Cat Stair Canyon Trail

The Cat Stair Canyon Trail is located in Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, near Kanab. You'll typically find the trailhead accessible from Highway 89. Specific directions to the parking area are usually available on local maps or through navigation apps.

The best time to hike the Cat Stair Canyon Trail is generally during the spring and fall months when temperatures are milder. Summer can be very hot, and while winter offers cooler temperatures, some sections might be inaccessible due to snow or ice, especially in the technical parts of the canyon. Always check local weather conditions before you go.

Yes, parts of the trail are suitable for beginners and families. An easy to moderate round trip of about half a mile to 1.25 miles, often leading to the 'stacked cars' and some pictographs, is considered family-friendly and can take less than an hour. This section is mostly accessible with minor rock scrambling. However, the full descent of the canyon is much more challenging and requires canyoneering experience and equipment.

The trail begins with sandy, open terrain, often described as a 'desert stroll.' As you venture deeper, the canyon narrows, revealing more challenging features like narrow channels, vertical steps, and boulder-choked sections. You might encounter minor rock scrambling and downclimbs. The canyon walls can reach up to 50 feet high, and the streambed can be sandy.

The trail offers stunning red rock formations, ancient art including pictographs and petroglyphs, and expansive desert views. A notable and quirky landmark is the 'Stacked Cars' (Catstair Rip-Rap), flattened 1950s cars used for erosion control. The canyon also showcases fascinating geology, including a visible fault line, making it a 'geological time machine'.

The Cat Stair Canyon Trail is located within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Generally, there are no entrance fees to access the monument itself for day use. However, specific activities or extended backcountry stays might require permits. It's always best to check the official Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument website or contact a visitor center for the most current regulations regarding permits and fees before your visit.

Dogs are generally allowed on trails within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please ensure you pack out all pet waste and bring enough water for your dog, as water sources are scarce on the trail.

For any hike on this trail, especially in the desert, essential items include plenty of water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), sturdy hiking shoes, and snacks. If you plan to tackle the more challenging canyoneering sections, you will need specialist equipment such as ropes, harnesses, and rappelling gear, along with prior experience.

The Cat Stair Canyon Trail is located in a relatively remote area. The nearest towns with amenities such as gas, food, and lodging are Kanab, Utah, and Page, Arizona. It's advisable to stock up on supplies before heading to the trailhead, as services directly at the trailhead are minimal to non-existent.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Cat Stair Canyon Trail, Cat Stair Canyon, and Cat Stair Canyon. These are official trails that overlap with portions of this route.

The difficulty of the Cat Stair Canyon Trail varies significantly. A short, initial section to the 'stacked cars' is considered easy to moderate and family-friendly. However, the full descent of the canyon is rated as moderate to challenging, involving boulder fields, downclimbs, and one or two mandatory rappels of up to 33-60 feet, requiring specialist equipment and experience.