Hellhole Canyon
Hellhole Canyon Trail Overview
Hellhole Canyon Trail – also known as Kayenta Canyon – is one of the most rewarding hidden-gem hikes near St. George, leading adventurous hikers up a scenic desert wash into a dramatic hidden canyon capped by a seasonal waterfall. Beginning near the Kayenta community off Snow Canyon Parkway, the moderate 3.2-mile round-trip hike follows the sandy bottom of Kayenta Wash before climbing through a series of steep scrambles and narrow passages along exposed drop-offs. Along the way, hikers pass towering sandstone walls, pockets of shade, and colorful desert scenery, with Hellhole Waterfall putting on its best show after rain or snowmelt. Though longer and more demanding than many trails in the area, Hellhole Canyon offers one of the region’s most unique and rewarding hiking experiences, making it a favorite for experienced hikers, canyon explorers, and photographers.
Trail Details
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Round Trip Length: 3.2 miles
Trail Photos
More About Hellhole Canyon
The trail begins near the Kayenta community, where hikers can park near the Kayenta sign along 400 W / Taviawk Drive after following Snow Canyon Parkway through the traffic circles into Kayenta. From the trailhead, the route drops into Kayenta Wash and follows the sandy streambed into the canyon; hikers can walk directly in the wash, though this adds significant time and effort compared to following the singletrack trail along its edge. The route is dirt single-track and sandy with full sun exposure for much of the approach before narrowing into the shaded upper canyon. Several steep climbs and passages along exposed drop-offs make this a moderate outing best suited to hikers comfortable with light scrambling, and the secondary trail can be difficult to locate in places, so route-finding and sturdy footwear are recommended. After roughly a mile and a half, the canyon narrows dramatically, culminating at the seasonal Hellhole Waterfall – the trail’s signature reward, especially impressive in spring or after a storm.
Hellhole Canyon Trail allows dogs on a 6-foot leash, but bicycles and horses are not permitted. There is no water, shade, or restrooms along the route, and no permit or fee is required to hike it. Spring, fall, and winter mornings or afternoons are the best times to visit, both to avoid the desert heat and to catch the waterfall at its fullest flow, and hikers should stay alert for rattlesnakes in the area. The hike can easily be combined with a stop at nearby Snow Canyon State Park for a full day of exploring St. George’s dramatic red rock scenery. Though it takes 2 to 3 hours round trip, its hidden waterfall, narrow slot passages, and dramatic canyon walls make Hellhole Canyon – also known as Kayenta Canyon – one of the most memorable hikes near St. George.
You can see Hellhole Canyon on our illustrated Snow Canyon map
