Trail Overview
This is an 8-mile trail, round trip, and we've allowed some time also to enjoy the view of the Vermillion Cliffs and the Petroglyphs at the trail's end. This is a nice sandy trail, and just before you get to the Petroglyphs there is a hill with loose dirt and rock obstacles. It wasn't difficult but would rate higher than a 2 if the whole trail was similar to the hill. The sandstone cliffs are magnificent, and the drawings are reminders of the Paiute Indians and others who lived in this area before the town of Kanab was settled. From the end of the trail, at the turn-around location, you can see the valley where Highway 89 runs and Arizona just beyond the highway. In February of 2023, Utah began enforcement of a new law, which requires an online education course for all off-roaders. The free course is available online. Google "Utah OHV Education Course," and the free test will pop up. It's an easy test that will only take 15-30 minutes, and it's required for all off-roaders, Jeeps, SXSs, dirt bikes, and ATVs. Kids under the age of 18 will have to take the Youth Education Test at the same site. After completing the test, print out the certificate to carry with you which shows you completed the course. We have taken it, and it's really no big deal. Good reminders about trail etiquette and trail preservation.
Difficulty
This is rated as a 2, but the one hill is a bit of a challenge. It's not too difficult, but doesn't qualify as a 2. We'd rate the hill a 3+.
History
Johnson Canyon in Kane County, Utah, is the site where a lot of old westerns were filmed, including Gunsmoke, Wagon Train, Have Gun - Will Travel, Westward the Women, How the West Was Won, Mackenna's Gold, Death Valley Days and Duel at Diablo. The Johnson Canyon Western Movie Set is a tourist attraction in Kane County, Utah. The buildings have fallen into disrepair, and so they cannot be accessed, but they are visible to take photos of.
