When you think of off-roading in southern Utah, you probably think of Moab and its numerous challenging trails. However, off-roading doesn’t need to involve navigating grueling obstacles and trying to see if your rig can scale sheer cliff faces.
Sometimes it means just going off the beaten path and exploring some new trail. This is what we aim to do with our Southern Utah trail rides. We like mixing up the trails to ensure that avid off-roaders get a taste of both challenging trails and the more scenic ones.
If you’re looking for somewhere to go on a scenic drive over the weekend or on a free afternoon, the North Rim trails have you covered. These are trails that lead to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. They are easily accessible from Utah and give visitors an alternative view of the canyon. The North Rim receives fewer visitors than its southern counterpart which makes it ideal for those looking to enjoy the amazing scenery without the crowds.
Gunsight Point 4X4 Trail
There are plenty of hidden gems on your way from Kanab to the North Rim. One of these is Gunsight Point. This is a spot that’s quietly tucked away in the desert in the Arizona Strip. It’s a protruded and elevated lookout point that gives amazing views of the canyon below. From Gunsight Point, you can see the confluence of two major drainage points of the Grand Canyon – Snake Gulch which will be on your left, and Kanab Creek to your right. From the high vantage point, you can also see Horseshoe Canyon.
The scenery from Gunsight Point is simply breathtaking. You would think that the desert would seem desolate but that’s not the case. Depending on when you visit, you may find the wildflowers in full bloom, adding color to the landscape. The deep red buttes of the canyon walls contrast beautifully with the green of the creeks as they wind towards the Grand Canyon.
Gunsight Point is a great location to relax, have a picnic, or camp out immersed in the solitude and beauty of the desert.
Gunsight Point Trip Preparation
Any 4 Wheel drive vehicle with adequate clearance should get you to Gunsight Point with minimal hassle in dry weather. To ensure your rig is fit for the trip, stop at the Dixie 4 Wheel Drive auto shop in St. George, choose from one of our 4×4 vehicle build packages and we’ll spruce up your ride in no time.
Remember you’ll be going into the desert so be prepared. This is a remote area so it’s advisable to download a trail map from our online store. You can upload this to any GPS tracking device to ensure you always know where you are.
Additionally, ensure you pack enough sunscreen, water, and food for your trip. Make the trip with friends or in a group and if that’s not possible, make sure you let someone know where you’re going.
