New Website Helps You Discover Nevada Hiking Trails

The pandemic had a lot of us heading two places: the comfy confines of our homes and the fresh, open air. Nevada hiking destinations like Red Rock Canyon became inundated with people with a new found love of the outdoors.

While most of us know of the very beaten paths, there are so many other trails to explore! A new website just released by the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will help you discover what's in your own backyard.

NVTrailFinder.com categorizes thousands of miles of trails, and then some, to fulfill the adventure seeker in all of us. Whether you are walking or hiking, mountain biking or dirt biking, driving an ATV, a horse or even a paddleboard. Simply click the category you are looking for, and you'll get an interactive map filled with options that are closer than you might think.

I genuinely had no idea that Mountain's Edge had a trail system in our backyard. Turns out there is! There are surprises throughout our state and the site will help you find each and every one of them.

Plus you'll be able to spot connector trails nearby that you can discover, and then all of a sudden you are Forrest Gump traveling the entire state by foot. From state parks to small town trails and everything in between, this site catalogs it all!

So what are you waiting for? Get yourself a nice pair of hiking boots, enjoy the next several months of not dealing with temperatures north of 100 degrees, and explore what this amazing state has to offer. You might be surprised by what you find nearby!

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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.

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

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