Attractions – Page 2 – On the Loose Live

Tiptoe Through the Toadstools, Kane County, UT

May 29, 2022May 29, 2022livevigorously

If you’re into cool geological formations and/or you have a car full of kids repeatedly inquiring “Are we there yet?”, this quick roadside stop may be your salvation.

Toadstools are spire-like features with boulders on top. They form when softer rock erodes and leaves a column underneath.

These formations are fragile, please don’t touch, climb on, or deface them.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: ~1.5 mile leg stretcher/stroll

Notes: Free, dog-friendly, 100% exposed, scorching in the summer

Getting there: Located off Highway 89, 45 miles east of Kanab and 12 miles west of Big Water.

If you like this sort of thing, you should check out Mexican Hat , Fantasy Canyon, and Cathedral Gorge too.

Happy Trails!

Belly of the Dragon—Quick, Fun Stop for the Kiddos, Near Kanab, UT

April 7, 2022livevigorously

Distance: ~.50 mile

Difficulty: Easy, but watch your footing on the uneven surface in the dark, or use a flashlight or phone to light your way.

A quick stop photo op, the Belly of the Dragon is an old drainage canal originally created to divert water off of highway 89. The sandstone tunnel features cool ripples, making it a fun for the kiddos to explore. If you’re driving by and need a quick leg stretch and the kids are going bonkers, it’s worth a gander. Otherwise, you won’t miss out on much. Unfortunately, graffiti abounds on the sandstone walls.

Getting there: HWY89: 16 miles north of Kanab or 1/2 mile south of Carmel Junction Turn onto the dirt road on the west side and drive a 1/4 a mile to a small parking area on the left.

Exploring Goblin Valley State Park, Emery, UT

March 24, 2022May 7, 2022livevigorously

When you arrive at Goblin Valley State Park, you know you’re in Utah, but you may think you’re on another planet. Goblin Valley’s otherworldly scenery attracts visitors and filmmakers alike. The movie Galaxy Quest was filmed here.

While the small park offers a mere total of 6 miles of hiking, you may find yourself wandering for hours through the dramatic, twisted hoodoos, goblins, and rock mushrooms. The majority of the hoodoos can be encountered in the Valley of Goblins, an open free—range hiking area of 3 sq miles.

Be sure to check out the Goblin’s Lair (a massive cavern/ slot canyon), the Goblette’s Lair, 3 Sisters, and Molly’s Castle.

If you prefer to take in the unusual views by 2 wheels, you can enjoy the 7 miles of Wild Horse Mountain Biking Trail System.

If you like this sort of thing, you should check out Otherworldly Fantasy Canyon, a roadside geological wonderland, and Caves, Caverns, and Catacombs—Oh My! Cathedral Gorge State Park, Panaca, NV.

Moqui Cavern, Kanab, UT: A Quick, Roadside Stop

December 12, 2021December 12, 2021livevigorously

A short stroll from the parking area across Highway 89, the manmade Moki Cavern can be seen from the road. While I’m not usually one for manmade attractions, the Moqui Cavern has a certain appeal (cool views inside and out) with great photo-ops. Definitely worth a quick stop if you’re driving by. These sandstone caves date back to the ’70’s and are the result of sand mining for glass production. If you can look beyond the eyesore of all the recent graffiti, you may find yourself fascinated by the subtle colors and patterns in the sandstone and rewarded by the cave-framed vistas. Go early or late for a chance to have the experience to yourself.

Distance: .A Half Mile RT

Difficulty: Easy, but highly advisable to wear shoes with good traction for the short slip rock traverse where there’s some exposure.

Getting there: From Kanab, the caverns are located 5.7 miles north on Highway 89.

Happy Trails!

Beautiful Bridal Veil Falls, Provo, UT

July 28, 2021July 28, 2021livevigorously

Too many wedding guests, but if you’re up for the scramble to the bride, you’ll lose the crowds.* Since this lovely 607-foot-tall, double cataract waterfall is just off US189 within close reach of a metropolis (SLC), it’s heavily trafficked (overrun). More of an attraction than an excursion, this 1.4 mile stroll is on a paved and dirt path. It is literally a walk in the park with the added scenic bonus of the Provo River running alongside the trail.