- Region
- AZ, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- No permits or passes are required for ordi…
- Managed by
- Bureau of Land Management, Arizona Strip Field Office; U.S. Forest Service, Kaibab National Forest, North Kaibab Ranger District
Plan with verified data
Kanab Creek Wilderness trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
Photos of Kanab Creek Wilderness
How to get there
Kanab Creek Wilderness is in northern Arizona, approximately 30 miles south of Fredonia. Most visitors use trailheads on the east side; west-side road access is poor. Confirm the approach and current trail conditions with the North Kaibab Ranger District at 928-643-7395 or the BLM Arizona Strip Field Office at 435-688-3200. An interior wilderness map point is not a trailhead or vehicle access point.
- East-side trailheads
The most commonly used approaches to the wilderness. Multiple trails enter the canyon country, but maintenance is minimal and conditions vary from year to year. Confirm the specific trailhead and approach before departure.
- West-side approaches
Road access on the west side is poor, making these approaches less commonly used than eastern trailheads. Confirm road conditions and a suitable entry point with the managing agency before committing to an approach.
Sources: blm.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
AZ, USA · United States
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Surfing
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
A deep canyon network north of the Grand Canyon
Kanab Creek Wilderness lies in northern Arizona, approximately 30 miles south of Fredonia, along the Coconino–Mohave county line. Kanab Creek is a major tributary of the Colorado River and forms the largest tributary canyon system on the north side of the Grand Canyon. The creek and its feeder streams have carved vertical-walled gorges into the Kanab and Kaibab Plateaus. Elevations range from about 2,000 feet at the river to 6,000 feet on the rim, making the contrast between canyon bottom and upland central to any trip. Above the rims, sparse blackbush and sagebrush cover arid ground. Below, riparian vegetation grows among rock walls shaped into fins, knobs, and potholes. Hiking and backpacking here involve rugged terrain rather than consistently maintained paths; most slopes exceed 40 degrees.
Choose the season around heat and water
Spring and fall offer the most moderate conditions for exploring Kanab Creek Wilderness. Summer visitation is not recommended: temperatures can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and permanent water is limited to several springs and seeps. Water planning matters in every season, not just during hot weather. Kanab Creek does not flow year-round, and obtaining drinking water from the creek is not advised. There is no potable drinking water available at the wilderness, so plan carried supplies and confirm the availability of any sources needed for an extended trip. Winter brings another set of demands, with snow often falling and average midwinter temperatures in the low 20s. Pack for the elevation range and changing conditions, and keep daily ambitions within the limits imposed by water, steep ground, and minimally maintained trails.
Primitive travel, wildlife, and land boundaries
Kanab Creek Wilderness is jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. Ordinary visits require no permits, passes, or fees; commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Recreation on nearby Arizona state trust land requires a state permit. Within the wilderness, motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles, are generally prohibited. There are no restrooms, so prepare to manage waste appropriately and follow desert-specific Leave No Trace practices. A private parcel at the confluence of Snake Gulch and Kanab Creek cannot be crossed or used without permission. Give wildlife space: upper reaches provide winter range for Kaibab mule deer, while desert bighorn sheep occupy the cliffs. Leave rock art and other cultural evidence untouched, and travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Kanab Creek Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 36.5874, -112.6003
- Latitude (DMS)
- 36° 35′ 14.7″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 112° 36′ 1.1″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Kanab Creek Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
One of the major tributaries of the Colorado River, Kanab Creek is the largest tributary canyon system on the north side of the Grand Canyon. From its origin about 50 miles north in southern Utah, Kanab...
Key takeaways
- Region: AZ, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 36.587, -112.600
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Kanab Creek Wilderness
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Surfing
Swell windows and access from camp.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Animals around Kanab Creek Wilderness
A deep canyon network north of the Grand Canyon
Kanab Creek Wilderness lies in northern Arizona, approximately 30 miles south of Fredonia, along the Coconino–Mohave county line. Kanab Creek is a major tributary of the Colorado River and forms the largest tributary canyon system on the north side of the Grand Canyon. The creek and its feeder streams have carved vertical-walled gorges into the Kanab and Kaibab Plateaus. Elevations range from about 2,000 feet at the river to 6,000 feet on the rim, making the contrast between canyon bottom and upland central to any trip. Above the rims, sparse blackbush and sagebrush cover arid ground. Below, riparian vegetation grows among rock walls shaped into fins, knobs, and potholes. Hiking and backpacking here involve rugged terrain rather than consistently maintained paths; most slopes exceed 40 degrees.
Choose the season around heat and water
Spring and fall offer the most moderate conditions for exploring Kanab Creek Wilderness. Summer visitation is not recommended: temperatures can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and permanent water is limited to several springs and seeps. Water planning matters in every season, not just during hot weather. Kanab Creek does not flow year-round, and obtaining drinking water from the creek is not advised. There is no potable drinking water available at the wilderness, so plan carried supplies and confirm the availability of any sources needed for an extended trip. Winter brings another set of demands, with snow often falling and average midwinter temperatures in the low 20s. Pack for the elevation range and changing conditions, and keep daily ambitions within the limits imposed by water, steep ground, and minimally maintained trails.
Primitive travel, wildlife, and land boundaries
Kanab Creek Wilderness is jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. Ordinary visits require no permits, passes, or fees; commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Recreation on nearby Arizona state trust land requires a state permit. Within the wilderness, motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles, are generally prohibited. There are no restrooms, so prepare to manage waste appropriately and follow desert-specific Leave No Trace practices. A private parcel at the confluence of Snake Gulch and Kanab Creek cannot be crossed or used without permission. Give wildlife space: upper reaches provide winter range for Kaibab mule deer, while desert bighorn sheep occupy the cliffs. Leave rock art and other cultural evidence untouched, and travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Route options
- Wilderness trail-system hikingArduous; steep terrain and minimally maintained trails
Use the established trail network for hiking or backpacking into the canyon system. Trails are minimally maintained, conditions change from year to year, and hiking can be arduous. Select a specific itinerary only after checking access, trail conditions, and water availability.
- Wash-bottom trail connectionsArduous; variable conditions and demanding water planning
The wilderness trail network includes wash bottoms that connect trail segments. These connections can support an extended backpacking itinerary, but should not be treated as a continuously maintained path or an established canyoneering route. Plan around verified water availability rather than assuming Kanab Creek will be flowing.
Sample itineraries
- East-side introductory hike · 1 day
Plan a spring or fall out-and-back using an east-side trailhead confirmed with the managing agency. Keep the turnaround conservative: trails receive minimal maintenance, and hiking can be arduous. Carry drinking water rather than relying on Kanab Creek.
- Kanab Creek Wilderness overnight · 2 days
Plan a spring or fall backpacking trip after confirming trail conditions and water availability. Choose mileage around steep terrain and the return climb, not a fixed destination. Camp on durable surfaces and avoid the private parcel at the Snake Gulch–Kanab Creek confluence unless permission is secured.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
One of the preferred seasons, with more moderate temperatures. Water availability still determines feasible trips. Confirm conditions on minimally maintained trails before committing to an overnight.
Summer
Summer
Summer visitation is not recommended. Temperatures can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and permanent water is limited to several springs and seeps. Kanab Creek does not flow year-round.
Fall
Fall
One of the preferred seasons for hiking and backpacking because temperatures are more moderate. Do not assume cooler weather means reliable water; verify sources and carry sufficient drinking water.
Winter
Winter
Snow often falls, and midwinter temperatures average in the low 20s Fahrenheit. Elevations range from 2,000 feet near the river to about 6,000 feet on the rim. Prepare for cold conditions and check access before departure.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | One of the preferred seasons, with more moderate temperatures. Water availability still determines feasible trips. Confirm conditions on minimally maintained trails before committing to an overnight. |
| Summer | Summer | Summer visitation is not recommended. Temperatures can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and permanent water is limited to several springs and seeps. Kanab Creek does not flow year-round. |
| Fall | Fall | One of the preferred seasons for hiking and backpacking because temperatures are more moderate. Do not assume cooler weather means reliable water; verify sources and carry sufficient drinking water. |
| Winter | Winter | Snow often falls, and midwinter temperatures average in the low 20s Fahrenheit. Elevations range from 2,000 feet near the river to about 6,000 feet on the rim. Prepare for cold conditions and check access before departure. |
Permits, fees & closures
No permits or passes are required for ordinary wilderness visits. Commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Recreation on nearby Arizona state trust land requires a state permit.
Fees: There are no fees to visit Kanab Creek Wilderness.
Official source: Kanab Creek Wilderness - Arizona - Bureau of Land Management · Verified November 1, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Extreme summer heat can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer visitation is not recommended.
- No potable drinking water is available. Kanab Creek is seasonal, and obtaining drinking water from it is not advised. Permanent sources are limited to several springs and seeps.
- Vertical canyon walls and slopes commonly exceeding 40 degrees make travel demanding. Allow enough energy and time for the return climb.
- Trails are minimally maintained, with conditions varying year to year. Wash bottoms connect some trail segments, making careful navigation important.
- West-side road access is poor. Most visitors use east-side trailheads; confirm the approach before driving.
- Winter snow and cold complicate travel, particularly around higher rims.
What to pack for Kanab Creek Wilderness
- Drinking water sufficient for the planned outing
- Extra water-carrying capacity
- Water treatment for any verified usable backcountry source
- Sun hat, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing
- Topographic map and compass
- Offline navigation with backup power
- First-aid kit
- Emergency shelter
- Sturdy footwear for steep, rough terrain
- Insulating layers appropriate to elevation and forecast
- Weather-protective outer layer
- Season-appropriate sleeping system for overnight trips
- Waste-disposal supplies; no restrooms are available
- Bags for packing out trash
Kanab Creek Wilderness FAQ
- What kind of landscape should hikers expect?
- Kanab Creek forms the largest tributary canyon system on the Grand Canyon's north side. Deep gorges cut the Kanab and Kaibab Plateaus. Arid rims support blackbush and sagebrush, while creek bottoms contain riparian vegetation and sculpted fins, knobs, and potholes.
- Where should visitors approach the wilderness?
- Most visitors use east-side trailheads because west-side road access is poor. Confirm a specific trailhead and current approach conditions with the North Kaibab Ranger District at 928-643-7395 or the BLM Arizona Strip Field Office at 435-688-3200.
- Can hikers rely on Kanab Creek for drinking water?
- No. The creek does not flow year-round, and obtaining drinking water from it is not advised. There is no potable water service. Plan around confirmed water availability, with sufficient carried water for the outing.
- Are bicycles or motorized vehicles allowed?
- Motorized equipment and mechanical transport are generally prohibited in the wilderness, including bicycles, OHVs, wagons, and carts. Contact the managing agency for details about applicable regulations.
- Is there private land inside the area?
- A parcel at the confluence of Snake Gulch and Kanab Creek is private. Do not cross or use it without the owner's permission. Account for that boundary when planning travel.
- What facilities and accessibility should visitors expect?
- This is an undeveloped wilderness managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. There are no restrooms or potable drinking water. Steep terrain and minimally maintained trails present accessibility challenges. Pack out trash, dispose of waste properly, and leave rock art and other cultural features undisturbed.