Hidden Gem: Yant Flat (Candy Cliffs)
Striking sandstone formations with vibrant red, orange, and white striped patterns resembling candy, located in the Virgin River Basin near St George, Utah. Also known as Candy Cliffs, Yant Flat features breathtaking domes, cliffs, and canyons formed by sandstone layers pushed up by underlying volcanic rocks.
Unique geological formations created by iron oxide deposits and erosion over millions of years, offering exceptional photography opportunities and quiet exploration away from crowds. No permit required (unlike The Wave in Arizona). Minimal crowds — typically only a couple of people in the area. Located in the Red Cliffs Conservation Area at the edge of the Colorado Plateau, across the southern slopes of the Pine Valley Mountains.
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 to reach the trailhead. High clearance vehicle recommended due to deep sand sections.
Know Before You Go
- 📵 Cell service: Expect limited or no signal. Download offline maps before you leave the trailhead.
- 🗺️ Access varies seasonally: Trail and road conditions shift with weather and snow. Verify current status with the local ranger district before you go.
- 📅 Last verified: Information current as of May 2026. Conditions change — always double-check locally before heading out.
Packing Checklist
- ☐ Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes
- ☐ 1-2L water (no refill sources)
- ☐ Trail snacks / energy bars
- ☐ Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- ☐ First aid kit basics
- ☐ Map or downloaded trail (no cell service expected)
- ☐ Layers — mountain weather changes fast
Source: https://greaterzion.com/hidden-gem-yant-flat/, https://theramblingraccoon.com/yant-flat/
What
Striking sandstone formations with vibrant red, orange, and white striped patterns resembling candy, located in the Virgin River Basin near St George, Utah. Also known as Candy Cliffs, Yant Flat features breathtaking domes, cliffs, and canyons formed by sandstone layers pushed up by underlying volcanic rocks.
Why
Unique geological formations created by iron oxide deposits and erosion over millions of years, offering exceptional photography opportunities and quiet exploration away from crowds. No permit required (unlike The Wave in Arizona). Minimal crowds - typically only a couple of people in the area. Located in the Red Cliffs Conservation Area at the edge of the Colorado Plateau, across the southern slopes of the Pine Valley Mountains.
How To Get There
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 to reach the trailhead. High clearance vehicle recommended due to deep sand sections.
Trail Details
- Distance: Approximately 3.4 miles (loop or out-and-back depending on exploration)
- Elevation gain: ~282 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate (due to deep sand)
- Time: 1–1.5 hours to complete core hike, plus exploration time
- Best visited: Golden hour for magical lighting and photography
- Season: Spring, Fall (avoid summer extreme heat)
- Water: No water sources on trail - bring minimum 3 liters per person
- Shade: None - exposed terrain
Gear Recommendations
- Hiking Shoes: Essential for deep sand sections and sandstone scrambling - trail hiking shoes
- Water: Minimum 3 liters per person - hydration bottle
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Camera: Outstanding photographic opportunities with colorful sandstone formations
- Layered Clothing: Temperature can vary significantly
Map & Directions
For an interactive map and additional trail information, visit the Greater Zion trails website: https://trails.greaterzion.com/trails/yant-flat
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