Overview

Hype:

Catstair Canyon is a short but scenic slot canyon located along US-89 in southern Utah, between Kanab and Paige. At the bottom of the canyon is a historic rock-art site with both pictographs (painted images) and petroglyphs (carved or incised images) on the canyon walls and boulders. The rock art can be accessed from two trailheads and can be approached from the east as a short hike, or from the west as a technical canyoneering route with rappels.

Trail Condition: Class 1 (Trail is either paved or gravel. Navigation skills are not needed because there is only one trail or because there are signs. Elevation gains are gradual or there are stairs.)

Time: 15-30 minutes

Length: 0.5 mile round trip

Elevation Gain: Negligible

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Getting There

Navigate to 37.126438, -111.954831.

Take the unsigned pulloff on the south side of the road. 

Route

From the trailhead, heast west, following a well-traveled social trail for 0.25 miles to the bottom of Catstair Canyon. The the petrglyphs and pictograps are on the canyon walls to the south.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Kanab, Utah

Coordinates: 37.127001, -111.959401

Interactive Guide Map

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April 3, 2025 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye, Matt Laurendeau, Amanda Laurendeau, Alex Laurendeau, Caleb Laurendeau, Rose Laurendeau, Lila Laurendeau, Trey Laurendeau,

Story

On Thursday of fall break, we packed lunches and gear and headed south to Catstair Canyon. The Pattersons had never done canyoneering before but wanted to give it a try, so we thought that would be a good beginner canyon to take them through. Also, because of the snow in the forecast, we decided not to do our original plan of Diana's Throne Canyon because we are afraid it would be too long. Catstair Canyon ended up being just the right amount of difficulty for the group. 

There were two rappels, and we got down and through in just the right amount of time. It started snowing pretty hard on the last rappel, but people were in good spirits still. 

We almost missed the petroglyphs as we're hiking out but then saw a sign for them and turned around to take some pictures before leaving. 

Pictures