The Aman Spa at Amangari. Credit: Aman Resorts
Located at the Utah-Arizona border, Canyon Point is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, this Western oasis features great hiking, spectacular natural wonders and views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Here are our top picks for the best things to see and do in in Southern Utah’s most scenic stop:
Take a hike
Canyon Point sits within the United States’ Four Corners region and offers some of the nation’s best hiking. Trails range from beginner to advanced and can take anywhere from one to five hours.
Set out on the Cave Trail for a taste of one of the better-known hikes in the area, which brings you to Ulrike’s Cave. Or explore the Coyote Trail, where you’ll find great sunset views toward Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Gaze at the stars
One of the perks of being in the middle of the desert is that you’re far from the hubbub of big-city life. Here, night skies are so clear you’ll think you’re in a planetarium. Whether you’re from New York or L.A., the glittering stars above Canyon Point are worth the trip.
Venture to the Grand Canyon
You can’t visit the Four Corners region without exploring the country’s most famous natural wonder. The Grand Canyon is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Canyon Point and is a must-see. Do everything from ride a donkey down the narrow paths to go whitewater rafting on the Colorado River.
Get a spa treatment
We can’t think of better way to relax in Canyon Point than at Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Amangiri’s spa. The Aman Spa at Amangiri blends beautifully into the surrounding rock formations, providing a deep sense of awe and relaxation. The treatments reflect elements of the Navajo culture and healing traditions.
Bryce Canyon National Park. Credit: National Park Services
Explore the national parks
Canyon Point is surrounded by national parks, many of which afford stunning views of the surrounding desert. In addition to Grand Canyon National Park, this Utah town is also near Zion National Park’s red and white cliffs (home to a diverse plant and animal population), Monument Valley’s iconic sandstone buttes, Bryce Canyon National Park’s hoodoos (the world’s largest collection) and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area’s Lake Powell.
Practice Earth painting
From August through October, you can join Amangiri’s artist-in-residence, Ulrike Arnold, as she works with the elements to make her one-of-a-kind abstract works of art. Take in the ancient petroglyphs on the surrounding cliff faces as Arnold uses the rock, sand, wind and rain outside of Broken Arrow Cave to create desert-inspired masterpieces.
Fly high over Bryce Canyon
There’s really no better way to experience the majesty of the desert than from the air. Skywalker Balloon Company charters sunrise tours over the mystical rock formations and canyons of Southern Utah. For an out-of-this-world experience, opt for The Goblin Valley Balloon Adventure, during which you’ll fly over petrified gas bubbles from an ancient ocean floor that look more like the surface of Mars than Bryce Canyon.
Wander through winding canyons
Grab incredible photo ops during the Antelope Slot Canyon Tours. Take the two-hour trek to Page, Arizona, where a Navajo guide will walk you through these stunning red-hewed canyons, regaling you with native stories associated with the sacred space accompanied by traditional flute music.
Scale a cliff
Rock climbers of all levels can explore the Utah desert’s towers, mesas and buttes in a whole new way with Amangiri’s Via Ferrata. Meaning “iron path” in Italian, this Via Ferrata is a protected mountain climbing route consisting of anchored cables, rungs, steps and ladders, which allow even novice climbers to experience an adrenaline-inducing experience along incredibly scenic routes.
Bike the desert
Pack your gear for a heart-thumping mountain biking adventure two hours north in Panguitch, Utah. The popular but technically challenging Thunder Mountain Trail takes you through playful red hills, Bryce Canyon-like hoodoos and otherworldly vistas.
For less experienced bikers and families, try the eight-mile Red Canyon Paved Bike Trail that also starts at the Thunder Mountain Trailhead. It offers a mellow ride with no-less-impressive views of pine forests and red rock formations.
