Hikes – Page 12 – On the Loose Live

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

Mansard Trail, Kanab, UT Scenic hike with great views, rock formations, and petroglyphs!

December 14, 2020December 11, 2021livevigorously

Distance: ~5.2 miles

Elevation gain: 1,311 ft

Difficultly: Easy to moderate depending on your fitness level (1 easy scramble required midway)

I loved this little hike. A feast for the eyes and spirit–the vermillion cliffs, the white rocks, the green pines and Bristlecones, the incredible rock formations along the way, the sweeping views of Kanab and the plateaus of northern Arizona, and the big reward of the magnificent alcove with its amazing petroglyphs. The single-track, switchback trail is red dirt most of the way up and thick, fine sand for the last 1/2 mile – great trail running terrain. If you’re in the Kanab area – it’s an absolute must do! Perhaps you can see why…

Notes: No permits needed. Free parking. The petroglyphs date back to the Anasazi period 0 AD to about 1250 AD and are on the floor of the alcove. Take care not to touch or step on any of the ancient art as oil from your hands or your pets’ paws can destroy the petroglyphs.

Getting there: The trailhead us just 6 miles east of the center of Kanab at 4825-4826 Rock Edge Lane

Happy trails!

Views to the North and South From Padre Canyon, Ivins, UT

November 9, 2020November 12, 2020livevigorously

Distance: 2.9 miles out and back or ~8 miles if you descend down the north side of the canyon and loop through Snow Canyon back to Tuacahn

Elevation gain: ~750

Difficulty: Moderate-depending on fitness level – due to deteriorating / rugged (rocky/sandy/slippery) trail conditions and the climb.

This was my first hike as an official resident of St. George. It’s a good one, rewarding with great views at the “peak” south back the way you came and north into Snow Canyon. For a longer adventure, you can keep going north and then hike your way right until you arrive at the bottom of snow canyon. You will have to walk the paved bike path and the road to get back to the Tuacahn parking lot this way, but you will be immersed in spectacular views the entire time. For a shorter adventure without pavement, you can simply do an out and back as far as your heart desires.

Either way, you can’t wrong. Enjoy!

Directions: The Saddleback / Padre Canyon trailhead is in Ivin’s at the top right of the Tuacahn parking lot to the right.

Notes: Free parking