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| Hiking | 7.10 Miles |
1,289 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.10 Miles | 4 Hrs 12 Mns | | 1.80 mph |
| 1,289 ft AEG | 15 Mns Break | 15 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | Day 4: Squaw Trail - Kanab Trail System - Out-and-Back
Since we were staying in Kanab, after three days of AZT hiking we decided to experience at least one hike in Utah and what could be better than a hike in the Kanab Trail System, with the Squaw Trail TH being barely a half-mile from the Air-BnB.
This would turn out to be the biggest workout of our vacation... at one point ascending 800' within a mile-and-a-half. While it was cool enough at the start, the climb was pretty much in the sun.
After reaching the end of the Squaw Trail at the bench, while the next mile-plus was relatively flat, it was a long slog along an ATV/4X4 road of deep soft sand with but a few areas of bare rock poking through.
The GPS track we were following was a clockwise lasso, supposedly returning along the Connector Trail, so when we saw where the Connector Trail split off, we decided to checkout a few high points first, which meant continuing along the road, then dropping down to follow the Connector Trail on the return.
Unfortunately we would find out the return part of the lasso WAS NOT even close to the Connector Trail at all. Initially there were semblances of cow-paths/game trails that gave us the feeling there MAY have been a trail some time back so we kept going, and going, and going... until well after our snack break, whadda'ya know, what's that down below us? An actual TRAIL!
While we missed out on what appeared to be a nice well-used and well-marked trail, we did get to spot a deer while on our off-trail excursion. Just a fleeting glimpse so of course, no photos.
Once back on the road (we only caught the last 1/4 mile of the Connector Trail) we left the hard-packed trail and returned to the slog-in-the-sand.
I hadn't been too enthused on the steep climb up, getting gumby-legs a few times due more to perceived rather than actual exposure, I had to psyche myself for the descent. In reality, other than the knee-and-hip workout, the descent didn't bother me in the least. Probably because all I did was focus the heels of Tracey's boots.
While pretty much a one-and-done hike for us, we'd recommend it to anyone with 3-4 hours to burn in the Kanab area.
Actually, if I hadn't been ailing a bit from ongoing lower-back issues my plan was to extend the hike another 2-3 miles to a possible off-the-beaten track ruin site I had located on an old map from the early-1900's. Oh well, at least the shorter day allowed for a bit more recovery time before our last AZT hike of the trip tomorrow.
Temps: 50°/70° |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
. On a short road trip with my mom 
. Ended up in Kanab for part of the day. Dropped my mom off at La Quinta and headed over to Squaw Trail. Was kind of tired myself, but this hike turned out to be a treat. Parked at one of the TH. - on 100 East, just past 600 North....you can also pick up this trail a block to the west from Main St. The trail basically takes you from Kanab level up to the top of a mesa which borders the entire northern end of the town. The mesa has several ins and outs as it goes west to east. The trail starts just to the east of the most western indentation. After the trail enters this western canyon, it looks like it is going to climb up the dry wash and does for a bit. But after gaining about 20 ft. or so it starts to do some very gradual switchbacking as it works its way up through the "shelves" of the mesa. There is still the major rockfall that ddgrunning described. One can scramble through the rockfall or follow a trail that goes just below the rocks. Both ways will connect you back to the main trail very quickly. The trail is gradual throughout, except for the climb on the second to last shelf. That section, though short, is fairly steep and will get the blood pumping. After reaching the "top" there is still a little bit of a climb. The high point of the mesa is located more in the center. So there is a gradual, very sandy incline that needs to be climbed to reach the bench. The bench doesn't look like much, but it is surprisingly solid. A nice place to rest and enjoy the views, but it is not shaded. (People tell me that I have a good imagination, but) I am fairly certain I could see the edge of the Grand Canyon to the south and Yovimpa Point at Bryce Canyon to the north. Pretty cool if it's legit 
. Nice views of Kanab during the climb, but it wasn't that visible from the top. The trail did a great job of interacting with the landscape. Thoroughly enjoyed how the trail worked its way to the top. There are trail signs posted along the way, both plastic stick signs with Squaw Trail decals as well as old numbered wooden posts that are scattered along the way. Number 22 is next to the bench on top. There are other trails in the area as well, two of which I think are relatively new. There is the Raven Trail and the Roadrunner Trail. Both located at the same TH as the Squaw Trail. There is a trail map a title ways in from where I started the Squaw Trail, but neither of these "new" trails are shown. There is also a "connector trail" at the top of the mesa which takes off to the east from where the Squaw Trail ends. This "connector trail" looks to be an ATV trail, so it doesn't look all that enticing. Encountered 3 hikers coming down as I was heading up. Wildlife was minimal...one chipmunk and tens of lizards. Nice hike to do if you're in the area!
