Hiking Water Canyon, Utah

Water Canyon has been on my list for a while now. We had a free weekend and decided to go for it. Which really doesn't make a lot of sense to drive about 6 hours each way for a day hike, but I'm not known for having a lot of sense.
We arrived at Hildale, UT late on Friday and stayed at a hotel. The next morning we hit the trail....which was conveniently right behind the hotel. My planning is impeccable at all times.
Water Canyon is in the middle of nowhere (sorry, Hildale). It's something that people drive by on their way to and from Zion National Park, generally having no idea it's even there (sorry again, Hildale).
It is there. And it involves hiking in a lot of sand. I dislike...no, I hate hiking in sand. (Sand will be a recurring theme in this description.) Anyway, it also involves a short drive through the sand. Fairly deep sand, to the point where I'd say 4WD is required unless you like being stuck in sand. We actually saw a van of people stuck in the sand on our way out.
At the trailhead, we decided to go up Water Canyon and out Squirrel Canyon, so we got to walk up a road to the Water Canyon trailhead. Guess what type of road it was? If you guessed sand, you are correct. The sandy road switched to a sandy & rocky trail and quickly started ascending up Water Canyon. Soon enough, you could see Water Canyon Arch up very high on the canyon wall. This arch was the entire reason I wanted to hike this trail, but looking at it from the trail about 1,600 feet below, it seemed likely that we weren't going to make it.
About 2 or 3 miles in, we came to an unbelievable alcove. I'll leave the video to explain what it looked like, but it was beautiful.
After a short rest, it was time to get back to work and climb a steep trail up to the overlook. Tina was excited that she finally got to do some real elevation gain.
From the overlook (which had some great views into Water Canyon), we headed cross country to the other side of the canyon. At this point, the trail was faint to non-existent. There were some cairns, but not nearly enough and enough slick rock sections that you would be lost if you didn't know the trail and have it marked on GPS. We had it marked on GPS, which is why I'm not still wandering around up there.
After a short bit we came up to the White Domes. I really wasn't looking forward to the White Domes at all. I didn't even know what they were. Come to find out, they were my favorite part of an amazing hike. The White Domes reminded me of a mini version of the Wave, only with white rock instead of red/orange. It was incredible.
At the White Domes, Patrick appeared. He was a solo hiker out exploring and he was very glad to see us. I think he was just spooked by the solitude (we didn't see anyone else after leaving the overlook until we got to the truck) or possibly lost, but he asked if he could tag along.
The newly formed party of 3 then headed to Water Canyon Arch.
This is where my marriage was tested. You see, pretty much everything from this point to the truck (maybe 8 miles) was in deep sand. And everything from the loop trail to the arch was uphill. Tina began to dislike me about 1/10th of a mile past the White Domes all the way to Water Canyon Arch. I would say her dislike increased about 30% per quarter mile, which meant about 90% dislike by the time we got to the arch. This is assuming I started at 0% dislike, which is highly doubtful. But the arch was cool and marriage is overrated.
Moving on.....after a quick climb back to the ridge from the arch, everything was downhill. Downhill, mostly on a sandy road. Btw, when I use the term 'road', I use it very loosely. Someone had clearly been up there, almost all the way to the arch in something with 4 wheels, but I can't imagine what it was to get across that terrain. Did I mention that there was a lot of sand?
The hike from the arch to the turn off into Squirrel Canyon was drop dead gorgeous (and sandy). And the hike into Squirrel Canyon itself was pleasant enough until about the last 2 miles. Those last two miles turned back into 'road'/4 wheeler trail in deep sand. And it wasn't too scenic, but after all the amazing terrain we'd covered, it had a lot of competition to stand out against.
Then there was one last steep sandy hill, and we were back at the truck. Time and bribery have gotten Tina to talk to me again, although she generally just mumbles and I can't really understand what she's saying most of the time, but I think she's given me a new pet name. It sounds something like Brother Ducker, which is strange, but as long as she's happy, I'm happy.
Here's a secret bonus video:
• I was bored.
Sand.
Music by Epidemic Sound:
We are Giants - Silver Maple
Lemon Squeezy - Martin Landstrom
Music by Artlist:
Dear Gravity - Austere
Land Called Fantasy - Ziv Moran
We Dream of Eden - I See You in Light
Ballerina - Yehezkel Raz
Peace be Still - The Hunts

[@SW_Explorer]

I felt the exact same as Tina when arriving at the parking lot after that sandy incline 😂. Never again was my verdict, but worth the hike for the scenery.

[@JerryArizona]

That sandy hill was a kick in the pants right at the end, for sure. Still worth it, but I could've done without that part.

[@Hiking-the-dream]

Thanks a lot jerry. You’ve added another trail to my never ending wanna hike list. Wonderful wonderful video. Please tell Tina how much she adds to your videos. You guys make me laugh. I love it!

[@deputyowl]

Jerry and Tina this was an awesome hike and views including the double finger salutes at the end. TINA 🪨 ROCKS😂😂😂😂

[@victoriabenally7651]

😮i injoyed your video and beautiful trails. Stunning, Thank u and Tina. Tonalea, Az.

[@ronr7623]

WOW! HOW SPECTACULAR!!!!!! Amazing! Thank you for sharing this!

[@wandaneuschwander47]

You know you are probably one of the best videographers i have ever watched. You and tina are a striking couple great sense of humor as well thank you

[@FreedomToRoam86]

Can see why you guys did not walk that arch. But if you had, would have been priceless to stand in the middle with your walking staff, and get recorded saying, "You shall not pass!" (which only makes sense if you are a Tolkien nerd 😆) And thanks for another beautiful video!

[@JerryArizona]

I've read that 1,000+ page book twice. Still not standing on that arch though.

[@town72]

Thank you. these vids keep getting better and better.

[@BabbittdaWabbitt]

Yet another beautiful short film. Thanks for making the effort.

[@jeffMinnesota952]

very nice rocks, and so green and lush. Thanks for sharing...

[@kenlodge3399]

Caveat: Don't know if this is being mental or "deep" or introspective, but just felt the need. You guys are so fortunate... when I became disabled and my career ended, my first thought was to move to AZ. My condition half warranted it, the dry climate and heat, and having stayed there before believed it to be a good move. Many benefits as you like me I've always liked adventuring, enjoy physical exercise, mental too, but have family who need care all their life. It, my condition, has gotten to the point am barely any help to myself and now more then ever believe should have made that move and just convinced my family to come along - the humidity here is murder. Really like the hike your on - is amazing and beautiful. Just the kind of thing to draw you out of yourself and appreciate all the gifts of life. Boy I'll tell ya, all those magic vistas can really get to ya. You know, I think I'm getting my second wind and am gonna be joining y'all.

[@JerryArizona]

I can't say I regret moving here. I've moved around a lot and this is by far my favorite place. I can drive 2 hours and camp in the desert or even up to Flagstaff to go skiing. But even if you aren't very mobile, there are plenty of places you can get to great scenery. Sorry to hear about your physical troubles. But then again, make the most of what you can. That's all we can really do.

[@TheMoofy8]

beautiful photography!

[@Aptster1939]

They are all stupendous but Water Canyon with White Domes is especially fine, good photo work Jerry. Love the spider! Tine !! Stop expressing how tough it is! We old farts are so envious.!!

[@JerryArizona]

This was one of my favorite hikes last year. Such an amazing place.

[@dwight_klaus2981]

Jerry, you have done it again. Never heard of this place, but its going on my bucket list now...

[@liddycasimiro]

Wow! Looks amazing!!

[@leilaluginbill916]

I feel compelled to compliment you on your wonderful camera abilities…each view seems well composed, and I really like the fact that you pan slowly (so many go too fast for me to enjoy…scrutinizing things and not becoming nauseous is a plus). I am a painter, watercolor, as well as a biologist and plant and animal lover…I’m glad you take time to look at the flowers and insects. Keep hiking❤️

[@patdewald9516]

Just WOW! You never disappoint us. Beautiful location. Inspiring video. Living vicariously..💕

[@CindyT.-yy1ik]

Thank you! I needed Frank today 😂 ❤

[@ervinslens]

You instantly took my mind on a journey. Your cinematic unique style is just brilliant, shots are executed so professionally! What a masterpiece guys!

[@Almajhoool.07]

Love ❤ from 🇸🇦

[@ES-ge7bb]

Beautiful place!

[@bernardfutscher1156]

Love your channel. After watching this post last year, I impulsively booked a place in Colorado City for May 2024 just to do this hike and recon the area for additional future fun. Fantastic hike. The weather perfect. Fun, challenging, and breathtakingly beautiful. Boy, I love the sandstone. We passed on doing the arch segment as we had no intention of climbing out on it and by the time we reached White Domes our hiking appetite was largely sated by the overwhelming amount of eye candy to that point. The inner part between Water and Squirrel canyons was phenomenal. The walk out Squirrel was more focused on the down climb and then the sand out of Squirrel at the end was…. Well, was sand. 😂 We clocked in at 10.3 miles.

[@JerryArizona]

It's a great hike. Glad you got to check it out!

[@dixielambrecht7009]

Amazing place and I thoroughly enjoyed your choice of music; it highlights the majesty of the place

[@yairh77]

Stunning !!! reminds me a little bit of White Pocket

[@zimmerfraugudrun]

you did it, thank you so much, it makes me memories. We went back in water canyon. You should have shown this tricky part to climb the steep step up and yes it is a lot of path finding skills necessary. But it is worth it, if i would do it again i would also go back like you. And i will say thumbs up for @ervinslens comment in case of your cinematic style. Absolutly great

[@SherylAZ]

This was spectacular spectacular scenery! Tina's joy & awe radiates when she's in a magical place. TY for sharing your adventures, deeply appreciated 🙏

[@heathday7360]

Still got the reminants of that shiner!! Another great location!! That arch is cool

[@sleepingbirddog5314]

Love the videos, Jerry. Beautiful hike. A like and comment as a sacrifice to the algorithm gods.

[@ErrantHippo]

I seriously love your videos - always excited to see a new one

[@stevewright2241]

Your Shiner looks like it’s getting better. What a great hike. Very beautiful. Some of it reminded me of the wave.

[@JourneyToEarth]

Another beautiful inspiring video, love it. Thank you!

[@django02]

Your videos are one of my favorite things on youtube. Wonderful adventures and fantastic videography. You have a great eye for visual composition that does these gorgeous places justice.

[@Befree-protectyourrightsToday]

Wow, amazing hike. Thank you!

[@MrRarehair]

A feast for the eyes! Thank you for bringing quality content like this to us.

[@MattNowell]

Jerry my friend you've inspired me put this on my Arizona bucket list. Thanks for being you, you're awesome.

[@JerryArizona]

Go for it. Right up your alley. Might have to put the Crocs in sport mode though.

[@marcuswilson5200]

Another awesome video! So beautiful. Love watching you guys.

[@keinnamemann1]

Wow Jerry, from now on I will read every video description of yours! I bet your comedic talent is what saves the marriage after hikes like these :D

[@JerryArizona]

It definitely helps. I've ignored the descriptions until recently, but I'm having fun with them lately.

[@robhebbs7960]

i agree , read it all and enjoyed the description very much.@@JerryArizona

[@robhebbs7960]

i went to white pockets in september via the southern end of rock house road, from route 89a. stayed up at jacobs lake for a week. i love 89a and go there alot but your right , its such a long drive around that dam grand canyon. lol. amazing beautiful country from the north rim , up into southern utah. thanks for sharing that strenuous hike with us , your videos are fantastic.

[@flynorthproductions]

A beautiful area for sure but it takes great camera work and editing to convey it to the viewer. You did a great job. 👍

[@billj5645]

That is some unique scenery- lots of vegatation but not so much that you can't walk through it. And you have a lot of interesting filming in there to show the feel of the place.

[@Desert2snowoffwego]

Jerry, and Tina, thanks again for taking us to a spectacular spot and video taping it in all of it's wonderfully spectacular Beauty! This is why I never miss a posted video from you guys!

[@theresewinter3111]

Beautiful video and place! I can only imagine how beautiful it is real time❤

[@HikingEngineer]

nice! I did this pre goPro and went up Squirrel and down Water, while exploring a bit up on the plateau up top. still up for doing any of this with you! Hopefully you hit up Mollie's Nipple this time ha

[@metzgary8574]

Love love your videos. The music is great.

[@rlands5134fd]

Wow, spectacular hike👌 and nicely captured on video.👍

[@oldboater]

Jerry & Tina thank you for taking me on another amazing hike. I’ve never heard of it before and it was amazing.

[@walkingwithawookie1097]

Carpet on the walls😂👍 That’s a robust hike. Gotta work for the views but you made it look like it’s worth it. Thanks for adding to my never ending “hit list”.

[@JerryArizona]

You'd love it. Absolutely worth it.

[@Love2Wander]

Amazing adventure, beautiful place to hike and explore.

[@charflorida5433]

Absolutely beautiful! Looks like the wave!

[@johnNJ4024]

No way!? I haven't seen orange Hostess cupcakes since highschool. I had no clue they still make them. You learn something new every day!

[@JerryArizona]

Right? This is the correct answer. I always give her a hard time for eating them.

[@findkristinaoutside]

Another great one!

[@JSees]

This is stunning, I want to go there. Thx for sharing, love your videos.

[@eyalofer5015]

Great video. Glad to see you two hiking together. We are big fans.

[@patkincaid8061]

That’s such a gorgeous area!

[@robertterrell3065]

A great video! One more fantastic place in Utah I'd never heard about. Jerry, still got a black eye? Well, I guess you're okay. But usually stopping your head with your face isn't the best way. Anyhow, I love Jerry Arizona (and Tina) videos :)

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! Yes, I do not recommend face planting on rocks. Almost got the face back to normal.

[@michaelyates3424]

Exceptional day hike. Glad Tina is still talking to you and love the new pet name, you've earned it. Thanks again for the great video, I know how hard of work it is to put this videos out week after week.

[@indtexcol]

Gorgeous!!

[@DKELLOWAYKelloway]

What a beautiful hike! You captured it very well. Thanks

[@narwhal004]

I've always known this to be Canaan Mountain and there is a cool backpacking trip where you hike to the top towards Canaan and camp at the top and you can either return or do a through trip.

[@JerryArizona]

I haven't explored much out there, but everything I've seen has been amazing. I'll definitely be back.

[@NorthWashOutdoors]

Great video Jerry.

[@skipandcherieadventures116]

Great scenery…..especially really liked the White Dome area……side note can’t watch the shots of the feet though as the walking as it makes me dizzy. Was a good video overall!

[@salemk.3098]

great video! im looking for non-slippery hiking boots (i have pins, plates and a bone graft in my right ankle), what shoes are you wearing in this video?

[@martinforrester8249]

I love you guys, thankyou for a really fabulous view thru that trail. I'm from England, have travelled extensively throughout the Four Corners area. Although I love Arizona, my favourite is Utah, dramatic and less crowded with some great trails. Sorry guess that won't go down too well with some, but hey.

[@JerryArizona]

I'm always torn between Utah and AZ. Love them both. And a lot of other areas.

[@primarytrainer1]

I don't normally feel afraid of heights, but whenever I see videos or posts of people walking on that arch in particular, it kind of freaks me out

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah, that 1,600ft straight drop was more than enough to keep me from doing it.

[@LiveThatAdventure]

Another beautiful video! We havent hiked to the arch yet. This is one of our all time favorite canyoneering routes.

[@GratefulOverlander]

*hiked

[@JerryArizona]

Watched your video during my research! I need to check out the technical route sometime.

[@steveelliott1160]

Im with Tina. I love lemon cupcakes.

[@JerryArizona]

Don't encourage her!

[@richpalm616]

Stunning!!

[@jennaholzer]

Love your channel! Thank you for showing us these amazing places! We live in Flagstaff and this resource is excellent :) Would you mind sharing what editing software you use? I'm looking to upgrade from our go-pro/iMovie vlog situation ! (Raspberry EXP with Jenna & Pablo)

[@JerryArizona]

I edit on Premiere Pro. There are other good programs out there though. Final Cut Pro and DaVinci come to mind. I think they're fairly similar. It's a STEEP learning curve, but once you get it down you can fly through the edits. I just watched some YT videos to learn though. Never really stopped watching those, actually.

[@WanderingBlock]

Damn, looks stunning! Actually considering making the 5 hr drive out there tomorrow now lol

[@JerryArizona]

Go for it! It's such a beautiful area.

[@moretoliving2236]

I had to look up where this was and here is what I found: #1 google maps takes you to wrong place and some angry reviewers pointed that out so to find it you have to put in the city name and then its right there. From the looks of it, it is like having white pocket, mixed with bits and bobs of the wave and a bit of zion blended in and I zoomed out on google maps and what do you know... it is kinda sorta all in that general horizontal swath. Very cool!.

[@321getoutdoors]

As always, great video. Been watching your videos for years. It is great to see you and Tina in more videos again. Tina adds that more raw, unscripted aspect plus great joking between you 2 (my wife's favorite video is her solo 4-Pass Loop). Live in midwest but daughter did internship in Phoenix and we did Fisher Towers, Buckskin Gulch (we took your camping spot - sorry), Ice lakes and 4-Pass Loop on the way there and back. Amazed how you come up with new places for videos. Looking forward to seeing the both of you in more videos. 1 last things - we have your (Jerry's) luck with the Wave Lottery - no good. What is Tina's secret?

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! (But don't encourage Tina TOO much.) I FINALLY won the online wave lottery after about 5 years of trying, so that bad luck streak is ended. Not sure how Tina has done it twice. I think the in person lottery (now an online app within a geofence 2 days ahead instead of 1) has better odds, but I don't know of any hacks other than persistence.

[@321getoutdoors]

@@JerryArizona Thx for Wave lottery advice -will be trying again sometime. All the best to you and Tina

[@just_kyles8090]

I hiked the lower portions of this area in late October two years ago. I’ve been wanting to go back and overnight it ever since. Almost went for it this year, but I’m hiking Salt Creek at the end of the month instead.

[@JerryArizona]

Enjoy Salt Creek. It's one of our favorites. Water would be a concern on this loop (at the top), but otherwise it would make a great overnight.

[@marysanford7040]

Oh my goodness. Tina you’re a rockstar. Glad your recently rehabilitated heart made it up 2500 ft elevation gain sandy trails. Ugh!!

[@JerryArizona]

She's a trooper, for sure.

[@TylerWangsgard]

Jerry, Water Canyon is an amazing canyoning route too! I’m surprised to see you without your technical gear on this route.

[@JerryArizona]

Tina's decided she doesn't want to be on rope, so this was just a hiking trip. We did see several groups running through the technical route though. Looked pretty amazing.

[@nathannutter3424]

Awesome video! Added it to my list. What camera/s do you use? The quality is really good.

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! This is GoPro 11 or Canon EOSR. Mainly use the Canon (w/ 35mm f1.8) for macro shots. Zoom shots are off my iphone (and stick out like a sore thumb.)

[@anaiszimmermann4830]

Thank you for this video. I attempted the hike back in 2019 when I traveled to the US, but had to turn around as a huge storm was coming and really didn't want to get hit by it in the middle of nowhere. Would you recommend doing the loop (going back through the squirrel canyon trail) or hike out and back white domes through water canyon? I've read people saying the gpx track for the loop (on AllTrail) wasn't very accurate and people getting lost. One way or another, this hike is on my "must do" list for the next time I go to the US!

[@JerryArizona]

I liked the loop we took. I think it was shorter once you're at the domes to go out squirrel canyon. The hike to water canyon arch wasn't fun (although it was beautiful) since it was uphill and mostly in the sand. You can skip that if you're struggling at the domes. Personally, I use Gaia on my iphone instead of Alltrails. It had all these 'trails' marked on maps already, and I just pre-traced a route onto Gaia and followed that. Worked great. There really weren't many cairns or other markers that would keep you on track without the GPS path. The 'road' went most of the way from the Domes to squirrel canyon, but it often went over slick rock and we'd lose it.

[@HikingEngineer]

just did this yesterday and just posted the video -- i hit the beehive too and explored a bit on Canaan Mtn -- you should try the beehive next time! I walked on the arch lol

[@JerryArizona]

I'll have to check that out. I've loved everything I've seen out there (which isn't much.)

[@HikingEngineer]

@@JerryArizona thanks for the sub!

[@BreakOutOfTheAlgorithm]

Another epic adventure with crazy shenanigans and lots of complaining!😂

[@climbnride58]

That once place looks like the Wave.

[@JerryArizona]

Very similar, for sure. I loved the White Domes.

[@JohnPaul-ts8dq]

Beautiful hike. What was your total mileage of the hike?

[@JerryArizona]

Just over 12 miles with 2,600~2,800 ft of elevation gain.

[@blok_a_]

NOICEEEE

[@pokert9401]

At the squirrel trail, did you guys happen to pass by a forest? I tell you, that area gives me the creeps. I am not joking. It was the weirdest feeling that ive ever felt. It gives me ghost bumps everytime i think about it.

[@JerryArizona]

Not that I remember. Strange how some spots can give you the creeps though. It's Valley of Dreams for me.....Not sure I want to go back. Just got strange vibes.

[@asgaardginzsdotir5087]

😅 EXPENDABLE!

[@victoriabenally7651]

Hi, where in Utah is. WATER Canyon located?

[@sonsofthesportsguy]

You should get Tina some rubber tips for the bottom of her trekking poles for when you hike on rock.

[@TinaArizona]

I use the rubber tips for as long as they stay on, but they always fall off eventually.

[@SebastianMoreno82]

jerry, can you camp up there ? by the white domes?

[@JerryArizona]

Almost positive you can. It's BLM land and pretty much wild west out there. Water would be the biggest concern, I would think.

[@PriyaMomma]

11:45 Pat’s wearing an Ironman hat so he’s good. 😂

[@JerryArizona]

The Ironman hat is a key survival tool!

[@dmerth]

After 10 trips to Utah I realized I will never accomplish all I want to do and see.

[@KayentaRojo]

I’ve lived in Southern Utah basically my whole entire life, and even I will never even scratch the surface on everything there is to see in this fantastic state. It’s literally ENDLESS.

[@JerryArizona]

Right? That whole area around Zion has gems like this all over. I'll never get to them all.

[@HikingEngineer]

there is a ton! I've spent about 100 days hiking in southern Utah and still so much to do and see

[@eddiedelisio]

Safe to assume Patrick didn’t end up killing you since the video was edited and uploaded. If it was a live stream it would be a nail biter to find out

[@ThomasDambo]

hey jerry. im planning to build one of my sculptures in each state, maybe we should chat ?

[@JerryArizona]

Interesting. Hit me up on the e mail. But to be perfectly honest, I don't know how that works. Tina and I were just talking about how we don't understand how those troll sculptures get to be left out there. But they're definitely cool and I'm assuming there are legit ways to do it.

[@BobWadeGuitar]

Tina is a beast

[@wandaneuschwander47]

Second comment hey tina i still eat the orange cupcakes so.....now what jerry lol

[@JerryArizona]

You're both strange.....And no, this is not coming from someone who just bought vanilla Zingers....

[@wandaneuschwander47]

@@JerryArizona well Jerry I am thinking you are a vanilla zipper addict in denial but Tina is a nurse so we will do a snack intervention on you Jerry and you will begin to see it our way.......hmmmmm lol. Thank you for the fun she likes unicorns I like flamingos she is a nurse and I was drug counselor , we both use our pointy finger to completely express our inner most feelings and it's simple straight to the point lol.....have a great day and recuperate you are needed in this crappy world!!!!!

[@jitendrakhare9219]

This spot is SOOOOO beautiful that it don't appear to be from our EARTH.....If there is any chances of flash flood in water canyon ??????

[@GShumway132]

They just glossed over staying the night in the old Warren Jeffs house.

[@JerryArizona]

Wow. OK. So THAT'S what it was? Guess they don't exactly put that in the flyer. We couldn't figure out why the hotel looked like a compound, complete with huge walls and very odd interior construction when it came to a hotel. That's pretty creepy.

[@dixielambrecht7009]

No Mexican food this time? You definitely earned it....

[@JerryArizona]

Nah, timing didn't work out. We ended up driving home after.

[@Starfish2145]

12 miles in one day? F no lol

[@JerryArizona]

Guess it all depends on your abilities. Personally, this was a long day for me. I was ready to be done by the end. OK, maybe a couple miles before the end. Some of my buddies wouldn't think twice about it though.

[@Tanfo77]

As usual, the wifey has negative vibe.

[@chipwellington1179]

TLAS. the last alpha standing