Yant FlatHiking Difficulty
Easy
Length
2.46 mi
Trail Traffic
Light
Route Type
Out and Back
Highlights
Trail Surface
Native
Accessibility
Suitability
Dogs
Recommended Use
Hiking
Directions
Yant Flat is 27 Miles away from St. George (50 minutes driving). The weather can significantly change road conditions, so only travel when conditions are fully dry. The dirt road is a bit rugged and requires a vehicle with higher clearance. You can access the area from St. George or the town of Leeds; each is a beautiful drive with great views. The road is less rough coming from the town of Leeds. From St. George, head north on I-15 for about 13 miles and take exit 22 to Leeds/Silver Reef. Turn left onto Main Street and head north for about 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Silver Reef Rd and follow for 1.2 miles until it turns into a dirt road (Oak Grove Road) and continue for about 2 miles. At this point the road forks and there is a sign that says St. George left and Oak Grove right. Head left toward St George. This road is Danish Ranch Road or FR031. You will follow this road for about 7 more miles until you reach your destination on the left. (It is about 1.5 miles past Yankee Doodle Hollow Creek if you are looking on a map.) You will recognize the trailhead when you see a forest service road (FR903) head north on the right, and a little pull out just opposite on the left. Pull into the left ‘pull out’ and this will start your trail journey!
Description
The Yant Flat trail is one place where words and photos just really do not suffice. This place has mind-blowing geology, incredible views, including incredible candy-like swirl sandstone formations. This is the kind of place that needs multiple visits.
The trail is 2.46-7 miles long (depending on how much exploring you do) and takes around 2-5 hours roundtrip. The trail is a lightly trafficked out and back trail. It is best used from October until April. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The trail starts at the base of Pine Valley Mountain and has a well marked trailhead. The beginning of the trail is sandy with occasional bedrock. It has a small amount of elevation gain through pine trees until you reach solid rock. The terrain can get very steep in the first section as you head down rolling hills. Luckily the slickrock is actually very sticky, so you can go up and down with some athleticism.
The views begin right where the flats end, and you can look down into Cottonwood Canyon and the city of St. George beyond it. Not only is the geology spectacular, but the views are stunning as well. You can see the white cliffs of Zion, Sand Hollow Reservoir, and multiple rolling acres of red marbled sandstone.
Pictures
