Kanab Creek Wilderness

Kanab Creek Wilderness is a protected area in Arizona featuring a network of gorges with steep rock walls cutting through plateaus. The canyon system includes multiple waterways that flow through dramatic terrain shaped by millions of years of erosion.

The area received official protection in 1984 through the Arizona Wilderness Act, establishing joint management between the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. This designation came as part of a broader effort to preserve wild lands across the western United States.

Rock art panels visible on canyon walls reveal how indigenous peoples marked this landscape long ago. These carvings and paintings show connections to the communities who once lived across this region.

Bring sturdy hiking boots and plenty of water, as trails are challenging and shade is limited throughout the area. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for visiting this remote wilderness.

This wilderness holds one of the most significant tributary canyon systems on the north side of the Grand Canyon. Few visitors realize that pronghorn antelope and mule deer roam through these remote valleys, adding to the area's wild character.