Water Canyon - Canaan Mountain
Around St. George - Utah
Note: On dirt roads, road conditions can change constantly. Therefore, we strongly recommend that everyone check the road conditions before each trip. We do not recommend driving on unpaved roads before, during or shortly after rain or snowfall.
Our visits: So far 1 visit in May 2013
Water Canyon - Canaan Mountain
Description of how to get there: Coming from the north, turn left onto Utah Ave in the small town of Colorado City. After about 2.15mi the road makes a big left turn. Follow this curve. The road is now called Canyon St. Follow it for about 0.8mi before turning right onto a dirt road towards the trailhead. Another 2mi further you reach the parking lot. In May 2013 the road to the trailhead was in good condition, but this can change very quickly, especially when it rains.
Hike Description: From the parking lot you first walk about 1mi into the Water Canyon. You reach a small waterfall that is relatively easy to climb. After the waterfall you climb up the left canyon wall. Sometimes it is easier, sometimes a little more difficult to climb the rocks. Thereby the path often leads along the edge of the cliff, which is why it might not be possible for people who are afraid of heights. But since this is always a very subjective assessment, everyone should see for themselves how far they can go. You can always turn back.
There is a high stone step to climb on the route. In 2013, there was still a bush on the side that could be used as a climbing aid. This has now probably been broken and is therefore no longer available. Here, too, you just have to decide on the spot if you want to continue or if you prefer to turn back. If ladders were not so inconvenient for hiking, one could really need one here.
Overall, the climb through Water Canyon is not easy. If you have a problem with heights, you might want to think about the longer, but less steep alternative via Squirell Canyon. However, we have not hiked this trail yet and therefore cannot say anything about it.
Trail length: 8.2mi roundtrip
Altitude difference: 1864ft
Time needed: 6-7 hours
Difficulty level: strenuous - The trail is strenuous and in parts technically difficult.
Above Water canyon - Canaan Mountain
Once you're above Water Canyon, you have several options, because there' s a huge, interesting area full of highlights up here. The most famous of these are probably the White Domes. To get to them you hike in northwestern direction. But also if you hike in northeastern direction uphill, you will find a lot of gems and especially a breathtaking view of Zion NP.
In both variants you hike downhill until you reach a sandy wash. From here it continues in a northeasterly direction, always uphill, until you reach the top of the saddle. The trail runs almost the whole time over sandstone, so it is quite easy to hike.
Our rating: Even without the White Domes, the climb towards Canaan Mountain is worthwhile. The whole area is huge and certainly offers enough to discover for several hikes. Absolute recommendation for this hike!!!
