Tom's Canyon Trail Hike

Tom's Canyon is a really easy and worthwhile hike that originates right in the town of Kanab. It is nearly flat with slight ups and downs to cross small dry washes, and it is relatively lush with many wildflowers in spring and green meadows in spots. The trail can be followed right to the box canyon dead end with its many seeps, which is a satisfying destination. Starting at the trailhead at the edge of a new housing development on the east side of Kanab, the trail quickly leaves the houses behind and starts to wind along the canyon wall with several short dips and climbs. Eventually the trail enters the flat canyon bottom, which can be fairly lush with recent rainfall. There is a junction with the Cliffs Trail for those who want to make this a part of a longer exploration of Kanab's excellent network of trails. A picnic table near the end of the trail makes a great break spot and there are hitching rails for horses. Further up the trail the hike ends in a dramatic box canyon with seasonal seeps and interesting hanging plants. Tom's Canyon is not a world-class scenic destination, but it is an excellent family hike, the beauty to effort ratio is quite high, and it is a stone's throw from downtown Kanab.