Hiking In The Red Canyon In Utah
We only had a couple of hours to hike in Red Canyon while traveling in Utah so we decided to hit up the trails near the visitor center (5375 UT-12, Panguitch, UT 84759).
The Pink Ledges, Hoodoo, Birdseye, and Photo Trails are all shorter trails that connect with each other so you can make it a much longer hike.
From the visitor center, you will find the trailhead for Pink Ledges near the restored Podunk Guard Station. This 1/2 mile trail takes you through red rock scenery, hoodoos, and ponderosa pines.
This is an interpretive trail so be sure to pick up a guide at the visitor center. Numerous markers along the way explain the geology, flora, and fauna of the area.
Pink Ledges connects to the 0.3 mile Hoodoo Trail.
This trail will take you to the base of the red rock formations and through both desert and high plateau vegetation. Nice views of the two prominent hoodoos in the area can also be seen from the trail.
From the Hoodoo Trail, you can connect to the Birdseye Trail.
This is the longest trail out of the four at 1.6 miles total. The trail takes you through the unique geologic formations known as hoodoos overlooking Highway 12
The trail was named for the large rock protruding upward and is shaped like a bird’s head with a beak. Two sections of the trail are referred to as the Serpent and Camel.
The Photo Trail can be found off the Birdseye trail and is a short scenic trail that overlooks Red Canyon and the Sevier River Valley. It’s an excellent place to take photos, as the name implies.
Follow the signs and eventually, you’ll find you’re way back to the visitor center.
Altogether the hike was about three miles long with less than 400 feet of elevation gain. It’s an easy hike for the family while enjoying the beautiful Red Canyon.
Before leaving be sure to check out the visitor center, whose hours vary seasonally, but they usually open between 9-10 am.
They have a few exhibits on the area both inside and outside the building.
There is a gift shop inside that also includes a lot of Smokey Bear merchandise. If you’re a fan of Smokey Bear be sure to get your picture with his statue in front of the building..
