I love beautiful drives, and combined with a hike that makes you feel like you’re walking straight into a Dr. Seuss book, it makes for a wonderful day. This is another that I had been to before, but this time we went much further and saw incredible rock and sand formations.
The trailhead is out a long but beautiful gravel road, very well maintained (at least the times I’ve been on it, and compared to some of the forest service roads in Washington) near Silver Reef and Leeds. It’s not the kind of road you would want to be on during or after rain, though. Always check weather conditions before heading out. Part way on the road is a beautiful gorge, well worth a stop to stretch the legs and peer down.
The first part of the hike is easy, but the last 1/3 of a mile or so is a slog through deep sand, the kind that makes you work hard for every step. Once you get to the cliffs and rock formations, though, the deep sand is completely forgotten. Once to Yant Flat / Candy Cliffs (I’ve heard it called both), you can literally wander anywhere that pulls at your heart. There are 2 main areas, and one can wander and explore anywhere. The drop-off at the edge of the cliffs is steep and deep and would not end well, so always make sure to not get close to the edge.
I love this place, I love the shapes and formations and colors. There are dozens of great lunch spots, so many places to just sit and look around and use your imagination. This area is a win all the way around.
