The Moquith Mountain Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is located about four miles west of Kanab.  Comprising 14,830 acres, Moquith Mountain is a study in opposites.  It’s western edge is open sand dunes dotted with islands of vegetation.  It’s eastern edge is a series of deep canyons where  ponderosa pine, pinyon and juniper thrive from the rims to the floors of the canyon.  In alcoves on the sides of these canyons, you can find hanging gardens and the sites of lost civilizations.  In the spring-fed upper reaches of these canyons, you find a stunning array of plant life such as cottonwood, cliff rose, oaks and maples.  Going on to the top of the mountain, you enter a forest of ponderosa pine, pinyon, juniper, sagebrush, manzanita and oak.  The presence of springs providing fresh water make this a haven for wildlife.  Many species can be seen here, including mountain lion, mule deer, fox, coyote, cooper’s hawk and rock squirrel.  OHV use is permitted only on designated roads or on  the open dunes. 

Traveling to the northwest you come upon the Parunuweap WSA.  This 30,800 acre expanse of public land offers stunning canyon vistas and a unique hiking opportunity.  By following the East Fork of the Virgin River, you can hike over ten miles through the canyons into the east side of Zion National Park.  Bear in mind to check with the park concerning fees.  Also, the Park currently maintains a research area immediately downstream of the WSA that is closed to backcountry use.  The northern half of Parunuweap is heavily wooded with pinyon and juniper with a jeep trail leading down into the canyon.  This route should only be taken by people experienced in driving on rough mountain roads.  The southern half of the area is a mixture of sagebrush, grasses, pinon and juniper.  The main landmarks in the southern portion are Harris Mountain and Elephant Butte.  Again, springs and plant life concentrate animals in the area.  Mule deer are common, and with the mule deer come predatory mountain lions.  Many kinds of hawks, eagles and other birds can also be seen in the area.  Beware, however, since rattlesnakes are also common here.

As you go north along the eastern boundary of Zion National Park, you will come to the Orderville Canyon WSA and, a bit farther north, the North Fork of the Virgin River  WSA.  Both border Zion National Park and cover 1,750 and 1,040 acres respectively.  Orderville Canyon offers an excellent wilderness experience with plant and animal life similar to Moquith Mountain WSA.  The North Fork is heavily wooded with 21 percent of the WSA covered in Pinyon-juniper, ponderosa pine, fir and maple.  Hanging gardens of maiden hair fern, pink-flowered shooting star and scarlet monkey flower can be found under rock overhangs along the river.