Iconic town trail gets a new name

Offering stunning views of Kanab to the south and multicolored cliffs to the north, Kanab’s most fa­mous in-town trail has a new name and new signs. A few years ago, the Bureau of Land Management was di­rected to remove the name Squaw Trail in respect of the Paiute Culture. The new name is Kanab Trail, a fitting name as this is the most centrally located trail in the Kanab City Trails system.

Stretching from town property onto BLM lands, the trail ascends steeply along switchbacks to a va­riety of overlooks. A short excursion takes hikers to an expansive view of Kanab and beyond. Continuing up the trail, one will arrive at a lookout offering stunning views of staircase cliffs.

To access Kanab Trail, turn north onto 100 E. from Center Street in Kanab. The parking area is at the end of that road past Jacob Hamblin Park near the baseball fields. The trail length is approximately 1.5 miles from the trail­head to the rim. With less than 1000 feet in elevation gains, Kanab Trail is considered a relatively easy hike with a few moderately difficult spots.

This trail is desig­nated for hiking only. However, to the west and east, near the base of Kanab Trail, are Raven and Road­runner Trails which welcome both hikers and mountain bikers. Those trails are each 3/4 of a mile forming a 1.5-mile loop.

On November 30, Adopt A Trail Kanab volunteers installed the new Kanab Trail signs. Adopt A Trail Kanab is a partnership between the Bureau of Land Management, Kanab Field Office and local volunteers. For more information on the Adopt A Trail Kanab program con­tact Susan Johnston at sjonthebeatenpath@yahoo.com or visit Adopt A Trail Kanab on Facebook.