Off-road
Ride on the Wild Side on an ATV or Four Wheeler
By Dixie Brunner
Instead of taking a walk on the wild side, many people opt to take a ride on an ATV or OHV instead. And, with the scenery around Kanab, there are plenty of places to ride.
The Bureau of Land Management offers several guided tours throughout the year on Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument trails. ATV riders stop while the tour guide explains the different ecology and geology of the area. Photo by Dennis Brunner.
Responsible off highway vehicle enthusiasts from the Kanab area have worked hard to develop trails and create a local climate where ‘going off road’ is not only welcomed, but encouraged. Nearby Hog Canyon, located 1-1/2 miles north of Kanab, is a great place to start. With trail conditions rated from mild to very difficult, OHV riders can experience scenery, challenges, adventures and fun second to none.
The BLM and local four-wheel clubs joined forces to create and mark the trails. There are maps available at the BLM office. But please...stay on the trails.
If you prefer touring the trails on an ATV or side-by-side, but don’t own one, Anasazi ATV Adventures will rent you one. They also provide guided tours, so you’ll be sure not to miss the best sites. New this year, Anasazi is offering one hour scenic trails nightly (except Sunday).
You can actually drive from Kanab right to the trailhead in Hog Canyon, so you don’t even have to trailer your ATV.
Kanab, Utah was ranked as the #1 scenic riding area in the U.S. by Dirtwheels magazine. So, why don’t you rent an ATV and see what impressed them so much?
Call Lance Jackson or Tony Wright to book your Anasazi ATV tour at 435-689-1237 or toll free at 1-866-256-7628. You can also visit their website at www.anasaziatv.com.
If you want something a little more pampered, or if you don’t own or want to rent an ATV, try a customized off-road tour through the area.
Dreamland Safari Tours offers two-hour to full-day tours in your choice of an air conditioned Suburban, or the adventure of an open-air ride in a Pinzgauer. Water and snacks are provided for tours with at least two, but not more than eight people. Licensed and insured, owners Dave and Marilyn DeVooght are legally-permitted guides on BLM and Forest Service lands, the Kaibab National Forest, the Arizona Strip, as well as the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. This designation means they’ve met federal standards for their operation.
“We fell in love with the area and wanted to show everyone else the beauty and adventure you can find here,” said Marilyn, of their business.
Your customized tour can include seeing such memorable sites as mystical slot canyons, dinosaur tracks, remote Grand Canyon overlooks, ancient ruins, rock art and the places where legends were really made - western movie sets!
For more information, or to make reservations, call 435-644-5506, or visit their website at www.dreamlandtours.net.
