Water Canyon is one of my all time favorite hiking destinations. It’s got everything—stunning waterfalls, peaceful pools, winding rivers, and cool slot canyons. I keep coming back to this place because there’s just something about it that pulls me in every time. No matter how many times I go, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.
Directions to the Water Canyon Trailhead
The Water Canyon trail head is just outside Hildale, UT/ Colorado City, AZ. Once you enter Colorado City, proceed along Utah Avenue for approximately 12 blocks. You reach the junction with Water Canyon Street. From there, you’ll embark on a gravel road briefly, passing the last few houses on the north edge of town, before it transitions into a dirt track for the next 2 miles. Keep following the dirt road. Pass the initial parking area designated for Squirrel Canyon until you reach a clearing just beyond a small reservoir.
The Hike Through Water Canyon
The trail is pretty easy to follow, sticking close to the river as it winds deeper into the canyon. Just when it seems like you’ve reached the end, a short path takes you down to some awesome swimming pools that look a lot like Zion’s Subway. If you keep following the river, you’ll come across the first waterfall.
For those up for more adventure, you can continue past the first Water Canyon Waterfall, where the trail picks up again and leads you through a slot canyon to a second waterfall. This shorter route is about 3.4 to 4 miles round trip.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can hike all the way to the White Domes, making it a 6-mile round trip. Or, if you want to switch it up, you can connect to the Squirrel Canyon Trail and turn it into a 9-mile loop.
Rappelling
I recently discovered an exciting new adventure in Water Canyon: rappelling back down the canyon. While I haven’t had the opportunity to try it myself, I’m eager to experience it firsthand. I stumbled upon a fantastic blog post detailing the experience, which you can check out here!
Nearby Hikes
Belly of the Dragon
The Belly of the Dragon near Kanab, Utah, is a man-made drain tunnel resembling a mythical beast’s belly. Hiking through the tunnel itself is very short and easy. Many opt to continue up the wash for about four miles to a nice little slot canyon.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park near Kanab, Utah, is great for hiking, riding, camping, and sandboarding. The sand dunes are gorgeous, and several hikes within the park lead to ancient ruins. Some hikes are easy to access, while others require a four-wheel drive or ATV.
Peekaboo Slot Canyon
Peekaboo Slot Canyon, near Kanab, Utah, is known for its narrow and beautiful passageways. To visit, you need a high-clearance vehicle to get to the entrance. From the trailhead, the hike into the slot canyon is less than a mile round trip and is considered easy to moderate.
Kanab Sand Caves
The Kanab Sand Caves consist of short tunnels and chambers formed within the soft sandstone cliffs near Kanab, Utah. Originally, the sand caves were used for glass mining. Difficulty-wise, exploring the Kanab Sand Caves can range from easy to moderate.
Keep Water Canyon Magical
Remember to respect nature and follow ethical practices when engaging in outdoor activities. Always leave a place better than you found it, and practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Enjoy your time exploring Water Canyon and discovering the area’s hidden treasures!
