White Domes

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In this page, you will find informations and advices we can give, based on our experience

White Domes - Utah

What to do if you have little time : going up to White Domes requires at least the day, if you have little time... you will not have time !

The White Domes are superb white hills and very photogenic. We loved this area, it was one of our favorite of 2017.

There are 2 trails to ride to White Domes: Squirrel Canyon or Water Canyon.

- By Water Canyon the climb is, apparently, quite steep and some portions are close to the void.

- The climb by Squirrel Canyon is a little longer but less steep. This is the option we chose with our big backpacks since we planned to sleep up there.

The backpacking is the best way to enjoy the site at sunset and sunrise. Plan a lot of water if it is hot and think you can hide bottles on the course during the climb to less load. On return, you will have a water reserve.

This place is still relatively unknown, so you will likely find yourself alone.

White Domes via Squirrel Canyon

Length and duration of the hike 5,6 miles one way - 3h30

8 hours

Free

GPS tracks to download

GPS trail to download

The hike is 11,2 miles round trip via Squirrel Canyon with an elevation gain of about 1 800 feet. It begins rather strong by a descent then a climb in soft sand. Then cross a wash, Short Creek, and walk for about 1 mile before crossing again to the left to enter Squirrel Creek. From there, it goes quietly in the woods until a steep climb but relatively short (330 feet) in a "flow" of pebbles. And finally, we walk on slickrock where it climbs quite steep and where GPS is very useful because there is no way. The last part of the path is in sand. We went up in 5 hours, going gently and doing lots of breaks, taking a lot of photos and picnic (walking time 3:30)! Descent in 2h30.

Access : from Kanab, take 89A south for 6,8 miles to Fredonia. Then turn right on 389 west for 29,8 miles to Colorado City entrance. Take successively Central Street for 2,3 miles, East Utah Avenue for 0,7 mile, Canyon Street for 0,7 mile and finally the Water Canyon Road for 1,2 miles. Beware, on this track, a place can be tricky (N37° 01' 24.1" W112° 57' 15.7") about 0,3 mile before the trailhead parking if it rained the previous days. In all, since Kanab it represents 42 miles.

Parking at Squirrel Canyon trailhead :

Black Rocks via White Domes

Length and duration of the hike 0,6 mile one way from White Domes

1 hour

Free

Black Rocks is a small area with hoodoos and black rocks.

Access : from White Domes, continue west for 0,6 mile on a very sandy trail.

To see around

Lodging

We have tested :

backpacking : that is, spending the night on location. It's the best way to enjoy sunset and sunrise.

Kanab - Red Rock Country Inn : classic motel, no breakfast, only coffee (the room for 4 is 78$ in september 2017).
Kanab - Hitch N Post : very nice little camping under the almond trees. Very warm welcome by a former National Park ranger. The sites are large enough to put 2 tents. The price is $ 23 per night (in September 2014).
Kanab - Crazy Horse Campark : campground with old restrooms and not well marked tent sites. 23$ per night in september 2017.

Fredonia - Grand Canyon Motel : "the hotel of cats". Cabin for 44$ the night. The only interest of this hotel is its unbeatable rate ! The office is of an incredible stench because of the tens of cats and their smell. The cabins are dated but don't smell as awful as the office, thankfully ! No breakfast.