Hidden Lake Loop

The Hidden Lake Loop is an exciting 19.3-mile offroad adventure near Kanab, Utah, designed for four-wheel-drive vehicles, OHVs, and SxSs looking to experience the stunning, red-rock scenery of the Grand Staircase region. Beginning at the Peek-A-Boo trailhead, this route immediately challenges drivers with deep, loose, fine sand that requires airing down tires to lower pressures to maintain traction. After traversing this initial sandy stretch and dropping into the wash, the terrain transitions to a more manageable sand-covered hardpack surface. The trail climbs from a minimum elevation of 5,203 feet to a maximum of 6,075 feet, offering spectacular, panoramic vistas of the surrounding sandstone cliffs and desert plateaus. Along the way, drivers will navigate a total elevation gain of 1,647 feet, making it a moderately engaging climb that demands continuous attention to the changing sandy track. A key highlight of the loop is the Hidden Lake area, where visitors can explore fascinating historic Native American pit houses and peer into the depths of a dark cave to view the lake itself, making a bright flashlight a recommended accessory for this trip. This zone also contains sensitive private and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, so staying on the designated trail and respecting all fenced boundaries is critical to preserving access. The route features a technical rating of 3, primarily due to the deep sand and a shallow crossing of Kanab Creek, which can quickly become impassable or extremely hazardous during wet weather or flash flood conditions. Given these environmental factors, the best seasons to tackle this trail are dry periods during spring, summer, and fall, while winter can bring freezing temperatures and muddy conditions. This loop delivers a classic Southwest desert riding experience, blending archeological wonders with scenic sandstone backdrops.