Mileage

• 1/2 mile roundtrip if you want to explore the tunnel.
• 1.8 miles roundtrip if you want to explore the cave and follow the trail through the gulch.
• 4 miles roundtrip to an entrance to a slot canyon.

Difficulty

Just hiking through the canyon is easy. The only tricky part is a 5-foot drop into the cave at the beginning, however, you can sit on your bottom and slide in. The hike through the gulch is also easy, but if you want to continue on to the slot canyon you have to navigate up a steep slope at the end of the gulch. When we visited it there was snow on the ground and it was icy so we stopped at the end of the gulch.

Location

We were driving to Zion from Kanab. The turn-off is located 16 miles north of Kanab about 1/2 miles south of Carmel Junction on Highway 89. If you make it to the restaurant in Carmel Junction you have gone too far. The turn-off is for a dirt road on the west side of Highway 89. Drive 1/4 mile down the dirt road and the parking area is on the left. Straight ahead is the entrance to the Belly of the Dragon.

Dog Friendly

This trail is dog friendly. Our dog had no problem getting down the drop-off into the cave, but a smaller dog might need a little assistance. Jinx had a blast running back and forth in the snow when we walked through the gulch.

Trail Details

From the parking lot, you can see the entrance to the tunnel. The hardest part is the 5-foot drop-in, but even little kids will be able to navigate it with a little help. The bottom of the tunnel is covered in sand and rocks. Parts of the bottom become narrow and uneven so watch your step. In the winter there might be ice inside. The tunnel is short so take your time and explore. The middle of the tunnel can get very dark a flashlight will come in handy. We didn’t have a flashlight so we used our iPhones. It can also be very cold inside depending on the time of year, so bring a jacket. Most importantly this tunnel was built to divert water so don’t enter if there is any chance of rain.

After exiting the tunnel you can continue walking through the gulch until you get to a rock wall. The gulch is fun for children and dogs to run through. When we got to the rock wall we had to turn around because of the ice and snow. After exploring we headed for Zion to do some more hiking.

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Roadtrip to Sedona

Tanya, Kiana, and I spent the night in Williams, Arizona, and then the morning at Bearizona watching the bears and wolves. When we were done exploring Bearizona we drove to Sedona and did a little shopping and had lunch. After lunch, we drove out to Boynton Canyon.

Sedona’s Magical Vortex

There are 4 different vortex sites in Sedona. Some contain female energy and others contain masculine energy. We chose to visit  Boynton Canyon Vortex because it’s less crowded and easier to find a parking spot. It is supposed to be balanced energy-containing both female and masculine. This vortex is between the rock formation named Kachina Woman which contains the female energy and an unnamed knoll that contains masculine energy.   

Boynton Canyon Vortex

Boynton Canyon Trailhead is about 8 miles outside of downtown Sedona. From 89A turn on Dry Creek Road and then turn right on Boynton Pass Road. The parking lot is about ¼ mile down the road if you make it to the Enchanted Rose Resort you have gone too far. The parking lot was full when we arrived so we parked off the pavement on Dry Creek Road and walked the ¼ mile back to the start of the trail. If you park in the parking lot you need a parking pass. Visit Red Rock Program Pass online to get the details for trail parking in Sedona. At the trailhead, there is a vault toilet and a map. From the parking lot, you can either hike the Boynton Canyon Trail which is about 7 miles, or the Boynton Vista Trail which is 1 mile. 

Vista Trail

We started out on the Boynton Canyon Trail and about ½ mile in we saw a group of white-tailed deer. After watching the deer we decided to turn around and go back to the trail sign at the beginning. At the sign, we then headed toward the vortex on the Vista Trail. This is an easy family-friendly trail and you can also bring your leashed dog. There are some rock cairns that mark the trail. 

Magical Music

As we got closer to the vortex we heard flute music. At the top of the rock formation known as the Kachina was a man sitting playing his flute. The music definitely added to the ambiance. This man tries to come out to the vortex twice a day to play his flute, pass out rock hearts and share his worldly wisdom. He gave a lot of great advice, but my favorite thing he said was, “you have to let all your hurts go and receive the peace from Mother Earth.” Very sage advice. It was the end of the day and he was out of heart rocks, but we enjoyed listening to his music and words. 

Soaking in the Magic

We didn’t climb to the top of the Kachina because it involves some rock scrambling and we weren’t feeling that brave. Instead, we climbed around the base and found a place to sit on the red rocks. I remembered reading an article about Earth Grounding and how it’s good for you to take your shoes off in nature, so Kiana and I took off our shoes and ground our feet on the red rocks. I’m not sure if it was the stunning views, the wise words of wisdom from the flute player, or the magical energy from the vortex but I felt emotional.

The Masculine Energy of the Knoll

As much as we loved our spot sitting at the base of the Kachina we got really cold because it was in the shade. We put our shoes on and walked across a small saddle to sit at the base of the knoll. There was a woman sitting on the saddle playing her guitar and singing. Sitting there in the sun on the red rocks, listening to the music and soaking in the view I felt the energy moving up my legs. As skeptical as I am, I was shocked. Kiana felt tingly in her calves. Not only did I feel something magical I also felt emotionally drained as I had just cried everything out. Possibly I was following the flute player’s advice and letting it all go! On the other hand, Tanya felt energized and happy. She was smiling from ear to ear.

We Were Sad to Leave Sedona

We spent way longer at the Vortex than we had planned. None of us wanted to leave. We finally decided to walk back to the car as the sun was starting to set. I can’t wait for our next trip to Sedona. There are 3 more vortexes for us to explore and miles and miles of wide-open beautiful trails to hike.

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Where Dogs Are Allowed in Joshua Tree

Inside Joshua Tree National Park dogs are allowed 100 feet from paved roads, in the campgrounds, picnic areas, on dirt driving roads, and at Keys Point because the short walk up to the lookout is paved. That’s it. In addition, your dog has to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. 

Where Dogs are not Allowed 

Inside Joshua, Tree dogs are not allowed on any hiking trails. As much as you want to take your dog with you to see Skull Rock they are not allowed. They are not allowed inside any buildings and they can not be left inside your vehicle. 

Our First Stop Inside Joshua Tree

We entered the park through the West entrance. Our first stop was at the picnic area at Hidden Valley. The dogs were able to walk around the picnic area on their leashes and Kiana was able to climb on some of the rocks. We watched some ladies rock climbing and noticed that they were working with Mojave Guides. Booking an adventure with them might be a fun option for a time you are visiting without dogs.

Our Second Stop 

Tanya was driving her Jeep so we decided to try out a dirt road. Queen Valley Road is all dirt and small cars are supposed to use caution, however, the day we were there the road was in perfect condition and safe for all to travel on. Tanya parked on a small turn out and we walked the dogs right down the middle of the road. A few cars passed us and we just hung out on the edge to let them get by, but in general, there are far fewer people on the dirt roads than on the main paved roads. After Queen Valley Road we drove down Geology Tour Road which is also a dirt road. We ended up turning around because we had just walked the dogs and they were all settled in the jeep.

Keys Point

We drove up to Keys Point and because the short walk to the top is paved dogs are allowed to look too. The view is beautiful. You can see all of the Coachella Valley and both Mt. San Jacinto and San Gorgonio. It was a beautiful February day so both mountains were covered in snow. The walkway at Keys Point is a little loop, so after we had all taken in the view we walked back down to the Jeep. 

Lunch Time in Joshua Tree

There are no food services available inside the park. We brought our lunches and plenty of water for ourselves and the dogs. All of the picnic tables were taken at the Jumbo Rock picnic area, but we found a spot to sit at the base of the rocks. After lunch, we walked the dogs around a little bit, and then it was time for us to head home. 

Final Thoughts on Bringing a Dog 

Tanya and I both agreed that the dogs had fun, but it wasn’t as fun as sheepherding. Next time we head to Joshua Tree National Park we’ll leave the dogs at home so we can do some hiking and explore the rocks.

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Where to Stay in Kanab

My family has stayed in Kanab 3 different times. Each time I booked a rental through Airbnb. We had really good luck doing this and each place was different, but they all had one thing in common….space. We had way more room than if we had stayed in a hotel. Our previous visits have been during the off-season in late December and early January and we appreciate the kitchens in the Airbnb because restaurants are either closed or not in full swing in the winter. If you don’t plan on cooking make sure and check restaurant hours. 

Hiking in Kanab

There are hiking trails in the city of Kanab as well as the surrounding area. A great place to start is at the Kanab Visitor Center. The office is located at 745 East Highway 89. Inside the rangers have a wealth of information about the area. Because of the soft sand in the area, many of the trails in the area require 4wd to get to them, especially after wet weather. The rangers will be able to tell you about road conditions and if the hike you are planning requires a permit. The Kanab Visitor Center is also where you can try to get a next-day permit for the Coyote Butte North (The Wave.)

Coyote Butte North (The Wave)

If you want to hike The Wave you need to plan ahead and be very lucky. Permits are available online four months in advance, but each day only 48 people or 12 groups (whichever comes first) are awarded a permit. If you don’t score a permit in advance you can try for a same-day permit, but only 10 are given out each day through a lottery. The lottery is a process, but basically, you have to get to the office between 8:30 – 9:00 am the day before you want to hike. Please check with the office either in person or online if you are interested in the Wave. The office has different seasonal hours. 

Finding Dinosaur Tracks in Kanab

Previously we had hiked out to see dinosaur tracks outside of St. George, but on this trip, we found a hike to dinosaur tracks in Kanab. Parking for this trail is at the Port of Entry off Interstate 89. You want to park in the gravel parking lot next to the port-a-potty. The trail is only ¾ of a mile, but there is some rock scrambling involved so it is rated as moderate. We were there when there was snow and you will be climbing on loose rocks so I recommend proper shoes and a hiking pole. The trail is marked by some cairns. When we got to the top in addition to the good view we also found some dinosaur tracks that are 185 million years old. We all thought it was well worth the hike.   

Moqui Cave 

Just 5 miles outside of Kanab on the way to Zion is Moqui Cave. It is a privately owned Museum and there is a fee to enter. It is a fun roadside attraction and they have over 180 dinosaur tracks that were found around Kanab, minerals, and Native American artifacts on display. 

Belly of the Dragon 

16 miles north of Kanab is a manmade tunnel that was originally built as a water culvert for Highway 89, but it is currently unused and it’s a fun side-trip. Finding the dirt road is the hardest part of the hike. There isn’t a sign, but the entrance is on the West side of the road ½ mile south of Carmel Junction along the 89. Follow the dirt road for ¼ mile to a small parking area. There is a 5-foot drop down into the tunnel, but our dog Jinx did it with no problem. There is no elevation gain on the hike, but where you walk in the tunnel is rocky. Flashlights and jackets are needed because it’s both cold and dark inside. It definitely looks like you are on the inside of a dragon’s belly. 

Zion National Park 

The east entrance to Zion National Park is about 30 miles from Kanab. Depending on the time of year you are visiting Zion, you may or may not be able to drive inside the park. Zion has implemented a shuttle system, because of the number of people visiting. We were able to drive through in December and the entrance fee is $35 for 7 days. Before visiting you should visit the National Park Website for Zion. 

Bryce Canyon National Park

The entrance to Bryce Canyon is 80 miles north of Kanab. Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its red rock hoodoos, sweeping vista views, and endless outdoor activities. There is a $35 entrance fee and it is good for 7 days. Dogs are not allowed on any hiking trails and are only allowed 100 feet from the paved roads. Bryce Canyon is at a high elevation (starting at 8,000 ft) so some of the trails can be treacherous in winter and you might need micro-spikes or crampons. Sunrise and sunset are particularly beautiful when the light hits the hoodoos.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Have you ever got to the top of a grassy hill and then rolled down it? If you answered yes, then this is the perfect stop for you. There are dunes as far as the eye can see and you can roll down them or if the ranger station is open you rent a sandboard. The dunes are one large playground. It’s possible to camp and ride your ATVs. The dunes are open during daylight hours and there is a fee to drive in. 

The Toadstools 

45 miles East of Kanab are The Toadstools Hoodoos. There is no entrance fee and the area is dog friendly. It is an easy 1.5-mile round trip to see the Toadstools. 

Horseshoe Bend

Page, Arizona is just 76 miles from Kanab and it is home to the iconic Horseshoe Bend. There are many computers that have a shot of Horseshoe Bend as their screensaver. This is becoming a popular destination and it is part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. In recent years there have been improvements to the parking lot, bathrooms have been added, and the trail out to the view has been improved. There is a $10 fee to park. The view is amazing and you can look straight down to the Colorado River. 

Antelope Canyon 

Antelope Canyon is only about 80 miles from Kanab in Page, Arizona. It is not possible to tour the canyons on your own so you will need to book a tour. There are a few different tour companies to choose from, but during peak seasons they fill up quickly. This is a place where you need to do your research and book your tour online. We followed the directions from our tour company and parked in a lot and then we all went as a group in their vehicles. We went to Upper Antelope Canyon and it was amazing. The guides told us about the area, made sure our cameras were in the best settings and took group pictures for us. The tour is pricey at about $100 a person, but I think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime activity and well worth the money. It was amazing!  

Lake Powell Canyon Tour 

Lake Powell is in Arizona and only an hour from Kanab. There are several companies that are offering tours. Some included a view of Glen Canyon Dam and they also take you about 4 miles into Antelope Canyon via a boat. This tour should not replace the walking tour of Upper Antelope Canyon, but it is a nice way to get a different view. We took a tour on a small boat that left from the marina and we loved it. I took some amazing pictures of the canyon walls reflecting back on the water. 

Not Enough Time

Southern Utah is one of our favorite places to visit and there are so many adventures to be had in and around Kanab that you can easily visit multiple times. Although Kanab is small there are restaurants and cute stores for shopping. Each season gives you the opportunity to explore something new and different.

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Actually Planning to hike San Gorgonio Again

When 2018 rolled around we all decided that we were going to complete the Six-Pack of Peaks and finish in enough time to get invited to the finisher’s party. To score an invite to the party we’d have to finish all the hikes by September 30th. San Gorgonio is a beast. The trail gains 5,390 feet in elevation to reach the peak at 11,503 feet and it is somewhere between 18 and 21 miles depending on where you park and what trail you take.

Turning the Hike Into A Backpacking Trip

Sally and I decided that we would try and break this hike up into two days and backpack up six miles and spend the night. I applied for overnight permit months in advance and we hiked the other 5 peaks that were part of the original challenge. Unfortunately, 2 weeks before our trip a fire broke out in the area and the Forest Service had to close both San Gorgonio and San Bernardino Peak. The ranger called to cancel my overnight permit and we ended up backpacking to Little Jimmy instead.

A Change in the Six-Pack

A few weeks after the fire, Jeff Hester of Six-Pack of Peaks added alternative peaks to replace the ones that were closed due to the fires. One of the alternatives was Sitton Peak. Sally and I had already hiked Sitton in the spring. I went to the Six-Pack website and logged my hike. Officially, I was done with the challenge, but it felt anti-climactic.

San Gorgonio Opens Up

At the end of August, the Forest Service opened the San Gorgonio area again for hikers. We did not have a weekend to make it into a backpacking trip, so we decided we were going to tackle it in one day. Labor day seemed appropriate. The day before I hydrated, hydrated, and hydrated, and that night I ate mac-n-cheese to try and store up some carbs.

The Day of the Hike

Monday morning we left at 4:30 a.m. and got to the Vivian Creek Trailhead at 5:30 a.m. but it still was dark. We started hiking a little before 6:00 a.m the first part of the trail is on an access road walking past cabins. After we crossed the dry Mill Creek Bed the uphill switchbacks started. The next mile was tough and we had a plan that we would not stop in the middle of the switchbacks. Before long we were high enough that we could see the city down below us. After the switchbacks we ran into a sign, we were entering the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

San Gorgonio Wilderness

The next few miles were some of the prettiest of the hike. We saw giant trees and little meadows and we crossed the creek a few times. On the way up we passed Halfway Camp, which is not halfway and we came upon a doe and her fawn. The fawn still had her spots and they both had the biggest ears. They were not overly concerned with us and we stopped and took a few pictures.

While Hiking San Gorgonio -Take Breaks

We were hiking at a pretty good pace and we stopped after 6 miles and had a little snack. I was starting to have bad visions of what was yet to come. Before the hike, Jeff had reminded me to tell Sally to not look up and the answer to all questions about the summit is, “no that is not the summit.”

Hiking San Gorgonio – The Altitude is a Problem

The next miles were tough; the trail continued to gain elevation. Eventually, we were up above the tree line and altitude started to become a problem. When we are hiking above 10,000 feet, breathing in enough air is a struggle. It feels like trying to breathe through a straw. The landscape changed from lush forest to moonscape. Looking up in the far distance we could see a summit, but of course, it was a false summit. We were now hiking very slowly, probably less than one mile an hour. Sally asked if we should turn around and not continue on to the summit. I assured her that we were getting closer and we were going to make it.

A Little Encouragement

A very enthusiastic man stopped to chat with us. He told us that we were doing great and that we were probably 20 minutes from the top. Feeling reassured we continued on averaging 100 steps before we had to stop to catch our breath. Well, it was not even close to 20 mins, more like an hour and a half. We passed one false summit and we could finally see the real peak of Mt. San Gorgonio. With the summit in sight, we boulder hopped up to the top and found the metal box, and signed the trail register. Of course, we took pictures with the summit sign to prove we had made it to the top.

The Peak of San Gorgonio

We had made it to the top of the tallest peak in Southern California. Relieved to have made it we sat down for a much-needed break. It was warmer at the top than we had anticipated and we did not even have to put on our puffer jackets. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich and some jalapeno chips taste great at the peak. Be aware of little trail bandits. The chipmunks tried to steal our chips and they have no fear. We spent less than 30 minutes at the top because we knew how far we still had to hike and we wanted to get back to the car before dark.

The Way Down

The way down seemed steep and endless. I tripped on a rock and splayed out in the middle of the trail and cut my hand and knee. It seems like one of us always falls on our hikes, the trails are full of obstacles like rocks and tree branches, and the one time you look up at the scenery is usually when it happens.

Injured Toenails

I did not know it at the time, but when I tripped I injured my toenail. With 6 more miles to go my toenails felt like someone was jamming bamboo shoots under them. With every step, it brought a new swear word out of my mouth. I decided I could not take the pain anymore and I sat down right in the middle of the trail I would have cried, but I’m sure I was too dehydrated for tears. I relaced my boots using a surgeon’s knot. The knot is supposed to get the laces tight enough for your toes not to hit the end of your boots, which is hard to do when you are heading down such a steep incline. I had visions of how ridiculous it would be to call for an emergency rescue for toenails and I had to dig deep to keep going.

The Last Mile

The last mile on the mountain was treacherous. Vivian Creek Trail losses about 1,000 feet in less than 1 mile. Our joy of making it down the mountain was overshadowed by the fact that we still had to walk back across Mill Creek dry bed and another mile to the car. On the way to the car, I saw something moving along the trail and as I got closer I saw that it was a baby King Snake. It took us 12 hours and 45 minutes.

We Made it to the Car

We got back to the car around 6:15 p.m. First, we peeled off our boots and put on flip-flops. My toes felt so bad that I left my socks on. On the drive home, Sally and I had plenty of time to discuss the hike. We decided we are done with San Gorgonio. There are plenty of other peaks to do and there is no need to repeat this one. Our highlights of this hike were we had a lot of good laughs, we saw a fawn and it felt good to finish the Six-Pack of Peaks, even though this was actually our 7th peak for the challenge.

Finishing the Six-Pack of Peaks

We have now finished 9 of the peaks and we have 3 more to go before December 31st, however, one is still closed because of fire damage. I lost two toenails and Sally lost one from this hike. In October Jeff, Sally, and I went to the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge Party. 515 people completed the challenge and we felt excited and proud that we did it too. At the party, we added our adventure goals for 2019 to the Wish Tree. Jeff wrote that he wants to hike Mt. Whitney. Sally and I want to hike the JMT and meet Jeff at Mt. Whitney. We will see what 2019 brings our way.

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