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Here’s What To Do If You See A Rattlesnake At Red Rock Canyon

Author Shawn Tempesta

Danger noodles. Hissy Pants. Sneks. Whatever you want to call them, if you hear maracas and you don’t see a fiesta, chances are you’re too close to a rattlesnake. Turns out they are out in full force in and around the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center.

The particular type of snake they’ve come across is the “Crotalus stephensi“, a.k.a. the “Panamint Rattlesnake“. The are found in half of Southern Nevada, as well as California. Needless to say, you need to look out for them.

Is the Panamint rattlesnake venomous?

You bet your ass it’s venomous. If you get the fangs and you aren’t treated right away, its venom could cause internal hemorrhaging, paralysis, shock, coma or death. No big deal.

What does it look like?

Like a snake. In particular, it blends in with the desert motif. Brown or gray, tan or reddish. They can be as long as four and a half feet in length, but they are sneaky little sneks and can slither up and strike from a distance.

How do I know it’s a Panamint and not a non-venomous snake?

Only one way to find out and we aren’t about to go figuring it out.

OK, so how do I avoid meeting this slithery “S” at Red Rock Canyon?

Red Rock Canyon suggests keeping your eyes on the ground as much as you do on the scenery around you. The mountains may be gorgeous, but so is the well marked path you plan on staying on. Speaking of, stay on that path. If you can’t see where your foot is going down, you can’t see your impending doom.

What happens if I am face to face with one at Red Rock Canyon?

Stop. Slowly back away. Get at least 10 feet between you. Don’t yell at it. They don’t understand English. They just understand death. So, slowly back away, make some distance, then run like the dickens.

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Shawn Tempesta is the co-host of Aimee+Shawn on 102.7 VGS in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also an Emmy award nominated television host. As a content creator for 102.7 VGS, Shawn writes about current events, education, funny and trending stories.

Kanarra Falls: A Hike Worth The Trip (PHOTOS)

You occasionally hear the saying “the pictures don’t do it justice” in regards to something or somewhere beautiful. Kanarra Falls, just north of St. George, Utah, is one of those places.

It was actually the pictures that drew me to the spot many years ago. This low-to-moderately challenging hike that had stunning views, gorgeous waterfalls and promises to make your boots slightly muddy.

Lets start with booking, because you’ll need to pay $12 to be one of 150 permitted guests to the hike per day. The falls were becoming so well-traveled that the community decided to institute a permitting system. When you take the trip, you’ll greatly appreciate the beauty of the trail being unmarred by countless spectators. It’s quiet, calm and peaceful.

Beginning the hike

I began my journey around 11am. The four-mile round trip hike starts with a “dry mile” or so. Up an incline, down and around until you eventually come across the water you’ve been hearing. While you aren’t in the water for much of this, I considered it the more difficult of the two miles due to the elevation changes. Doable by nearly all, though.

The second mile is the “damp” mile. You’ll be dipping in and out of sometimes ankle-deep water. Eventually you’ll turn a corner and stare down a slot canyon. This is where the fun begins and the jaws drop. You’ll see pictures below, but know that as beautiful as they and the video above are, they do not hold a candle to being there.

Despite it being high-noon, the shadows were plenty in between these towering rocks, water under my feet. As I continued into the mountain, I could hear the distant rumbling of a waterfall. This is the picture I have seen and wanted to experience in person. Around the corner I went and… there it was. Water is incredibly powerful and majestic and seeing it rush past me was awe-inspiring.

The way past the waterfall has gotten an upgrade recently. Formerly a piece of lumber and some metal “steps” with a support rope, the climb is as simple as a step up a metal staircase. If that seems a little too boring, don’t worry. A little further down you’ll pass “the boulder”, which is a quasi-second waterfall. That climb requires stepping on knotty tree trunks to maneuver your way upwards.

Walk a little further and you’ll get to an absolutely stunning amphitheater-like finish point for most. Trees, places to sit down and have yourself a picnic, and all the serenity you could ask for. I planted myself down here for 30 minutes, took pictures (for you to see) and munched on a granola bar, all while taking in the view I had just earned.

There is a second “falls” behind a slot canyon with deeper waters just beyond this point that I didn’t catch but… there’s always next time.

It’s for (mostly) everyone

While I wouldn’t suggest this for younger kids (1st grade or below), it is not a treacherous rapid. It’s the loose or slick rock you may step on that will get you. I had a couple near misses, but mainly due to not paying attention. Otherwise, wow. You’ve got to find a way to see this.

I would gladly take the trip up again this weekend to do it again. If you find yourself with a free day and a sense of adventure, book your required permit and get ready to head west on Interstate 15. It will be one of those experiences you think of fondly for years to come.

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