It's been almost a year since we've done any hiking in the Kanab area. With the temperatures finally cooling down, and a gorgeous day forecasted, it was time to head east to one of our favorite areas to explore. Instead of doing a more remote hike, we decided to try out one of the local trails that switchbacks it's way to the top of the red cliffs, surrounding the town. We were pleasantly surprised with a nice trail, little foot traffic, and some really nice views.
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Driving through Kanab, on our way to the trailhead, we passed by these pumpkins . . .
We'll return after the hike to enjoy the creativity of the local residents
(Honey's Market gave each elementary student one to carve - a very nice gesture, on their part!) |
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| The hike begins right in town, just north of the city baseball fields |
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| It might not look like much of a trail, but it was very easy to follow as it zigged and zagged around boulders |
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| Wind and water are constantly changing the shape and appearance of the sandstone |
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| The trail had several switchbacks . . . making the ascent relatively easy |
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| This sandstone boulder had some interesting sediment layers |
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Doesn't this hunk of rock look a lot like a chicken?
Whoever added the eyes helped bring the "sculpture" into focus! |
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| We are heading up toward the white rock at the top of this picture |
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We were surprised to see this window, across the canyon . . .
It was located right behind the white rock from the previous picture! |
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At the top of Squaw Trail we found a bench with pottery shards . . .
And great views of the Grand Staircase |
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The White Cliffs
At the very far left, of the White Cliffs, is Diana's Throne . . . we tried to get it's benchmark in 2020
(Click on the picture for an enlarged view) |
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| Although the Trail ends at the bench, we decided to continue on and look for the white window . . . we found it! |
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| Looking through the window, we could view portions of the trail we had just come up |
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| Pine Nuts are edible seeds of Pinyon pines . . . the harvest season is September & October |
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Heading back down . . .
Kent is on the trail that skirts by this unique ledge overlooking Kanab |
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| The trail follows along the base of many different cliff bands as it works it's way back down |
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| The lines and colors, in this sandstone, are so perfect |
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| A few more switchbacks and we'll be back to the trailhead |
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| Ripple marks caused by wind or water |
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| With a population of about 5,500, Kanab sure knows how to host a Spooktacular Extravaganza |
As always, Kanab didn't disappoint! The Squaw Trail is about 3 miles (r/t), but with our route, that took us out to the "White Window", it became closer to 3.75 miles . . . but was totally worth it to add the extra mileage! We gained about 800 ft of elevation and spent a little over two hours enjoying the trail. Afterwards, we enjoyed the afternoon wandering around Kanab and having a good meal at Houston's!
