Hikes – Page 12 – On the Loose Live

Cable Mountain, East Zion NP— Easy Hike With A Big View Reward

April 6, 2021April 29, 2024livevigorously

Difficulty: Easy—“walk in the park”, perfect trail running terrain, very gradual incline

Length: ~8 roundtrip

Elevation: 1,155 ft

Take a walk on the East side of Zion for fewer humans and similar vistas. There are a couple of different trails to Cable Mountain. I opted for the Stave Spring Trailhead route this time. It’s a pleasant hike on smooth, foot friendly terrain through a recently burned ponderosa forest that yields big views and historic remnant rewards at the turnaround point. (Not much to see along the way.)

Highlights: Vertigo inducing views of Angel’s Landing, Observation Point, and of the water below winding its way to the North fork of the Virgin river. You’ll also find remnants of the Cable Mountain Draw Works. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the structure was an aerial tramway used to move lumber and timber off Cable Mountain and down to Zion Canyon from 1901 to 1927.

The view through what’s left of the aerial tramway

Takeaway: You get a similar view payoff as Angels’ Landing (and a view of Angels’ Landing) without the big incline, crowds, and the life-risking part…

Getting there: East Zion, go through the park tunnel and follow the signs for Zion Ponderosa Resort. Make a left onto the dirt road that goes by the Resort and follow the signs for Cable Mountain.

Note: Dirt road and trail conditions will vary with rain or snow. It is doable by car, but beware: There’s a huge dip right before the trailhead parking, so proceed with caution (if your vehicle has the mojo) and /or park just prior.

Hiker tip: (Hardcore hikers might find this hike a bit too easy and a bit too bland, except for views at the turnaround point. Great for casual / beginner hikers who want to challenge their distance.) There are options to add mileage and elevation gain for those who are looking for more than a “walk in the park,” including other connector hikes from this trailhead. More on these later…

Yowza! Yant Flat! Leeds, UT

March 21, 2021March 23, 2021livevigorously

Also known as Candy Cliffs, this rocky wonderland is more than sweet- it requires a default to the overused superlative “EPIC” with an added “for sure”!

Only the first mile is a sandy trail, the rest is create your own adventure (at your own risk) across all types of fascinating colored and textured rock topography. Some steep, slippery sections… If you’re lucky, you might find the one crevasse that will take you down to the wash that you barely see in the distance way down below. Or like me, you may choose the wrong route and end up at a dead end, which could turn into a dead end in more ways than 1.

Length: 2-infinity miles

Getting there (4-wheel drive with clearance recommended): Cottonwood Springs Road in St. George to FR903

Notes: Would not attempt the drive or hike in the rain

For similar views at a slightly smaller scale and without the need for a 4-wheel drive, check out the Snow Canyon Overlook Trail

So close and yet so far to the wash below – the point of my return this time

Ravishing (but overrun) Red Reef, Hurricane, UT

March 14, 2021June 17, 2022livevigorously

Short and splendid, this incredibly scenic area features a waterfall, a creek, a slot canyon, a cave, a mini-rock / rope climb, cliffs to scale—oh, my! So much is the span of a short out and back trail (2 miles total). It’s like a mini-Zion. The bad news is that it has the crowds to match. (Sigh.) (Reality pic is the last one in the slide show.) Thankfully everyone is respecting the natural beauty and leaving no trace. The good news is that solitude it just an upcliff scramble or mini-rope rock climb away…

My friend, Robin, easily managing the moki steps in the pics below – looks more treacherous than it is.

Beyond the Moki steps, you’ll find more scrambling “opportunities” and more great views.

Getting there: Exit 22 towards UT-228 N, right on old highway 91 to the Red Cliffs National Conservation area

Fee: $5

Heavenly Hell Hole, Ivins, UT

January 29, 2021May 26, 2021livevigorously

Distance: ~3.4 Miles

Difficulty: Easy, but rocky terrain in wash (lower trail), sandy terrain (upper trail)

Magnificent red mountain views, panoramic vistas, and the possibility of waterfalls await. After a recent rain or snow, if the timing is right, and you’re lucky, you just might sight one of the rare and wonderful waterfalls.

You can take the lower wash trail and navigate a continuous rock field or you can take the sandy upper trail above the wash. For variety, take 1 out and the other back. Once you’re on top of the ridge, stop and listen for the sound of water, look carefully and closely at the dark veins running down the red cliffs. Watch for movement and light reflecting.

Continue hiking to very back of the canyon for some bouldering and scrambling fun. Be safe!

Notes: Exposed hike, best enjoyed in Winter, Spring, Fall

Getting there: Park along 779 Taviawk Dr, Ivins, UT

Molly’s Nipple: Short, Steep, Slick & Sweet, Hurricane, UT

January 3, 2021January 4, 2021livevigorously

Elevation gain: 1,231 ft

Miles: 1.63 miles

Difficulty: Moderate + due to steepness and fickle footing

This suburban quickie is worth a scramble for the views and the workout. I didn’t catch it on a clear day, but the panoramic views were still quite expansive. The trail climbs steeply up out of the growing subdivision. I recommend hiking boots – the more traction the better as it’s all loose rocks and sand that rolls like marbles under foot. Not recommended in the rain, unless you want to take a slide down the slippery slope. There’s a cool wash area at the bottom and further up the road, there are some interesting caves to explore…

As John Maxwell says, and those who know me, know I agree wholeheartedly, “Everything worthwhile is uphill, EVERYTHING.” So get some good incline in today!

If you’re in the area, stop for coffee, breakfast, lunch or dinner at https://riverrockroasters.com/. One of my local top picks! You won’t be disappointed. Check out the views from there.

Truth in advertising, the subdivision is a bit of an eyesore. (Sigh.)

Getting there: 1-15 N and UT-9E/W State Street to S700 W Airport Road to South 675 W