending extra time in Utah?
When you’re planning to go to a few of Utah’s well-known nationwide parks or the Moab space then I feel you’ll discover most of the following blogs useful.
Arches Nationwide Park and the Moab space
Capitol Reef Nationwide Park
A giant thanks to Tourism Utah for internet hosting my keep. All ideas and opinions are mine alone.
Click on on the picture to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.
