Local Hikes: Red Cliffs Recreation Area

One of our favorite places to take kids for a quick hike is just 15 minutes north of St. George at Red Cliffs Recreation Area. The hike is more of a walk, but there are plenty of rocks for the kids to scramble up, over and through. The stream that flows out of the little canyon is perfect for kids to play in. We always take the trail that follows the stream up the canyon to the larger pools of water. Our older kids like to use the rope and chiseled foot notches to climb further up stream. The kids often wear swimsuits or clothes to get wet so they can jump in the water (more of a late spring thru mid-fall activity.)

We’ve always used Red Cliffs as a quick get away, but plenty of people use it for camping, as well. There are camp sites with picnic tables; however, the space is limited, and it can be tricky to find a spot in the Spring and Fall. 

To get to Red Cliffs from St. George, take I-15 north to exit 22. At te end of the freeway off-ramp, turn right on Old Highway 91 (frontage road). Travel south 2 miles and turn right after passing the sign for the Red Cliffs Recreation Area. Continue under two freeway tunnels and follow the paved road for 1.3 miles to the campground. 

The exit is the Leeds exit. We know several people who love living in Leeds and the Silver Reef area. Give me a call if you are interested in learning more about the homes in this area.

Chris: 435-313-3963

Visit: www.whystgeorge.com

I Hiked the Narrows! One of Zion National Park's Beautiful Hikes!

Majestic Zion National Park. There is nothing like it. The towering rock walls, the winding Virgin River, the numerous hiking trails make it nearly limitless as a resource for outdoor excursions. I have biked it. I have hiked it. I’ve even floated in the river, and there are still things to do and places to see on my Zion bucket list.

Last week we hiked the Virgin River Narrows.  There are a couple of ways to do it. You can hike down from the top starting at Chamberlain Ranch. If you choose to do this, you are required to obtain a permit. You can get a one day permit (that’s what we did), or you can get a two day permit and camp mid-way at one of the twelve designated camp spots. Either way you have to make arrangements to be dropped off at the top and have someone meet you or leave a car at the bottom.

Hiking from the top, you will get to see the upper Narrows which I loved as much as the Large Narrows down at the bottom. We were pretty isolated the first half of the hike passing only one group until we reached the bottom half of the hike. Very Peaceful.

If you start at the bottom, you do not need a permit. You can hike all the way up to the water falls without a permit. You can veer off to the right and explore Orderville Canyon. Still a beautiful hike.

Things to take:

• A hiking stick. We brought our own telescoping walking sticks. You will cross the river a hundred times and the sticks help balance on slippery rocks. If you hike up from the bottom, there are a bunch of walking sticks at the mouth of the Narrows that people use and return. Not so if you start at the top.
• Good Shoes. I’ve heard different opinions on the best shoes to wear. I wore hiking shoes that weren’t water proof. I really liked these because of their ankle support and toe protection. Another person on our hike wore water proof hiking boots. These were great until the water was over the tops of her boots, then she found herself sloshing in water that couldn’t get out of her boots. Some people hike in Keens, I actually tried these for a bit and then went back to my shoes with more ankle support. Whatever you use, make sure they are close-toed. There’s a lot of rock stubbing.
• Ziploc Bags. Double bag everything you don’t want wet. The deepest water we had to go through was thigh deep but that all depends on the time of year, and there are no guarantees that you won’t step in a hole or slip and go down.
• Water. It’s a long hike. We took a gallon of water each and drank it.
• No Cell Phone.  It doesn’t work in the canyon.
• Hat. Not much sun gets to the canyon floor but when it did, I appreciated having a visor.
• Light Jacket. We only used them in the morning up by Chamberlain’s Ranch but were glad we had them.

Of course, things will vary depending on the time of year that you hike. We were mid-July. Check out Zion National Park website for an exhaustive list of warnings and instructions.

Go and enjoy the beauty of Zion. It truly is a wonder and for those of us that are locals…don’t take it for granted. Be grateful for the wonder that is in our backyard.

Contact me if you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Southern Utah. I’d love to help you find the perfect place.

Chris: 435-313-3966

Or

Visit: www.whystgeorge.com

Have you REALLY done Pine Valley?

Pine Valley Mountain over St. George Utah (source wikipedia)

Anyone who has spent much time in St. George, Utah knows at least a little bit about Pine Valley and the Pine Valley Mountains that are the northern backdrop of St. George. It is one of the places that we desert rats find respite from the hot, summer heat.  It is one of those places that we desert rats go in the winter to remind ourselves what that white stuff that falls from the sky in the winter feels like. If we are one of the lucky desert rats, it is the place that we purchase our cabin (or second home) and enjoy the peace and beauty of the green meadows and mountains.

You may have attended or at least toured the old, pioneer Pine Valley church. You may have camped with the scouts or fished in the lake. You may have even gone tubing up on the west side of the lake. But…Have you hiked the mountain? Have you hiked to the highest peak in the Pine Valley Mountains? Signal Peak is the highest peak and is recognized as a strenuous hike. It is not a walk for wimps, but the view from the top is incredible. As I was researching some of the details of this hike, I read a couple of opinions that the Forsyth Trail actually offered better views. I can’t say for sure from personal experience, but Signal Peak would be tough to beat.  

(source hikeradventures.com)

I wonder if with all the other great outdoor hikes around the St. George area if Pine Valley hikes are sometimes overlooked. Take some time to discover the beautiful, less busy hiking areas around Pine Valley. Just remember to choose your hikes wisely—like I said, some of them are not for the wimpy.

Here are some great links with details that I found:

Detailed instructions on how to get to Signal Peak-- http://www.utah.com/hike/signal-peak-from-pine-valley-trail

A little more history, detail and pictures-- http://www.summitpost.org/signal-peak/152966

Forsyth Trail option-- http://southernutahhiker.com/Pinevalley.html

We, of course, have loved staying in cabins in Pine Valley and have helped sellers and buyers find their slice of heaven. We would love to help you!

Call Chris at 435-313-2966

Or

Visit www.whystgeorge.com

HAPPY HIKING!!!

Kanarraville Falls

Embracing outdoor life is key to fully appreciating the wonder that is Southern Utah. Life in St. George, Utah includes access to scenic hiking trails, miles of running and biking trails, camping locations, National Parks, and of course, golf.

Kanarraville Falls is one of the hikes in Southern Utah that shouldn’t be missed. Just 30 miles north of St. George not too far off of I-15, you can find this hidden slot canyon that is a perfect hike for kids and adults alike. 

We hiked at a fairly leisurely pace, went all the way up to the second waterfall (mind you these are 14 foot waterfalls, not 40 foot waterfalls), allowed the kids quite a bit of time to play in the water and were back down to the car in 3.5 hours.

Wear hiking shoes that can get wet. We had people in tennis shoes or sturdy water shoes. Don’t wear flimsy sandals or flip flops. Take water to drink.

Finding the trail isn’t hard. Exit I-15 at the “New Harmony/Kanarraville” exit. It is close to mile marker 41. Follow the road signs to Kanarraville—about a 5 minute drive east of the freeway. In the middle of town there is a small sign that points to Kanarraville Falls parking. The parking lot is three blocks off the main road. Parking cost $10, so plan to pay or follow the posted instructions to free parking back down by the main road. There is no cost to hike the trail. You start on a dirt road and eventually move onto trails. Keep following the creek up the little canyon to experience the beauty.

This is just one of the many great reasons that the Chris Jones Real Estate Team enjoys living and selling real estate in St. George. There is always an adventure to be found right outside of our homes. We can help find the home for you. Contact us at:

www.whystgeorge.com

or

call (435) 313-3966

Other links for Kanarraville Falls

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g143057-d3404982-r168124001-Kanarra_Creek-Zion_National_Park_Utah.html

http://www.utah.com/hike/kanarra-creek-canyon-trail