Orderville: History and Canyon Hikes

Orderville connects the history of the United Order with the Daughters of Utah Pioneer Museum and canyon outings that vary in duration and difficulty. If you’re looking for a hotel in Orderville, you can first decide whether local history or a hike lasting several hours will shape your stay. The museum’s seasonal opening information and the approximate hiking time are specific points to consider when planning.

United Order History

Orderville was founded in 1875 under the leadership of President Brigham Young as a United Order settlement and operated under that order of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The United Order in Orderville was notable for its success and longevity. The founding year, leadership, and operation are all part of the same local history, while its success and longevity describe the order’s particular historical significance.

Museum and Settler History

The Daughters of Utah Pioneer Museum preserves the distinctive history of Orderville’s Mormon settlers and is located on Box Canyon Road in Orderville. Its focus on settlers complements the story of the United Order: one subject concerns the settlement’s founding and operation, while the other recalls its settlers. The museum is listed as open seasonally from May through September; check current visiting arrangements before your visit.

Hiking and Canyon Experiences

Near Orderville Gulch, steep cliffs rise high above the trail and gorge. The out-and-back hike from the upstream Orderville Gulch Trailhead usually takes about four to six hours. Orderville Canyon, by contrast, is geared toward experienced visitors: the trip involves route-finding, swimming, and short rappels. The canyon is a tributary that joins The Narrows about two miles into the hike. For Orderville Gulch, the approximate round-trip hiking time provides a time frame; for Orderville Canyon, the activities specified for experienced visitors are what matter.

Regional Orientation and Nature

Travelers heading north along the eastern boundary of Zion National Park can reach the Orderville Canyon WSA. As a regional road reference, State Route 9 runs west for about 20 miles from Mount Carmel to Zion National Park. A specific location can also be identified geologically: the Muddy Creek Area in Kane County is designated as a site where septarian nodules are found. If you plan to visit the site or are considering collecting, check current access and collecting rules beforehand.

Events in Kane County

The Kane County Fairgrounds are the main venue for the annual Kane County Fair, a tradition dating back to 1948. If the fair is a deciding factor in your travel plans, check the dates for that year’s event.

Discover more destinations: Big Water, Kanab, Duck Creek Village.

For the broader travel guide: Kane County.