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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…

Shawn Tempesta at Kanarra Falls
Shawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

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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Scenes From The Las Vegas Aces Parade (PICTURES)

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!

Listen to Aimee+Shawn weekday mornings from 6-10 on 102.7 VGS

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Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-24.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-25.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-26.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-27.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-28.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-29.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-31.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-30.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-32.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-7.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-34.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-22.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-23.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-4.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-3.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-21.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-20.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-19.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-18.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-17.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-16.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-15.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-14.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-13.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-12.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-11.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-10.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-9.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-8.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-6.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-5.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces Victory Parade

Aces-Parade-33.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Kanarra Falls Parking Lot

Kanarra-Falls-1.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Heading towards the Kanarra Falls Permit Station

Kanarra-Falls-2.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Kanarra Falls Permit Station

Kanarra-Falls-52.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Kanarra Falls can sell out

Kanarra-Falls-53.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

The Initial climb

Kanarra-Falls-3.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

The initial views

Kanarra-Falls-4.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Last "pit stop"

Kanarra-Falls-5.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Stop and smell the flowers

Kanarra-Falls-6.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Seriously, appreciate them!

Kanarra-Falls-51.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Ooh! Water!

Kanarra-Falls-7.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Lizard!

Kanarra-Falls-8.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

We are getting closer

Kanarra-Falls-9.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

The Creek is gorgeous

Kanarra-Falls-10.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

It's not Disney

Kanarra-Falls-11.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Seriously...

Kanarra-Falls-13.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

You're halfway there...

Kanarra-Falls-12.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

This corner right here...

Kanarra-Falls-14.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Let's get wet

Kanarra-Falls-15.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Peaceful, and a little slick

Kanarra-Falls-16.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

What a rush

Kanarra-Falls-17.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

High noon

Kanarra-Falls-18.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Those rocks can be a little slick

Kanarra-Falls-19.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Take the path of least resistance

Kanarra-Falls-20.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Look all around you...

Kanarra-Falls-21.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Follow the signs...

Kanarra-Falls-22.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Do Not Make Side Trails

Kanarra-Falls-48.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Rushing past your feet

Kanarra-Falls-23.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Oh, Hey!

Kanarra-Falls-24.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

The "trail" is the water

Kanarra-Falls-31.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Make sure you...

Kanarra-Falls-32.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

...Look Up

Kanarra-Falls-25.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

A little challenge

Kanarra-Falls-26.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Follow the bend of the creek

Kanarra-Falls-27.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Beautiful...

Kanarra-Falls-29.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

OK Google, play the sound of a brook

Kanarra-Falls-30.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

The walls are closing in

Kanarra-Falls-33.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Sandstone is stunning

Kanarra-Falls-34.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

What's that sound?

Kanarra-Falls-35.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

If you don't mind getting wet...

Kanarra-Falls-36.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

A view from above

Kanarra-Falls-37.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

"The Boulder"

Kanarra-Falls-38.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Water rushing past "The Boulder"

Kanarra-Falls-47.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Your way up...

Kanarra-Falls-46.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

TIMBER!

Kanarra-Falls-39.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Ah, relax

Kanarra-Falls-40.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

The tightest squeeze

Kanarra-Falls-41.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Water rushes...

Kanarra-Falls-42.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

The views are gorgeous...

Kanarra-Falls-43.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

Take a seat...

Kanarra-Falls-44.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

One last waterfall...

Kanarra-Falls-45.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas

It's time to head back...

Kanarra-Falls-50.jpgShawn Tempesta via BMG Las Vegas
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.