Easy hikes and walks in the Kaiparowits Plateau
4.5
(216)
1,980
hikers
36
hikes
Easy hiking trails in the Kaiparowits Plateau traverse a remote region in southern Utah, characterized by dramatic desert landscapes and unique geological formations. The area, part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, features sandstone slot canyons, expansive washes, and distinctive rock formations. Hikers can explore a diverse terrain that includes high-elevation plateaus with pinyon-juniper woodlands, alongside areas rich in paleontological significance and prehistoric artifacts.
Best easy hiking trails in the Kaiparowits Plateau
- The most popular easy hiking route is Upper…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
2
hikers
3.13km
00:48
10m
20m
The Upper Buckskin Gulch Trail offers a truly unique experience, guiding you into one of the world's longest slot canyons. You'll be dwarfed by towering sandstone walls, often just a…
1
hikers
4.33km
01:14
140m
10m
Embark on an easy hike along the Buck Tank Draw and Birthday Arch Trail, a desert adventure spanning 2.7 miles (4.3 km). You will gain 470 feet (143 metres) in…
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1
hikers
2.62km
00:40
10m
20m
Step back in time on the Ghost Town Pahreah Trail, an easy 1.6-mile (2.6 km) hike that winds through the striking desert landscape of Kane County, Utah. You'll encounter colorful…
6.71km
01:50
110m
100m
This easy 4.2-mile (6.7 km) hike, taking about 1 hour and 50 minutes with minimal elevation gain of 372 feet (113 metres), plunges you into the captivating world of slot…
1.55km
00:26
20m
60m
The Skylight Arch Trail offers a truly unique desert experience, leading you to a fascinating natural sandstone formation that appears as a skylight in the ground. The path itself is…
4.1
(8)
57
hikers
4.11km
01:06
50m
50m
Embark on an easy hike through the Willis Creek Narrows Trail, a captivating slot canyon adventure spanning 2.6 miles (4.1 km) with a gentle 176 feet (54 metres) of elevation…
4.6
(5)
17
hikers
5.14km
01:26
100m
100m
Hike the easy 3.2-mile Cottonwood Narrows Trail through a stunning slot canyon in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
3
hikers
3.14km
01:07
180m
180m
Hike the Yellow Rock Trail in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a 2.0-mile easy route with 607 feet of elevation gain to vibrant
2
hikers
5.63km
01:26
20m
20m
Step back in time on the Trail Through Ghost Town Pahreah, an easy 3.5-mile (5.6 km) hike that winds through the evocative remnants of an old desert settlement. You'll explore…
392m
00:06
0m
0m
Hike the easy 0.2-mile Trail To Grosvenor Arch in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to see a magnificent double arch.
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Tips from the Community
It is really beautiful to walk between the cliffs.
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This trailhead is an entry point to Buckskin Gulch and the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. It has direct access to the Wire Pass Trail through Coyote Gulch and also connects to Coyote Buttes North. It requires a $6 day-use permit and a special lottery permit to enter Coyote Buttes North.
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Ghost Town Paria trail can be sandy and muddy after heavy rains. The trail does not offer any coverage from the sun, so make sure to bring ample water. The trail is open to vehicles and there is a parking lot close to the ghost town but the road is often washed out beyond Paria Cemetery. This trail leads to the abandoned western outpost that is Paria. The ghost town has since become the set for many western films, including Clint Eastwood's The Outlaw Josey Wales.
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Yellow Rock Trail has a steep and strenuous climb on the way in. It is more or less a giant, multicolored hill of slick rock. From the top, hikers get great views of the surrounding mountains and rock formations. Be sure to take caution on the way down, the rock can have smaller loose rocks and the descent is very steep.
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The trail to Grosvenor Arch is very short and you can see the arches from afar in the parking lot. The rock that the double arch is in towers high above the desert. This arch is named after the first permanent editor of National Geographical Magazine. He was the editor-in-chief of the magazine for 55 years.
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Willis Creek Narrows is a relatively flat path that is easy to follow, especially compared to other popular slot canyon trails. Hikers follow Willis Creek as it winds through a slot canyon, sometimes crossing it or hiking in the creek itself. The creek is usually only an inch or two deep. The canyon starts more narrow and short, with widths of no less than 8 feet and walls as tall as 25 feet. However, as hikers move deeper into the canyon, it widens and the walls grow to over 100 feet. After the canyon ends at around 1.3 miles in, the trail continues along Willis Creek as it flows through the desert.
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Cottonwood Canyon Narrows is a short hike through the narrow gorge of the Cottonwood Creek.
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The Narrows North Trail Head allows to discover the canyon hiking from north to south.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in the Kaiparowits Plateau?
The Kaiparowits Plateau features over 20 easy hiking trails, providing numerous options for accessible outdoor adventures. In total, there are 37 hiking routes available in the region, catering to various skill levels.
What is the best time of year for easy hikes in the Kaiparowits Plateau?
The most favorable times for easy hikes in the Kaiparowits Plateau are during spring and autumn. The weather during these seasons is generally mild and pleasant, allowing you to avoid the extreme heat of summer.
Are there any easy hikes that feature slot canyons?
Yes, the Kaiparowits Plateau is renowned for its slot canyons. An excellent easy option is the Willis Creek Narrows Trail, which takes you through water-carved slot canyons. Another notable choice is the Cottonwood Narrows Trail.
Can I find any unique rock formations on easy trails?
Absolutely. The region is famous for its distinctive geological features. You can explore the area around Grosvenor Arch, a spectacular natural arch, by taking the short and easy Trail To Grosvenor Arch. While the Wahweap Hoodoos Trail is more moderate, the unique hoodoos are a defining feature of the plateau.
Are there any family-friendly easy hikes in the Kaiparowits Plateau?
Many of the easy trails in the Kaiparowits Plateau are suitable for families. Routes like the Upper Buckskin Gulch Trail offer relatively flat terrain through interesting canyon environments, making them enjoyable for all ages. The short Skylight Arch Trail is also a great option for families.
What kind of historical or paleontological sites can be seen on easy hikes?
The Kaiparowits Plateau is rich in history and ancient discoveries. You can explore the Ghost Town Pahreah Trail, which leads through historical sites. The region is also known for its paleontological significance, with sedimentary rocks containing fossils and even dinosaur trackways, particularly in the Entrada Sandstone formation.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails in the Kaiparowits Plateau?
The easy trails in the Kaiparowits Plateau are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an impressive average rating of 4.6 stars from over 200 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the unique geological formations, the sense of solitude, and the accessible nature of the routes.
Are there any easy loop trails in the Kaiparowits Plateau?
While many trails are out-and-back, some routes offer a loop experience or can be combined for one. For instance, the Yellow Rock Trail is an easy loop that offers unique geological sights. Always check the specific route details for loop options.
Where can I find parking for popular easy trails?
Parking is generally available at trailheads for popular routes. For example, you can find parking for the Willis Creek Narrows Trail and the Cottonwood Narrows Trail at designated trailheads. It's always advisable to check specific route information for detailed parking instructions, especially for more remote areas.
What kind of wildlife might I see on an easy hike?
The diverse habitats of the Kaiparowits Plateau support a variety of wildlife. On your easy hikes, you might spot mule deer, elk, and various bird species. Keep an eye out for smaller desert animals like kangaroo rats. While less common, black bears and mountain lions also inhabit the region.
Are there any easy trails that lead to natural arches?
Yes, the Kaiparowits Plateau is home to several natural arches that can be reached via easy trails. The Buck Tank Draw and Birthday Arch Trail is an easy path that leads directly to a natural arch formation. Additionally, the Trail To Grosvenor Arch offers access to the impressive Grosvenor Arch.
What are the typical terrain conditions for easy hikes in the Kaiparowits Plateau?
Easy hikes in the Kaiparowits Plateau typically involve walking through sandy washes, rocky paths, and sometimes through narrow slot canyons. The terrain is generally dry and can be uneven in places, but the easy routes avoid steep ascents or challenging obstacles, making them accessible for most hikers.
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