Yant Flat — the Candy Cliffs — delivers remote, striped Navajo Sandstone domes and expansive views of Zion without the crowds. This moderate 4-mile outing rewards photographers and hikers with dramatic color and quiet exploration; plan for route-finding and heat management.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off a dusty two-track and the world tilts into color: bands of pink, orange and cream ripple across low domes while the wind pulls grains from the slopes like an impatient artist. At Yant Flat — widely called the Candy Cliffs — the sandstone seems to breathe, each dome and rib revealing layers of ancient dunes turned to stone. Zion’s jagged ridgelines stand at the horizon, a steady counterpoint to the rounded, striped forms at your feet.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5–7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for hikers with moderate fitness — able to handle 4+ miles, uneven terrain, and some low-angle scrambling.
Wildlife
History
The exposed Navajo Sandstone records ancient Saharan-like dune fields; local settlement history ties to 19th-century Mormon pioneers and ranching in Washington County.
Conservation
Stay on durable surfaces when possible and pack out all waste—fragile colored layers erode easily and human impact accelerates change.
Reserve your spot on the Candy Cliffs in Saint George Utah today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring ample water
Carry at least 2–3 liters per person — there is no reliable water on the route and summer heat is intense.
Start at first light
Early starts reduce heat exposure and provide the best side light for photographing the sandstone ribs.
Prepare for route-finding
Trailheads and paths are faint; download offline maps or use GPS waypoints and note major landmarks before you go.
Footwear for slickrock
Choose sturdy hiking shoes with sticky rubber and expect sections of smooth sandstone and loose sand.
2–3 L water reservoir or bottles
Hydration is critical; bring more water than you think you'll need in hot months.
summer
Sturdy hiking shoes with sticky rubber
Provides traction on slickrock and protection on uneven surfaces.
Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
Open sandstone offers little shade—protect skin and eyes from prolonged sun exposure.
summer
Camera with polarizer and extra batteries
Polarizer cuts glare on rock; extra power needed for extended photography sessions.