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.

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.

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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You'll never forget your first.

The Las Vegas Aces won game 4 in the WNBA Finals on Sunday night in Connecticut, taking with them the WNBA Championship and Las Vegas' very first major league sports title. With the honor, comes the party! A short parade followed by a massive party in front of the Bellagio fountains.

Fans were rushing from (or playing hooky from) work to make it in time for the event, flocking to the area mostly from the Caesars Palace parking lot. In front of Caesars, a staging area for the parade with Raiderettes, classic cars, members of the Boys & Girls Club and Broadway In The Hood gearing up to take the route. Then, a horn was blasting out of nowhere. Travelling north on Las Vegas Boulevard, a chartered bus with the Las Vegas Aces was barreling down the street! The parade was coming soon!

Aces staff went up and down the parade route handing out signs, pom-poms, rally towels and more.

At 5:30 sharp, the parade began. Down the street came community members holding "CHAMPS" in balloon lettering. Motorcycle cops and the Nevada State Police's "Aces" cruisers, local community organizations and more.

Then, the "Big Bus" double-decker buses rolled through. A'ja Wilson, like Rose in Titanic planted at the front of the first bus with the WNBA Championship in her hand and a grin you couldn't wipe off if you tried. Aces owner Mark Davis standing close by, almost undetectable wearing a hat. Finals MVP Chelsea Gray holding her MVP trophy precariously off the side of the bus.

They headed towards the stage in front of the Bellagio with thousands in attendance awaiting them. So many that they actually closed the other side of Las Vegas Boulevard - something officials weren't expecting to do.

The famed Las Vegas Strip, playground to tourists from around the world, was for one rare moment taken over by locals. Local organizations, local fans, our local team. It was a special day! Congrats Aces! Here's to next year!

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