Water Canyon to Canaan Mountain

Near the town of Hildale, Utah (located along highway 59 between Hurricane, UT and Fredonia, AZ) is the very scenic Water Canyon. The canyon is popular among locals for a variety of reasons, and can be done as a short day hike, a long day hike or backpacking trip to access Canaan Mountain, or even as a technical canyoneering route. 

(The red highlights the route of Water Canyon towards Canaan Mountain starting from the parking lot.)

The trail is very popular and well developed in the lower sections, but becomes increasingly steep and unmaintained as you approach the Canaan Mountain Plateau. Certain areas require scrambling with some exposure. These areas shouldn't be overly concerning for advanced hikers, but could be problematic for some. 

This is one of those hikes where you can go as far as you want before turning around, but reaching the top of the plateau offers incredible views and opportunities for further exploration. However, keep in mind that once you reach the top of Water Canyon, there are no maintained trails and good navigation skills are required. 

This is a hike that can be attempted year-round, but winter could present icy conditions. My hike was done in October of 2012, and I highly recommend this canyon in the fall. Later, you'll see why.

As I started the hike, I took note of the Water Canyon Arch, high in the cliffs above me and to the right. 

 A closer look:

A glance up-canyon:

Soon, I was in the heart of the canyon, and the evidence of nature's sculpting forces could be seen all around.

Few places offer such easily accessible beauty!

Soon, the trail starts to ascend out of the canyon bottom, and is not as well-maintained.

Perhaps my favorite part of the hike came next. If you recall, I said that I highly recommend this canyon in October.

Well, here's why:

The unexpected bright red maples in the upper-canyon made for in incredible sight in southern Utah: a place not exactly known for its fall color. It was a nice surprise, to say the least!

I continued up the trail and scrambled over some steeper terrain before finally arriving at the top of the Canyon, and onto the Canaan Mountain Plateau, which opened up a vast world of incredible beauty.

 

Looking across the mountain, this swirling slickrock looked enticing for further exploration:

A closer look:

It was tempting to further explore this area, but an approaching thunderstorm made me decide to err on the side of caution and start heading back down the canyon. 

I retraced my steps and avoided any danger, enjoying the canopy of red foliage again on my way down. I remember thinking that I need to make it back to Canaan Mountain very soon, and further explore that amazing slickrock. Unfortunately, as I write this, I still haven't!

However, I still hope to make it back to that area. There is an advanced overnight route that is on my "to do" list that goes from Water Canyon to Eagle Crags, near Rockville, UT. This is one that would involve some serious logistical planning, including dealing with a lack of water sources, and difficult route finding. Again, not recommended unless you know what you're getting yourself into! However, I hear the scenery in the seldom-visited Canaan Mountain Wilderness is unsurpassed in terms of beauty. I definitely got a glimpse of that during my very brief visit. 

Water Canyon and Canaan Mountain are very special places, and I would highly recommend exploring these areas to anyone who is looking for an adventure. If all goes as planned, I'll be back there myself very soon.

Kodachrome Basin State Park

Kodachrome Basin State Park is a small, but very scenic state park, located just outside of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The park is best known for its impressive sandstone spires that jut straight out of the ground. Some of these formations can be seen from the main road, but I highly recommend exploring the trails to maximize your experience.

Click the following text for the park brochure, which includes hiking and camping information, and detailed information about the area's natural history: 
CLICK HERE

Kodachrome Basin State Park, in relation to surrounding areas:

I have hiked several of the trails in the park on two separate visits. Here is a highlight reel of these trips:

 

 

Kodachrome Basin State Park is yet another unique place to explore in a region of limitless possibilities. The park is small enough to see most of it in a day, so if you find yourself nearby, there are no excuses why you can't make it part of your plans!

Lower Hackberry Canyon

Lower Hackberry Canyon is most easily accessed from the southern end of the signed Cottonwood Road, around mile marker 18 on Highway 89 between Kanab, UT and Page, AZ. The unsigned parking lot will be about 14.5 miles up the road on the left. The canyon access is quite obvious from the parking lot. 

Hackberry Canyon can be completed as a 21-mile overnight shuttle. However, the following is a description of the an out-and-back day hike of Lower Hackberry. 

My first experience hiking in Lower Hackberry Canyon is one that I'll always remember. It was January of 2012, and Hackberry Creek was completely covered with a thin sheet of ice. In some areas, this ice could be bypassed, but in others, it was necessary to traverse in order to continue. On occasion, my foot broke through the ice, making an eerie cracking sound that echoed throughout the canyon. Luckily, the water was shallow enough that I didn't feel like I was in any danger. The canyon walls in Lower Hackberry are towering and impressive, although fairly wide in most areas. 

Best of all, I had the canyon all to myself on this particular day. I was always amazed how often I found myself (or my group) alone while exploring some of the best scenery in Southern Utah. Not that I'm complaining; there is nothing quite like solitude in a special place.

I rarely take selfies, but when you're alone, sometimes you have to prove that YOU were actually there!

The frozen creek:

There is something especially magical about the desert during the winter. Perhaps the best thing about exploring is going back to a place many times, and seeing something entirely different with each season. If you're in the area, I highly recommend checking out Lower Hackberry. I doubt you'll be disappointed.