Yant Flats, also known as Candy Cliffs, is a stunningly colorful geological formation located in the southwestern part of Utah, United States. The area features a beautiful array of sandstone formations in shades of pink, red, orange, and white, set against a backdrop of strikingly blue skies. Visitors can enjoy a scenic hike through the area’s sandy terrain, taking in the breathtaking views and unique rock formations along the way.
History of Yant Flat formation
Yant Flats is a geological formation that has been shaped over millions of years by the natural forces of wind, water, and erosion. The sandstone cliffs that make up the area were originally deposited in a shallow sea during the Jurassic Period, around 170 million years ago. Over time, the sea receded and the sandstone was exposed to the elements, eventually forming the unique rock formations seen today. The area was named after a local rancher named George Yant, who used the land for grazing cattle in the early 1900s.
How to get to Yant Flat Trailhead
The trailhead located on Cottonwood Spring Road about 45-50 mins drive off Red Cliff Mall in St. George
and 40 mins drive off Leeds. The easiest and fastest way to get there is to drive 15 to Leeds and turn on West Silver Reef road that becomes Oak Grove Road that in turns becomes Cottonwood Spring road. The trailhead will be on you left. This dirt road is suitable for most vehicles, but it can be bumpy in places, so drive carefully.
If you prefer some off-road driving experience, you can get on Cottonwood Spring road near Red Cliff Mall in St. George and drive it straight to the trailhead and 45 minutes or so. That’s what Google maps directions will generate for you if you start around St. George area. We drove our Honda Pilot in the middle of February and it was a bit of adventure for us. Road was very muddy and we had to park a car about 1 mile off the trailhead and hike the rest.
So does it worth to drive off-road to see Yant Flats?
The answer: it depends. I read couple of review that say “Yant Flat is the Wave Canyon in Arizona”, so I was expecting to see well-defined white waves similar to the Wave canyon. While Yant Flats are trully beautiful, it looks nothing like Wave Canyon. With the right expectations and right vehicle you will definitely enjoy visiting Yant Flats. If you find yourself near St. George driving a car suitable for off road driving and looking for a long bumpy ride than yes, go for it.
The Yant Flat Hike
The Yant Flat trailhead is located off a dirt road, about 15 miles south of the town of Leeds on the way to St. George. The dirt road is suitable for most vehicles, but it can be bumpy in places, so drive carefully.
Once you arrive at the trailhead, you’ll see a sign marking the start of the Yant Flat trail. The trail begins with a gentle incline through a desert landscape of sagebrush and juniper trees. The trail surface is mostly hard-packed dirt, with some rocky sections. The trail is well-marked, with cairns and signs to guide you along the way.
After about a mile of hiking, the trail opens up to a stunning view of the Candy Cliffs. These colorful sandstone formations are named for their vibrant red and pink colors. The Candy Cliffs are a popular spot for photography, so be sure to have your camera ready.
Continuing on the trail, you’ll pass through a mix of desert scrub and sandstone formations, with occasional steep sections that require careful footing. After about 2.2 miles, you’ll reach the Yant Flat itself, which is a large sandstone formation that is covered in swirling patterns and colors.
After taking in the views at Yant Flat, you can either turn back and retrace your steps to the trailhead or continue on the trail for another 0.6 miles to a viewpoint overlooking the valley below.
Overall, the Yant Flat hike is an easy to moderate hike that offers stunning views of southern Utah’s desert landscape. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to navigate, but be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be rocky in places.
