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Go Take A Hike, Just Not At Mount Charleston Or You’ll Be Fined

Author Shawn Tempesta
Take a look at this picture, because it's as close as you'll get to Mount Charleston for a bit.

The majestic views, the cooler temperatures, getting in touch with nature. There are so many reasons to hit the road and head up to Mount Charleston to get away from all the stress of the Las Vegas valley. But the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is warning now is not the time, and doing so will have you looking at big fines.

While Tropical Storm Hilary mostly missed the valley, it dropped over 8 inches of rain on the Mount Charleston area. The storm left a thick layer of mud, destroyed roads, downed power lines and more. Now the area is in the process of digging out and rebuilding. With that effort comes a closure of the recreation area while emergency crews and citizens alike rebuild.

Don’t visit Mount Charleston right now, or pay the price

The roads leading up to Mount Charleston, Kyle Canyon Road and Lee Canyon Road, are closed due to significant damage. The area is limited to people who live there and those tasked with helping get things back online. Others have been told to steer clear, but LVMPD has noticed some haven’t taken heed.

https://twitter.com/LVMPD/status/1696598795835019318

“We are seeing hikers, cyclists, and pedestrians along 158 near Deer Creek. The Spring Mountain Area is closed to the public (see map) and the fine is $2000 – $5000,” the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department tweeted on Tuesday. “This area is very dangerous, and those who disregard or do not know about the closure may be injured or killed.”

The Nevada Department Of Transportation has begun the long process of rebuilding the roads leading up to the recreation area. They began with Kyle Canyon Road on Tuesday, working during daylight 7 days a week until the job is done. This won’t be done in a day. Nevada DOT said they hope to finish the job “before winter temperatures set in.”

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and Mount Charleston won’t be fixed in a day.

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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