Catstair Canyon is situated on the outskirts of Paria, Utah, nestled between Page, AZ, and Kanab, UT. This canyon boasts two distinct entrances. One path leads to captivating pictographs and petroglyphs, while the other unveils a striking accumulation of vintage automobiles.
Lower Catstair Canyon: Petroglyphs and Pictographs
Lower Catstair Canyon leads you to an intriguing display of petroglyphs and pictographs. Petroglyphs are intricate images carved, incised, or scratched into stone, while pictographs are vivid paintings created using natural pigments.
This area lacks clear signage, often leading visitors to overlook its treasures. In addition, a gate at the entrance may deter some. The gate is primarily for cattle, but explorers are welcome.
The hike through Lower Catstair Canyon is brief, covering less than a mile round trip from the parking area to the ancient artworks. Upon arrival, a visitor register awaits your signature. The petroglyphs adorn the upper reaches of the rock wall, with additional depictions scattered across both the walls and the fallen boulders.
Directions to the Trailhead
Take Highway 89 a few miles East of Paria River Road, then turn south and go through the guardrail and gate. From here, drive to the edge of the wash. You will see a post marking the trailhead. Click here for a handy, printable map, courtesy of the Kane County Utah Office of Tourism.
Upper Catstair Canyon
Upper Catstair Canyon leads you through a slender gorge to an intriguing sight: a stack of vintage automobiles perched atop one another. Upon entering the canyon, you’ll descend slightly, engaging in minor rock scrambling, a manageable task that rewards you with a view of the cars to your left.
As you progress, the canyon narrows, presenting a series of downclimbs to navigate. The initial two are brief and relatively straightforward, while the third, approximately 10 feet in height, poses a more formidable challenge. Many hikers opt to turn back at this juncture, finding it a satisfying endpoint. However, for those undeterred, the journey continues deeper into the narrows, eventually leading to the first rappelling opportunity.
At this pivotal moment, hikers must either possess rappelling gear or retreat back the way they came. If equipped, consider doing the Upper and Lower Catstair Canyon Combo outlined below for further guidance.
Directions to the Trailhead
You will see a small parking area right off Highway 89 just east of mile marker 25 – west of Paria, Utah. Pull into the dirt road and park immediately to access the trail to the canyon. From the car, follow the only obvious trail into the upper canyon. Click here for a handy, printable map, courtesy of the Kane County Utah Office of Tourism.
Upper and Lower Catstair Canyon Combo
Begin at Upper Catstair Canyon and End at Lower Catstair Canyon (You need rappelling gear and experience)
The hike begins at Upper Catstair Canyon, conveniently located at mile marker 25 off Hwy 89, just beyond Paria, UT. Upon reaching the canyon, veer left and descend into its depths. After a brief hike, you’ll encounter two captivating clusters of stacked cars. Continuing onward, the canyon gradually contracts, presenting a series of downclimbs.
The initial two drops can be maneuvered without gear. Standing at approximately 10 feet, the third descent poses a more challenging obstacle, yet ropes remain optional. Beyond this point, the path winds through narrow passages until arriving at the first rappelling opportunity.
A secure anchor awaits, facilitating a descent of roughly 60 feet. (*There was an anchor the last time I was in the canyon, but that information is subject to change.) Shortly after, another drop of approximately 15 feet awaits, offering the choice of rappelling or navigating down through a crevice. As no anchor is provided here, bringing the necessary equipment or utilizing a body belay is imperative.
Upon reaching solid ground, the lower Catstair Canyon widens, leading to a site adorned with striking pictographs and petroglyphs on the right, just before the canyon’s conclusion. From here, the return journey to your vehicle entails retracing your steps along the highway.
Nearby Hikes You Don’t Want to Miss
- Buckskin Gulch
- Maze Rock Art Site
- Nautilus
- North Coyote Buttes
- South Coyote Buttes
- Toadstools
- White Pockets
Leave It Better Than You Found It
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 Catstair Canyon and discovering the area’s hidden treasures!