There is no trail. At least not that I can find. I downloaded a GPS track of the hike to Canaan peak, and the first thing I noticed is the track crisscrosses each other fairly often. I didn't think much about it at the time but indicated someone not following an organized path. The second thing I noticed is the course overlayed an ATV ride at a high meadow. Now I'm all for gaining elevation on the back of my quad, so I planned on hiking the ridgeline to Canaan peak via the high meadow junction.
Camped on the east side of UT-12 about 2 miles up road #148 among tall Ponderosa pine trees which dot my campsite and so far there has only been one vehicle pass by since I set up camp last night. Road #148 is an excellent forest road, probably one of the best I've driven on, which I am incredibly grateful for pulling a trailer. I found the campsite via freecampsites.net, and I would recommend the site as a stopover between Escalante and Bryce or spend a couple of days as I'm doing.
Campsite on Forest Road #148, Powell Point in background.
Road #146 to Canaan peak is just north of my campsite on the road #148. I drive my ATV the short distance on UT-12 pavement. It's chilly this morning, but I'm glad I didn't bring my jacket. Even with the wind, I can tell it is warming up fast.
Road #148 is also in excellent condition as I make good time towards the high meadow. Cattle are free-ranging, but so far, they haven't posed a problem. The ride up the mountainside is beautiful and exciting as I travel through the twists and turns. I spot the summit trailhead located in a small meadow. Ample room for camping and someone has taken the time to place a rock border near the trailhead.
Meadow for camping and trailhead (picture left) including a trail marker and white border rocks.
My route takes me further east and around the hillside's northern face before connecting with additional trails to reach the high meadow. Before I put on my pack, I walk through the trees hoping to pick up the path. This mountain country is a cow country, so many trails exist, but I couldn't identify one as a hiker trail.
Thick foliage
I pick up my pack and start my ascent. Canaan peak is an elongated rise culminating in a stunning red rock formation at the southern face. The short but steep incline to arrive at the northern edge of the ridgeline is brutal. There is a constant back and forth without a trail, cutting around the endless supply of deadwood littering the forest floor.
Powell Point and badlands called “The Blues”
The upper ridge offers wide spacing between trees and less deadwood, making the approach easier. Approaching the western face, I am mesmerized by the view that opens before me. Powell Point is ablaze in the morning sun, and the badlands which extend south from the point, known as "The Blues," can be seen in all their various shades of muted greens, grays, and blues.
Near the summit, trail view south
Canaan peak is a rounding hill of broken limestone before cascading into hoodoos of pink, whites, and yellows.
Tip of Canaan Peak
I spend a considerable amount of time on this stunning summit. One person has dominated the summit log by recording over 30 peak summits. It is quite an accomplishment if one enjoys climbing the same peak over and over. For me, I will be looking for distant mountains to climb.
Summit view southwest
Summit view southeast
CalTopo map of routes taken around Powell Point and Canaan Peak can be found here.