Exploring Kanab's Vermilion Cliffs Trails
April 2021
The First Easy Seven Miles
- April 25, 2021
- 7.20 mi
- 2:29:53 hrs
- 74 °F
We skipped driving today and set out on the Tom’s Canyon Trail in the Red Canyon area right after leaving the studio. We just wanted to stretch our legs, and this easy-to-moderate out-and-back trail was perfect for that.
The trail was well maintained and easy to follow, winding through red rocks and desert plants with great views along the way. We turned around at the picnic area in a narrow part of the canyon floor and decided to skip the rocky section that leads to the Weeping Rock.
After about two and a half hours and seven miles, we returned to the studio. We spent the rest of the day planning our itinerary for the next two weeks. Zion and Bryce Canyon are, of course, a must on our list, but there is so much more we can and want to see.
And The Trails I'll Never Repeat
- April 25, 2021
- 7.20 mi
- 2:29:53 hrs
- 74 °F
We started with the Squaw Trail. The climb went well at first, but my fear of heights kicked in when I had to cross a narrow path right next to a steep drop. Even so, I made it and enjoyed the amazing views from the top.
The Cliffs Trail was supposed to be another exciting hike, but I didn’t feel that way about it. It felt more like a scramble, with lots of hiking and even some climbing along a very narrow trail right beside a steep canyon drop.
Even though I made it back down, hiking both the Hidden Valley and Cliffs Connector trails taught my husband and me to avoid trails like these in the future. They were just too tough for me. My husband was especially worried when he saw me freeze on those narrow paths, and later he told me he felt both anxious and helpless. I don’t want us to go through another moment like this. I learned my lesson this first time