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Kanab Creek Wilderness: A Rugged Grand Canyon Tributary

Discover the untamed beauty of Kanab Creek Wilderness: rugged canyons, ancient rock art, and unparalleled solitude on the north side of the Grand Canyon.

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Explore the remote Kanab Creek Wilderness, a vast network of gorges carved into the Kaibab Plateau, offering solitude, challenging hikes, and glimpses into ancient Native American cultures.

A brief summary to Kanab Creek Wilderness

Local tips

  • Visit during spring or fall for moderate temperatures and better hiking conditions.
  • Carry plenty of water, as sources are limited and unreliable, especially during summer.
  • Be prepared for challenging hiking on minimally maintained trails.
  • Check with the North Kaibab Ranger Station for current conditions and advice.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Most visitors access the Kanab Creek Wilderness from trailheads on the east side due to poor road conditions on the west. From Jacob Lake, drive south on Highway 67, then turn onto Forest Road 461. Continue onto FR 462 and then turn onto FR 22. Turn right onto FR 425, followed by a right onto FR 233. Follow FR 233 to the Jumpup-Nail Trailhead. A high-clearance vehicle is advised on FR 233. There are no fees for accessing the wilderness or parking at the trailhead.

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Discover more about Kanab Creek Wilderness

The Kanab Creek Wilderness encompasses over 75,000 acres of rugged terrain in northern Arizona, managed by both the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. This wilderness area is characterized by a dramatic network of deep sandstone and limestone gorges carved by Kanab Creek and its tributaries into the Kanab and Kaibab Plateaus. Kanab Creek, the largest tributary canyon system on the north side of the Grand Canyon, originates about 50 miles north in southern Utah. Over millennia, the creek has sculpted a maze of vertical-walled canyons, creating a landscape of fins, knobs, and potholes. Elevations range from 2,000 feet at the Colorado River to approximately 6,000 feet on the rim. The area's history is rich, with evidence of prehistoric peoples inhabiting the area until around AD 1100, leaving behind rock art that stands as some of the most significant in the Southwest. The upper reaches of the wilderness provide winter range for Kaibab mule deer, while desert bighorn sheep roam the canyon cliffs. The creek bottom supports riparian vegetation, contrasting with the sparse desert shrubbery on the rims. Visiting the Kanab Creek Wilderness requires careful planning. Trails are minimally maintained, and access to the western side is particularly difficult. Spring and fall are the optimal seasons to visit, as summer temperatures can reach extreme highs, and water sources are limited. Despite the challenges, the area offers unparalleled solitude and a chance to experience the wilder side of the Grand Canyon.

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