Lower Temps Have Las Vegas Area Hiking Trails Reopening

Sure, you could try Las Vegas area hiking trails during the summer at your own peril. The temperatures are hot, the climate is dry, and it is just an all around difficult time. But there are some hikes that are so dangerous to do during the hot summer months that they are shut down.

Thankfully the mercury has been dropping and with that, so too will the bans on hiking several trails in the area.

On May 15th, the Lake Mead National Recreation Area put the kibosh on hiking certain trails due to the extreme heat (if they only knew how extreme the heat would be this summer).

Now, the following hiking trails and areas are set to reopen come Tuesday, October 1st. We've linked the AllTrails to all that we can find to get an idea of their difficulty and review from other hikers.

The Gold Strike Hot Springs trail in particular is one that I've been wanting to do for a while so I have to prepare all of my excuses to use between October 1st and May 15th to avoid actually doing it. Truly, the trail looks outstanding.

If you haven't tried Las Vegas area hiking, you are truly missing out. Listen, I am kind of a schlub. But there is nothing better than lacing up your hiking boots with some water and snacks, maybe some hiking poles, and getting into some good trouble.

In and around the valley have so many incredible sights to see, and while some are for the more adventurous, others are relatively easy and offer incredible views, deafening silence and are just a joy to do.

So now that the temperatures have dropped, maybe it is time to dip your toe in.

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

Follow the station on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok!

Follow Aimee+Shawn on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok!