Candy Cliffs Day Hike near Zion

The Candy Cliffs at Yant Flat offer the same dramatic southern Utah sandstone scenery as Zion—without the permit requirements, shuttle lines, and large crowds. The swirling red, white, and pink Navajo sandstone formations are truly unique, with colorful striations created by volcanic activity pushing up the rock layers over millions of years. You can also enjoy panoramic views of Zion National Park from the formations themselves.

The hike is rated Beginner to Intermediate. The trail approach is approximately 1–1.5 miles (1.6–2.4 km) across a relatively flat dirt and sand path through juniper forest. Once you reach the Candy Cliffs, the terrain opens into rolling slickrock with some gentle scrambling. Reviewers note that children as young as 5 and adults into their 60s and 70s have completed the hike comfortably. Guests should be able to walk on uneven surfaces and handle sandy terrain without assistance.

The Candy Cliffs can be visited year-round. Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking. Summer visits are possible but can be very hot—start early in the morning. In fall and winter, be prepared for cold temperatures, especially on the exposed sandstone above the tree line. The early morning golden light is particularly spectacular on the colored rock formations.

Southern Utah desert hiking can bring encounters with bees and wasps near water seeps in the sandstone. Rattlesnakes are present in the region (as they are throughout Utah) but sightings are rare and they generally avoid human contact. Wearing closed-toe shoes and watching where you put your hands on rock ledges is good practice. Biting insects are generally minimal in this dry desert environment.

Yes, guides follow Leave No Trace principles throughout all tours. Please pack out everything you bring in, stay on designated paths where possible, and avoid disturbing any plants, rocks, or wildlife. The Candy Cliffs are a fragile desert environment—please help protect them for future visitors.

Yes! The shaded forest section at the start is a gentle warm-up, and kids love exploring the rolling slickrock formations. The area is spacious and open with plenty of room to roam safely. Younger children may need assistance on some of the sandstone scrambles.

Tours generally run rain or shine. However, the access road to the Candy Cliffs trailhead becomes extremely difficult—sometimes impassable—in wet conditions due to clay soil. In the event of significant rain, East Zion Adventures may need to reschedule or substitute an alternate adventure.

Our guides are local experts with deep knowledge of the geology, history, wildlife, and ecology of southern Utah. Guides are trained in safety protocols and first aid, and are dedicated to providing both educational and entertaining experiences tailored to each group.

We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance, and several months ahead for large groups or peak season visits to ensure availability.

Our guides follow Leave No Trace principles on all tours. Guests are asked to pack out all waste, stay on designated paths, and respect all plants, wildlife, and rock formations. We operate in and around federally protected lands and take stewardship of those landscapes seriously.

The East Zion and southern Utah region is home to mule deer, coyotes, jackrabbits, lizards, hawks, eagles, ravens, and a variety of desert songbirds. Mountain lions are native to the area but extremely rarely encountered. Rattlesnakes are present in the region but generally avoid human contact — wearing closed-toe shoes and watching where you place your hands is good practice.

Most tours run rain or shine. However, if severe weather creates unsafe conditions, we will offer guests a different date or a full refund. For tours involving dirt road access (such as Candy Cliffs and White Pocket), road conditions after rain may require rescheduling.