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Get Great View Of Las Vegas At Southwest Ridge Park

Author Shawn Tempesta
If you've got half an hour and want a great view of Las Vegas, head to Southwest Ridge Park.

We are so fortunate to live in Southern Nevada. The amazing trails and parks throughout the Las Vegas area offer so much, especially when the blazing heat takes a backseat. I’ve been known to take a hike or two and am getting more and more into it. Yesterday, a trip to Southwest Ridge Park near Mountain’s Edge and Rhodes Ranch offered up something special.

What can you find at Southwest Ridge Park in Las Vegas?

I’ve been doing a lot of fun stuff with my sons (pictured above) after school. Bowling, arcades… it is fun. But when the weather is this perfect, going out to experience what the city has to offer is a no-brainer. The boys were down for a mini hike, and Southwest Ridge Park offered that and more.

Southwest Ridge Park and Trailhead

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The park, just north of Forbuss Elementary at the end of West Wigwam, is a star in its own right. A big lawn perfect for everything from meditation to playing frisbee. The park beneath offers something for kids young and old as well.

Southwest Ridge also borders the Gypsum Ridge Trail Loop. The 4 mile loop offers a steep initial climb of around 400 feet (which can be done with sneakers on) and immediately offers up a breathtaking view of the valley. The Las Vegas Strip lingers in the distance with amazing views of the wilderness south of you as well. For my sons, that initial climb was all they needed (and they loved it). However if you continue on, you’ll get a pretty decent route without much traffic. The initial climb is the worst of it, and from there it’s steady and eventually all downhill from there.

To live within a few minutes of this hike and to have never taken it is a shame. But I know about it now, and you do too.

How can you find hikes that are perfect for your skill level?

Hiking is great for the soul. Getting away from the “noise” and breathing, whether with family, friends or yourself. The AllTrails app is a great resource to figure out what options are out there to lace up and explore. The free version is perfectly acceptable, with a paid version offering up more information (and a tip for the developers that are feeding your curiosity).

Don’t live in Las Vegas and not see everything it has to offer. Get some hiking boots (even cheaper ones at Sketchers), grab some water and hit an easy trail. You might like it.

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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Author Shawn Tempesta
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