Kane Gulch is the most popular entrance into Grand Gulch, the large canyon system that bisects Cedar Mesa. Cedar Mesa is the best place to find undeveloped Anasazi Indian sites in wild settings and Grand Gulch offers amazing canyon-hiking and Anasazi explorations. Kane Gulch is the most up-canyon entry point for exploring Grand Gulch and the majority of  backpack trips into Grand Gulch use the Kane Gulch trail.

     The Kane Gulch trail is a great hike that I highly recommend. The trail is mostly easy to follow and not too steep or rugged. Kane Gulch is an interesting and scenic canyon and there are Anasazi sites in the canyon. It's an easy access to Grand Gulch and provides access to fantastic areas. If you want to try this hike here is what you need to know.

     Hiking in Kane Gulch begins at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station which is located on UT 261, 4 miles south of the intersection with UT 95. The site is well signed and there is a good sized paved parking area. There are pit toilets but water is not available so be sure to bring all you might need. The Kane Gulch Ranger Station operates seasonally so don't be surprised if they are not open when you are there. If the station is manned you can get the latest information about trails, roads and water availability in the canyons.    

   All of Cedar Mesa is BLM land and you will need to purchase a permit to hike in Kane Gulch. Depending on the season, you can purchase your permit at the Ranger Station but you may need to self register and pay at the kiosk in the parking lot. Day Use Permits are $2.00 per person per day and a 7 consecutive day pass is $5.00. Overnight Permits are $8.00 per person per trip. If you want to backpack into most Cedar Mesa canyons you will need to get a backcountry permit during peak season. Contact the BLM for more information about Cedar Mesa Backcountry Regulations and Fees

     From the parking area head west and cross UT 261. Watch carefully for traffic as it can approach faster than you think. On the other side of the road the trail is obvious as you start off across the broad sagebrush flat. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. In fact, at one time the trail was improved to provide horseback entrance to Grand Gulch. Kane Gulch quickly becomes a more defined canyon and is a very scenic hike. Be sure to watch for the Aspen trees that you can find along one stretch of the trail, As you continue, Kane Gulch rapidly cuts through layers of Cedar Mesa sandstone and becomes a deeply incised canyon.

     Most of the trail is in the canyon bottom and easy hiking. However, there is a section of canyon about two miles or so from the trailhead that is narrow, rough and boulder strewn. Hiking through this section is tough and not recommended. Fortunately, it is easy to avoid this stretch by following a well developed detour. Watch for the trail that climbs above the canyon bottom on the north side of the canyon (right side looking down canyon). This trail is well marked so keep your eyes peeled and you should be fine. If you miss the detour you can make it through the boulder garden and you will encounter the trail again after you slowly make your way through. the tough stretch.

      You will reach the intersection with Grand Gulch after hiking about 3.8 miles. There is a delightful grove of cottonwoods covering the bottom of Grand Gulch where the canyons intersect and Junction Ruin is easily spotted just upstream and opposite of Kane Gulch. This is a really neat area and many people spend time here before turning around to retrace the path. However, Turkey Pen Ruin is about a half mile further and just past Turkey Pen you will get views of Stimpler Arch. If you hike from the Kane Gulch Ranger Station to the point where you can view the arch and return it's just about a 10 mile trip with an elevation change of about 600 ft - a perfect day hike for many.

     Although most hikers travel through Kane Gulch on the way to the ruins in Grand Gulch, there are some interesting Anasazi sites in Kane Gulch. Watch the south facing walls for alcoves and structures and rock art is scattered throughout the canyon. There are many hidden sites in all the area canyons so be observant and see what you can find.

     Kane Gulch is the most popular access into Grand Gulch for a reason. It is an easy trail that runs into Grand Gulch at a great place. The trail can be a day hike or turned into a multi-day backpack trip. There are some very interesting Anasazi sites and the scenery is fantastic. Kane Gulch is a trip that is highly recommended for everyone.