Explore Kanab, Utah: A Journey Through Its Stunning Trails and Breathtaking Scenery

Introduction:

Welcome, fellow adventurers, to a captivating narrative of exploration and introspection set amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Kanab, Utah. In this blog, I invite you to embark on a journey with me as we traverse the mesmerizing trails that wind through this picturesque region. From the rugged allure of the Arches Trail to the heart-pounding escapade through the Peekaboo Slot Canyon, each step we take unveils a new chapter in our shared quest for serenity and self-discovery.

Trails:

Arches Trail: I started my journey at the Arches Trail in Dixie National Forest, strategically planning my route from Salt Lake City to Kanab to include some trails along the way. The Arches Trail proved to be the ideal starting point. It was only half a mile so the perfect distance to get the blood flowing through the legs after sitting in the car for 3 hours. Accessible via a dirt road, the trail was surprisingly smooth and easy to navigate. A short hike to the top of the hill rewarded me with breathtaking views of the sprawling red rock landscape stretching for miles. You can get up-close and personal with the towering hoodoos as well. 

Golden Wall/Buckhorn Loop: The Arches trail is just a short distance from the Golden Wall/Buckhorn loop, making it perfect to do them back to back. However, be prepared for a slightly more challenging endeavor on this trail, as it involves a 1,056-foot elevation gain over 2.3 miles.

The initial three-quarters of the trail follows a paved bike path along the wash, providing easy navigation. Then you enter the Red Canyon campground for a quick minute and up you go. You must fall in love with switchbacks as this trail has aplenty.

I did this in the middle of a blizzard, so traction was a little difficult; however, they installed some stairs at the steeper parts of the trail near the top. The epic-ness level of the snow cascading against the vibrant red rock formations was truly awe-inspiring.

I took many breaks on the climb to just take in the views of this amazing, serene location. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Red Canyon below. Unfortunately, with the severe weather, I called it quits at the climb to Buckhorn. Once I got to the hotel, I kept kicking myself that I wasn’t able to make it, but it looked a little sketchy staring up at the end. I will be back for redemption though.

Red Hollow: This one had me puzzled. I meticulously followed the Alltrails map, but where it indicated the trail began, there was a gated fence. I tried to navigate to see if there was another route to get to the trailhead, but just to the right of the gate was what seemed to be private property with horses. I elected not to proceed onto the property and chalked it up as a loss. There were recent reviews of the trail dated back 3 weeks that said the trail was easy to find. Maybe I just suck at life or someone made recent changes to the landscape. Since it wasn’t too far from the next trail, I decided to cut my losses and move on.

Belly of the Dragon: I’ve heard so much about Belly of the Dragon Cave, so naturally, I had to give it a shot. To reach the cave, you’ll need to take a dirt road for about half a mile until you reach the parking lot, where the trail begins. From there, you’ll encounter a slight down climb into the wash, which might be a little tricky for some. You’ll immediately see the cave and the unfortunate sight of walls with carved initials, names, and other markings. Shortly after you enter, there’s a step up that sometimes has water flowing through it.

As you venture further into the cave, the darkness increases, so it’s advisable to bring a headlamp if you want to fully appreciate the walls and the fascinating formations created by water erosion. I got some really great pictures from the inside looking out. It’s a pretty short trek through the cave. After you exit, there isn’t much else to see. You can choose to go further to see some interesting rock formations, but it’s nothing much to write home about. The cave is undoubtedly the main attraction and it’s conveniently situated right at the beginning of the trail.

Peekaboo Slot Canyon: Slot canyons, dude. Do I even need to elaborate? The level of epicness was off the charts. Gaining access to the slot is the tricky part. There’s a parking lot off I-89 at BLM 102, but beware: the road is deep sand and risky, especially for solo adventurers like myself. A sign warns, “All Wheel Drive, High Clearance Vehicles are required.” The Peekaboo Slot Canyon trail itself is 3/4 miles, but if you lack a high clearance vehicle, you’ll have to hike either BLM 102 or BLM 102M to reach the slot entrance. I tried another entrance off Kanab Canyon Road named BLM 102M, hoping for better results. Yes, that was me trying to be a cheeky bastard. Spoiler alert: same sign for high clearance vehicles. I do have all-wheel drive, but I choose not to risk it as I’m sure the tow bill would launch me directly into bankruptcy.

My adventure began at a small turnaround/parking area at the start of 102M, and what an adventure it was. The mile hike up 102M wasn’t bad at all; honestly, I think my Infiniti Q50 would have made it with all-wheel drive. However, beyond the cattle grate, things get a little spicy. There’s a right turn onto 102 from 102M, and beyond this stretch will eat a Toyota Prius for breakfast without mercy. I’m so glad I didn’t drive up this way.

It was still snowing, and a decent amount of snow was accumulating, so there was plenty of route finding on my journey. However, without the snow, I’m sure it would be easy to navigate. I’m told this route is popular for UTVs, so be aware of that. As you wind down to the mouth of the canyon, you might catch small streams of water pouring off the red rock, a precursor to the excitement ahead. A “Trail Etiquette” sign marks the entrance to slot heaven. You’ll be greeted by towering slot walls providing shade, then exposed sections for sunlight, then back to shade, a sight to behold.

About halfway through the canyon, there’s a little ladder for assistance navigating over a boulder. I was lucky enough to go through when there was a cute little waterfall flowing over it. At the very back of the canyon is another waterfall coming from above. Depending on what time of year you go, there may or may not be a steady stream. There was a steady stream throughout the whole canyon, so by this time my socks were plenty soaked.

As I was exiting the canyon, I noticed a group of people entering. This sight was quite the surprise to me as I haven’t seen a human on a trail since I got to Kanab. I jokingly said, “I didn’t think I’d see anyone out here!” After a brief conversation with one of the gentlemen in the group, he offered to give me a ride back to my car. “Absolutely,” I screeched. I wasn’t particularly stoked about hiking the 4.5 miles back to my car completely soaking wet in the middle of a blizzard.

After a bagel break, the group, complete with UTVs, appeared like the most badass Uber. As soon as I plopped my wet butt in the badass Uber, we were off, zooming through the desert, splashing through puddles, and pulling Gs around turns. Holy hell, was this easier and quicker than hiking back. Poof! Just like that, I see my car. I thanked the group and driver profusely and asked if they were doing tours of the area. The sheer skill of the driver was quite impressive, and I didn’t think he was an average Joe rocking out. Sure enough, yes, it was ROAM Outdoor Adventures. They do tours all over southern Utah. I cannot thank them enough for being so amazing. Granted, I did not purchase a tour through them, but I highly recommend you check them out. I’m extremely tempted to book some tours myself.

Eats:

Rocking V Cafe: On my first night in Kanab, I was eager to indulge in a satisfying meal. So, I strolled down to the front desk of my hotel and asked the lady for some ideas. There was no hesitation on her part in recommending Rocking V Cafe. Conveniently located just two blocks away from the Hampton Inn where I was staying, this eatery boasts the title of the best restaurant in Kanab on its website. Sold. It’s a cute little spot to grab some grub. The staff at Rocking V were exceptional from the moment I walked in. The host greeted me warmly, setting a welcoming tone for the evening. I got the Pub burger with a side of their “to die for” mashed potatoes and a Chasing Tail Golden Ale. Everything was delicious and reasonably priced. I left mighty satisfied.

Glazier’s Market: After being well fed, I wanted to grab some snacks and some adult beverages.  One of the things I appreciate about small towns is the convenience they offer, like Glazier’s Market, which happened to be right around the corner. No need to sift through countless Google search results. It’s all right effin there! Glazier’s is your quintessential small town grocery store with a pleasant selection of eats and dranks, including a deli for added convenience. 

Vulnerable Post Alert:

So, why the hell did I come to Kanab, Utah, especially in winter? Well, let me tell you, this small area is packed with things to do. While it might not have the same fame as Moab, Torrey, or Escalante, it definitely has its own charm. I’ve passed through this area a few times and always thought it looked kinda cool to chill for a night. After doing a bit of research, I figured a quick overnight adventure would be just the ticket. However, I’m really glad I decided to extend my stay to two nights instead of just one.

It wasn’t until I discovered how budget-friendly it is in the winter. I stayed at the Hampton Inn and it was shocking how affordable it was, especially in January. Well great, here goes planning Theo. I pulled up Alltrails, Onlyinyourstate.com, and started making a list of adventures. Belly of the Dragon was the first on the list since it’s the most popular and it was a cascade after that. 

Now, I don’t want to sound overly dramatic, but this trip really stirred up some emotions in me. Something about the snow falling as I’m out there battling the conditions. Suffering through the blistering wind and bullets of snowflakes stabbing my poorly covered face. While it might sound awful, those challenging experiences make me feel truly alive. I had random bursts of absolute joy, where I found myself bursting into laughter in the middle of nowhere, amidst a snowstorm, getting pelted by ice.

I stopped often to gather my thoughts, to soak in the sights, knowing that I was utterly alone and at peace. I ran through the snow, kicking it up, knowing that I could shed the mask that I’m always wearing and breathe true happiness. While driving between trailheads, I literally screamed to myself to let out everything within me. I swear, if anyone actually did see me, they would think I was an escaped mental patient, but there was not an ounce of me that gave a shit.

After hiking the Golden Wall/Buckhorn trail and driving back to Kanab, seeing the massive snowstorm I had just conquered, I couldn’t help but think, “Holy fuck!” It was a monumental experience, and I felt a sense of purpose and accomplishment wash over me. Feeling truly alive which is what I’m always searching for. Every single adventure I go on is a quest to feel every possible emotion, to keep me feeling motivated, and inspired. I drove, hiked, and stood there, embracing whatever emotions came my way, both the highs and the lows. And for that, I’m grateful to Kanab and the time I spent there.