Kanab: Vermilion Cliffs Teepees Hike & Wave Rock

The hike starts in sand, not on a marked trail, and that's the whole point

You hike through sand and open desert for 6 to 7 hours to reach two isolated teepee rock formations in the Vermilion Cliffs, with water included and no permit needed. The terrain is moderate but unforgiving, the crowds are nonexistent, and the formations reward the effort with raw, photogenic geology that most visitors to Utah never see.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to Teepee formations

• Start early morning hike
• Hike through sandy trail
• Reach north teepees
• Walk 15 minutes to south teepees
• Return hike to start point

The experience

The trailhead near Kanab doesn't announce itself. You park, look around, and realize there's no sign, no kiosk, no other cars. Just open desert and the knowledge that the Vermilion Cliffs Teepees are out there somewhere. It takes 1 to 2 hours each way to reach them depending on how the sand feels that day and how your legs are handling the terrain, which is mostly soft underfoot. The hike is 6 to 7 hours total, so you're committing to a full morning and afternoon, but that's exactly why you'll have the place to yourself. Most people don't make it out here.

The teepees themselves are two separate rock formations (north and south) both tall and angular enough to stop you cold when you round a ridge and see them. The geology is wild: layered red and cream-colored stone that looks like it was stacked by hand, except it wasn't. About 15 minutes of walking separates the two clusters, so you get to move between them and shoot from different angles. Spring, fall, and winter are ideal. Summer heat can wear you down fast if you don't leave before dawn. The sand is the real variable: some days it's firm, other days it pulls at your boots with every step. That's not a flaw. That's what keeps the crowds away.

This is a hike for people with moderate fitness who don't mind a sustained effort and terrain that doesn't coddle you. You're not scrambling or climbing, but you're also not on a groomed path. The remoteness is the draw. You could spend hours out there and see maybe one other person, or none. Water is provided, which matters when you're six hours from the car and the sun is high. No permit required, which means you can book and go without waiting for a lottery or filling out forms. Kanab is the nearest town with services, about 30 minutes away.

What’s included

• Water is provided for the hike.
• You are responsible for bringing food, sun protection, sturdy hiking boots, and any personal gear.
• The tour operates year-round, though summer requires an early start to manage heat.

Options for this experience

2 options

Hiking near Kanab: The Famous Teepees in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, close to WaveGuide in English · No fixed time

DurationGuide in English · No fixed timeLasts 7 hours

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (16 to 88 years) · Child (7 to 15 years): free · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Grand Circle Tours-AZ

Is this one for you?Right for hikers with moderate fitness who want isolation and raw geology over crowds and amenities. Plan for a full day out and sand that demands focus. That's what makes the teepees feel like you found them yourself.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 15 years): free. Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How difficult is the hike to the Teepees?

Moderate. It's 1 to 2 hours each way depending on fitness and sand conditions, with no scrambling or climbing. The main challenge is sustained walking on soft sand terrain.

Will I be alone out there?

Rarely does anyone reach the teepees. You should have the place to yourself most days of the year, which is why the remoteness is part of the appeal.

What's included in the tour?

Water is provided. You bring your own food, sun protection, and sturdy hiking boots. No permit is required.

Is summer a good time to go?

Summer is possible but hot. Spring, fall, and winter are ideal. If you go in summer, start very early in the morning to avoid peak heat.

How long is the total tour time?

6 to 7 hours, including the hike to both the north and south teepee formations and the 15-minute walk between them.

Do I need a permit?

No permit is required for this hike.

What's the terrain like?

Primarily sand and open desert. It's not technical, but the soft sand can be tough on legs and requires steady effort.

How far is Kanab from the trailhead?

About 30 minutes by car.