Yellow Rock Hiking Tour from Kanab: Grand Staircase Views

Summary

Guided Hike to Yellow Rock: Colors and Vistas of Southern Utah

You’ll hike up wild sandstone slopes with a local guide, see crazy colors swirling across Yellow Rock’s dome, and get clear views all the way to Arizona. It’s tough but worth every step if you want real southern Utah adventure—and photos nobody else has.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out near the trailhead was how dry the air felt—almost sharp, with a faint smell of sagebrush carried on the wind. Our guide, Mike, handed out water bottles and made sure everyone had their hats on tight. The sun here doesn’t mess around, even in spring. We started up a sandy wash, boots crunching over pebbles, and before long the ground tilted up—way up. That slope is no joke; it’s like climbing a giant tilted pancake painted in swirls of yellow, orange, and mauve.

At one point, I stopped to catch my breath and looked back: Kanab was just a memory behind us, and ahead the dome of Yellow Rock stretched wide as five football fields. There’s no real trail at the top—just open rock, so you wander wherever your eyes take you. Mike pointed out Castle Rock off in the distance and told us stories about Hackberry Canyon below. The silence up there is something else; just wind and maybe a distant raven calling. If you’re into photography, this place is unreal—the colors shift as clouds move overhead. We spent a good hour just exploring and snapping pictures before heading down for lunch under a scraggly juniper tree.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike to Yellow Rock Summit

• Hike to Yellow Rock
• Explore top and photograph views

Top questions

How hard is the hike to Yellow Rock?

It’s challenging—there’s a steep climb (about 45 degrees) and no shade on top. You’ll need decent fitness and sturdy shoes.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes! Lunch is included along with bottled water. We usually eat after reaching the top or on our way down.

Can kids join this hike?

Kids can come if they’re fit enough for steep hiking and are with an adult—it’s not easy for little ones.

What should I bring?

A hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes or boots, maybe trekking poles if you like them—and your camera for sure!

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Kanab, guided hiking all the way to Yellow Rock’s summit, bottled water to keep you going, and lunch out on the rocks with great views.