Southern Utah off the Beaten Path
 

First, I just want to say thank you to all of those who helped me plan my first trip to Utah last year! I fell in love and I'm heading back for the Zion Half Marathon. I will be with a friend and we're staying in Orderville. I'd love to go to some off the beaten path, but super gorgeous hikes/sites not crazy far from the area. I'd love to avoid the crowds in the main areas of Zion and Bryce. Any tips?
Thank you in advance!

How about mountain biking near Hurricane?

Go to Cedar Breaks National Monument (west of Bryce, north of Zion), go the the Kolob Canyon part of Zion.

I agree with emalloy about the Kolob Canyons section of Zion. It has a different look, and is rarely crowded.

While Cedar Breaks is interesting, I believe the access road is closed until May. In any case, Bryce is closer to where you're staying (Orderville), and is even nicer. At 8,000+ feet, it may have snow around April 1; check weather reports before going.

There's some pretty good rock climbing in the area. Outfitters in Springdale offer tours, including equipment and guide, for both newbies and more experienced climbers. It's fun!

If you get injured, or are too sore for much activity, an offbeat possibility is to view the ghost town of Grafton, which is just a few miles from Springdale. It's not spectacular, but the graveyard and abandoned buildings (some restored, some not) are worth a couple of hours.

If you want remote, this is remote !
I have not placed a single footprint in this canyon other than at the east entry for a few hundred yards

Depending on the mood, Zion may declare the western segment closed. This is where the Indian ruins are located.
The Virgin River route is from Mt. Carmel exiting at Rockville.

http://climb-utah.com/Zion/parunuweap1.htm
http://www.citrusmilo.com/zionguide/barracks.cfm

Alas, there are problem with remote hiking
https://www.nps.gov/zion/blogs/Group...eap-Canyon.htm

Vaga

Kolob Canyon
Snow Canyon State Park

Thank you all so much!
Definitely need to check out Kolob Canyons!
We're not mtn bikers, but thank you for the info.
Any spots in Grand Escalante that aren't too far from Orderville that are gorgeous?

If you have a vehicle, I'd suggest driving out of Orderville on Route 12 which is super scenic and there are lots of interesting places to stop along the way. Do some research on Route 12 and you'll find slot canyons, the Escalante River, Calf Creek.
Its a great way to spend a very full day.

Out of Orderville for ??? miles
Try:
http://www.thehikeguy.com/2010/05/30...uckskin-gulch/

>>>>>>>>>the ultimate lonely hikd is enter buckskin from the west and exit at Lees Ferry <<<<<<< If been at both ends, but not the middle.

there are many hikes in that area

This is located in > Vermilion Cliffs National Monument < if you are going to search for books?

Vaga

Out of Orderville for ??? miles
Try:
http://www.thehikeguy.com/2010/05/30...uckskin-gulch/

>>>>>>>>>the ultimate lonely hikd is enter buckskin from the west and exit at Lees Ferry <<<<<<< If been at both ends, but not the middle.

there are many hikes in that area

This is located in > Vermilion Cliffs National Monument < if you are going to search for books?

Vaga

The web site has open dates for hiking via Paria river which is the second segment of the 41 mile, or so, hike.

Buckskin Canyon permit can be purchased at the trailhead - no people limit for day hikes into that canyon. NO overnight camping allowed there.

If you have 4-wheel drive there are many other remote hiking opportunities at Vermillion Cliffs National Monument - slightly east of Kanab, Utah
Vaga

Yes! Thank you. We'll have a vehicle, but not sure if we'll be able to score 4wd. Paid for a rental sedan to pick up at LAS, last time they upgraded us to a small SUV. How far is Buckskin Canyon/Vermillion cliffs from Orderville?

I suppose we don't want to do super technical hikes. We don't want to risk injury before the half marathon and we'll be sore after! But we both are in good shape and are willing to hike decent distances.

Map to buckskin

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q...+map&FORM=IGRE

Recommended entry is from north House Rock Road unless it rained recently, then perhaps south entry which is further. Ask in Kanab for road conditionbs.

Beforre entering the slot, there is a tall cairn. Turn right and up a hill and over to gain entry to Buckskin 37 01.2724 112 0.479


Vaga