Adventure: Providence Canyon State Park

Providence Canyon is one of those hidden gems that you are so grateful to stumble upon. This state park is better known as the "Little Grand Canyon", and when you go you can see why. Providence Canyon was not formed naturally like the Grand Canyon, but instead was caused by farmers in the 1800's. Although the erosion and destruction of the land was a mistake, the formation of the canyons and colors in the soil makes for a beautiful adventure.

When you come to the state park, you will be asked to pay a parking fee that is only $5. You are able to pay at the entrance booth or feel free to pay at the visitor center. Once at the visitor center, you will be greeted by shady trees, picnic tables and clean restrooms. Be sure to take advantage of all of the amenities before you get started on your hike. Also, sometimes there are walking sticks for you to borrow for your hike that are at the beginning of the trail.

Understanding The Trails

Understanding how the trail works before you begin hiking, will save you the time and frustration of not being able to see what you want to see. In fact, if you are not paying attention you can very easily miss the opportunity to see the beauty of this area. 

The hiking trail begins at the visitors center, but eventually it will split into three different ways. We recommend using the trail map for quick reference. On this trail map, you will see three different colored trails. After you begin the trail at the visitors center, you will come to a small creek where you can either make a left, go straight or make a right. Going in any of these directions will drastically impact your views and experience at the park.

                                               

If you turn left (highly recommend)... you will follow the sandy trail and stream that will lead you to the bottom of the canyons floor. Be prepared to see stunning variations of soil colors, and cave like cut outs within the canyons. The first path (from the stream) that you come to, will allow you to see the canyons 4-5. Continuing the main path from the stream, will lead you to canyons 6-9 and also to a turning around point. Be sure to not climb the canyons and be mindful that it will be wet and sandy (nothing too dramatic). This route is only about a mile round trip, and rated easy and for any hiker. If you have small children, we recommend letting them explore this area, but a hiking backpack would be nice to bring along.

If you go straight (highly recommend)... you will begin the Canyon Loop Trail. This trail is about 2.5 miles round trip and loops right back to the visitors center. You have the opportunity to hop on this trail, right after visiting the canyons from the previous section of the trail. Be sure to make a left to go up the hill if you have just visited the canyons. Canyon Loop Trail has a few areas that can be steep, but this trail has been rated easy to moderate. Along the trail, you will find many areas for shade and rest, as well as many overlook areas that give you the best views of the Canyon. The best time of year to get the best view of the canyons, would be in the winter or early spring... just before the leaves crowd your view. You will also will find a few pieces of history along the trail...like old abandoned antique cars. This loop trail will take you past picnic tables and even playground areas for the kids. We highly recommend using a hiking backpack if you have small children.

If you go right (for the more serious hikers)... you have just began the Backcountry Trail. This trail is 7 miles long, and it is suggested to give yourself at least 6 hours to complete. There is even a sign that forewarns you that you are about to embark on the more rugged and difficult trail. Backcountry Trail follows most of the creek bed, allows views of the canyons and eventually leads you back to the visitors center.

A Few Tidbits

- Bring a picnic lunch with you. We had the best time sitting under the shady trees, enjoying a nice PB&J when we were finished.

-This is the perfect trail to try out those baby hiking backpacks. Click here to see the one we have. We love it because it grows with them, and is so easy to wash off.

-Be sure to check out the old chapel that also belongs to the state park.

-There is pioneer backpacking available. Click here for more information.

-Dogs are allowed at the park, but must be on a leash. Keep in mind that they may get a little messy from visiting the canyon floor.

-Stay tuned for events hosted at the park, such as astronomy nights and various group hiking opportunities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some events and visitor hours will vary.

-The park has remained open during COVID-19, and the staff has increased cleaning in common areas. Be sure to keep a safe distance and sanitize.