Water Canyon

Water Canyon in Hildale, Utah is the top desert oasis hike we have done. If you have spent any time in Southwest Utah, you know it is HOT and the capitalization of the word is definitely justified. Temperatures can make it challenging to get outside and keep those feet crunching on the trail. Water Canyon is an excellent option for a summer hike.

For the most part, the trail is a nice gradual up and down, without any extreme elevation changes. Pretty quickly you feel the temperature drop slightly to provide you a lovely, cooler setting to get in your steps. The canyon itself is stunning, very Zion-esk if we could create a new word. Beautiful colors, huge cliffs and rocks towering over you. Water is flowing and audible nearly the whole time, one of my favorite nature soundtracks and a treat to hear in the desert. There are also seasonable berry bushes along a section of the trail as well. 

Once you reach the unofficial end of the trail, there is a small waterfall and pool that is a cool and refreshing spot to rest and cool off. There is not enough water for swimming, but you will often find families and kiddos playing here in the summer. 

Explore a bit more by climbing up past the waterfall. Careful, the rocks are slippery here where the water comes down. In fact, if you are physically prepared and up for the challenge, the hike continues on for miles and miles and will put your cardio and quad abilities to the test. 

Difficulty: Mild, a few short moderate spots related to loose material or incline. 

Trail Stats: 3.3 to 4.25 miles (you can hike past the falls and go even further than this), out and back, approximately 500 feet elevation gain. 

Trail Finding: Straight forward in the figurative sense. 

Conditions: Sand, sandstone rock, some spots of water.

Would I Repeat This: Yes, and we have already multiple times!

Parking: Available.

Timing: Be aware of the weather and do not complete this hike if rain is forecasted or has recently rained due to the danger of flash flooding.

Downloaded Map: Not necessary.

Fees: None.

Trails: Head over to the Gooseberry and Wire Mesas for some hiking on the Smithsonian Butte Trail, Wire Mesa Trail, Gooseberry Mesa Trail, and more.