Sunset in Candy Cliffs, Yant Flat, Utah
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Yant Flat Candy Cliffs

4.7
·112 reviews·Washington, United States

Discover Yant Flat's Candy Cliffs, a hidden Utah gem with swirling sandstone formations. An accessible hike offering stunning, colorful landscapes wit...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Magical light on cliffs

CrowdLow
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Sunset in Candy Cliffs, Yant Flat, Utah

Yant Flat Candy Cliffs

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Magical light on cliffs

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Yant Flat's Candy Cliffs, a hidden Utah gem with swirling sandstone formations. An accessible hike offering stunning, colorful landscapes without the crowds.

4.7
(112 reviews)

"One of the coolest hikes around!!! Great petrified sand dunes, awesome views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Choose Your Ride Wisely

AWD/high-clearance vehicle recommended for the road. Leeds entrance is safer. 🚗

💧 Hydration is Key

Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to explore beyond the main trail. :droplet:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 112 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Candy Cliffs

The Candy Cliffs

Yant Flat

Swirling, colorful sandstone formations resembling petrified cotton candy. A photographer's dream!

Anna Viewpoint Trail

Anna Viewpoint Trail

Access point to Candy Cliffs

A relatively easy trail leading to the main attraction, with some sandy patches and a short steep descent.

Reddit
Above the Clouds

Above the Clouds

Higher elevations of Yant Flat

Experience magical moments with clouds rolling in below, creating an ethereal landscape.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Road Conditions & Access

The road to Yant Flat can be rough. While some say a sedan can make it with caution, others strongly recommend an AWD or high-clearance vehicle, especially after rain. The Leeds entrance is generally preferred over the St. George route for its less treacherous conditions. Be prepared for washboard sections and hairpin turns. Reddit

Timing is Everything

Visit during the 'golden hours' around sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting on the Candy Cliffs. Weekdays and early mornings are best to avoid crowds, as this hidden gem can get busier on weekends. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Sunrise & Sunset
Why
Magical light on cliffs
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful hike
Crowd
Low
When
February
Why
Otherworldly rock formations
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One of my favorite hikes in WA but this time even more magical being above the clouds!
@tdid615
45.9K likes • 329.4K views

🚗 Choose Your Ride Wisely

AWD/high-clearance vehicle recommended for the road. Leeds entrance is safer. Reddit 🚗

💧 Hydration is Key

Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to explore beyond the main trail. Reddit :droplet:

Still my favorite hike in Washington 💯#fyp #washington #pnw #pnwlife #Hiking #adventure #pnwhiking #travel
@wamountainlakes
43.9K likes • 468.1K views
A Hidden Gem Near Zion National Park 👇🏼 Looking for an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path adventure in Utah? Yant Flat, also known as “The Candy Cliffs,” is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers. This colorful sandstone landscape offers stunning views, no crowds, and a peaceful hiking experience, making it perfect for an early morning escape. 🏞️ Why Visit Yant Flat (The Can...
tripswithdipp
125 likes • 12.4K views

🧭 Navigate with Care

Trails can be confusing; note your path or use a GPS. Reddit 🧭

📸 Golden Hour Magic

Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewer people. Instagram :camerawithflash:

🌟 Hey friends! Looking for a fantastic way to escape the holiday crowds in St. George, Utah? Look no further than the incredible Yant Flats Trail! 🏞️✨⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 1️⃣ Yant Flat trail is known for its stunning and unique rock formations, often referred to as “Candy Cliffs” or “The Wave of Southern Utah.” ⁣ ⁣⁣ 2️⃣ The trail is located in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve near St. George, Utah. It is a relative...
hello_vikka
395 likes • 15.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Choose Your Ride Wisely

AWD/high-clearance vehicle recommended for the road. Leeds entrance is safer. Reddit 🚗

💧 Hydration is Key

Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to explore beyond the main trail. Reddit :droplet:

🧭 Navigate with Care

Trails can be confusing; note your path or use a GPS. Reddit 🧭

📸 Golden Hour Magic

Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewer people. Instagram :camerawithflash:

🐾 Pet-Friendly Exploration

Dogs are welcome on the trail, but be mindful of the sand. Reddit 🐕

What Travellers Say

4.7
(112 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Yant Flat's stunning, unique Candy Cliffs, often calling it a hidden gem with fewer crowds than similar famous spots. The hike is generally considered easy and accessible, making it great for families and photographers. However, the rough road access is a common concern, with many recommending specific vehicle types and caution. Reddit+2

"Excellent hike and not too hard to get to from town. If you have time to drive up a rugged dirt road from St George, you will pass several other great hikes. Make sure to have plenty of water as you can end up hiking over 5 miles if you like to wander and explore like me. Otherwise, it is about 1.3 miles one way."

Alec rimmasch

"DO NOT DRIVE IN FROM ST GEORGE GO IN FROM LEEDS. The road from St George is a little bit treacherous and you need a minimum of an all-wheel drive with high clearance. The road washboard cats are so close together that you can hydroplane and I was in a four-wheel drive. There are areas but there's only room for one car and it's going around hairpin turns with no visibility and a drop off on the side. On the way home I saw a Jeep in front of us and I asked if everything was okay and he said he broke a couple straps on his suspension and had to hobble it home. The trail itself is very deep dirt and all uphill to the first area of rocks and the first views. You could easily get lost on all the paths and all the rocks so take note where you're going. It is quite beautiful we got there just before sunset."

Jaden T

"One of the coolest hikes around!!! I was a big fan! Great petrified sand dunes, awesome views. The hike is pretty moderate, the deep sand near the top may make the summit a little more difficult for those with knee problems! Bring water!!!"

Ethan Baum

What People Like

Unique Candy Cliffs
Fewer crowds
Photogenic landscape

What People Dislike

Rough road access
Deep sand on trail

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The road can be challenging. Many recommend entering from Leeds for a less treacherous drive than the St. George route. An AWD or high-clearance vehicle is advised due to washboard sections and potential for deep sand. Reddit If you're in a sedan, proceed with extreme caution and at a slower pace. Reddit

Yes, Yant Flat is a great addition to a Zion National Park trip, located about 9 miles from I-15 and a convenient day trip from Las Vegas. InstagramReddit

GPS can be helpful, but be aware that trails can be confusing once you're there. It's wise to note your path or use a reliable navigation app. Reddit

The road is often described as a rugged dirt road with significant washboard sections. Some sections have hairpin turns with drop-offs. Reddit It can be particularly challenging after rain. Reddit

Yes, there is a parking area at the trailhead. It's a wide trail that appears to have been an old jeep or 4-wheeler path. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yant Flat is a free site, offering an awesome, accessible natural wonder without any admission cost. Reddit

Yant Flat is an outdoor natural area and is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no official operating hours posted. TikTok

No, tickets are not required for Yant Flat as it is a natural, open-access area. Reddit

Yes, the hike is generally considered short and not strenuous, making it suitable for children and dogs. InstagramReddit

While Yant Flat is known for its beauty, information on dispersed camping is limited. It's best to check local regulations or consider nearby designated campgrounds. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The main hike from the parking area to the Candy Cliffs is about 1 mile one way, taking around 20 minutes. Reddit+1 However, you can easily extend this to over 5 miles if you enjoy exploring the surrounding areas. Reddit

The trail features deep sand in some sections, which can be challenging. Reddit The Candy Cliffs themselves are made of petrified sandstone with swirling patterns. Reddit

Yant Flat is considered a hidden gem and often has few visitors, especially on weekdays or early mornings. InstagramReddit You might find yourself as the only one there on a Sunday afternoon in April. Reddit

Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended, especially for navigating the sandy patches and potential steep descents. Reddit Layers are always a good idea for desert climates. :athletic_shoe:

Absolutely! Yant Flat is incredibly photogenic, with its unique colorful sandstone formations. The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the best lighting. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The 'golden hours' just after sunrise and before sunset provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for capturing the colors of the Candy Cliffs. Instagram+1

You can capture stunning close-ups of the swirling sandstone patterns, wide shots of the colorful landscape, and even aerial views if you have a drone. Instagram+1

The main Candy Cliffs area is the primary draw. Exploring the surrounding petrified sand dunes and rock formations can also yield unique photographic opportunities. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscape, while a macro lens can highlight the intricate details of the sandstone. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance colors and reduce glare. :camerawithflash:

Drone usage is often permitted in open areas like Yant Flat, but it's always wise to check local regulations and airspace restrictions before flying. Instagram

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