Southern Utah - March '22
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The Approach
This trip was a long time coming. We originally planned it for March, 2020 as a get together + dadchelor trip for me. That's right - March 2020 - right when the world was waking up to what COVID would bring. Trip postponed for two years. Cue the boo birds.
Needless to say, after having been locked up for two years, we were fiending to get at it!
Southern, UT was the perfect choice - hiking, golf, outdoors, plenty of room to explore and to get out of civilization.
Getting In
Hurricane, UT was our home base. Yes, Hurricane, UT. I know you have questions.
Where the heck is Hurricane, UT? It's 30 minutes from St. George, UT.
Why in the heck did you pick this place? Stay tuned.
Does Utah really get hurricanes? Never.
Most of us flew into Las Vegas. I flew Southwest from Austin, which never disappoints. The drive from LAS to Hurricane is just over 2 hours, so a rental car is a must. Three of us formed up in LAS, grabbed the rental car, and met another guy at Letty's on Main in the Arts District.
I have to admit, it was strange being in Vegas and not on The Strip surrounded by flashing lights, scantily clad women, and drunkards falling over themselves. But, my wallet and liver thanked me.
Back to the trip. Letty's was the perfect jumping off point. The four of us housed traditional tacos. Margaritas? Definitely (except for me since I was the designated driver).
Being a guy, I didn't take any pics, but hey, that's what Instagram is for:
Lodging
There were 8 total guys on this trip. We wanted to hang outdoors as much as possible. So, we needed a place where we could sprawl out.
We booked the Cliff Dwellers Retreat - a 5-star gem - through VRBO. It delivered. A sign of a good abode is the initial reaction when people enter. As the gang filtered in there were plenty of grown men acting like kids and running around the house calling dibs on beds.
With 5 bedrooms and 8 beds, we all slept comfortably. No doubling up on beds or getting stuck with the guy that chainsaw snores.
There was a huge patio, and we made this the centerpiece of the trip. One guy drove from Denver and brought his cornhole set. After a 2-year hiatus, we were all rusty. Once the beers started flowing, we found our groove, the trash talk started, and we started dropping wagers on games. I'm up $25.
It was March Madness, and the living room was a good setup to watch the games. We all could sit comfortably and scream at our team. C'mon Illini.
The best thing about this place - it's remoteness. We had mountains behind us. We had distant neighbors. It was nice and private.
Here's the view from the driveway. Ahhh, room to breathe.
And our own private mountains in the back (note - these are not the house's mountains, it just feels like it. Don't climb the mountains).
Other amenities:
Pool & Hot Tub - with a high of 80 and low 40, these definitely got used
Firepit - perfect for recapping the day and cracking open a few beers
Ping Pong Table - booze + testosterone + ping ping is a great mix
The basics:
Bedrooms / Beds - 5 / 11
Bathrooms - 5
Hosts - great and responsive
Cost: $1330/night, including taxes and fees. Divided by 8 people, it's not too shabby.
Day 1 - Kanarra Falls
We were on a mission to hike, and our Utah buddy organized an excursion to Kanarra Falls.
It was about 40 minutes from our lodge, so we grabbed a quick breakfast at the house, geared up, and headed out.
This was the first slot canyon hike for many of us. You cannot ask for more scenery. Maybe the best part of this hike was being in the slot canyon and navigating Kanarra Creek that flows through it. It gives you just enough sense of adventure, but there's no technical climbing in this.
Throughout the hike you're treated to waterfalls and amazing red rocks. At just under an easy four miles, you'll get your steps in, but you won't be doubled over gasping for breath. It's the ultimate day hike.
These pictures do not do this hike justice, but I'll try anyway.
Obligatory trailhead pic and a reminder you'll need a permit to hike.
One of the first things that came to mind was the movie 127 Hours. Fear not. There were no boulders that we saw. While the pics may show the canyon claustrophobic, there was plenty of room.
Kanarra Basics
Cost: There is a $12/person permit fee. You can buy tickets at the Town of Kanarraville's site
Difficulty: Medium. Some steep climbs and ladders. If you're in reasonable shape, this should be no sweat (well maybe a little)
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Length: 3.8 miles
Useful to Know: Kanarra Creek runs through the canyon that you will 100% step in. Waterproof boots will make your hike that much better. We were here in March, so there was snow. Don't be the person that wears flip-flops on this hike.
We headed back to Hurricane. You may have guessed by now, but Hurricane isn't know for it's thriving culinary scene. But we did find El Jinete, a solid, authentic Mexican joint. It's standard Mexican grub here - tacos, burritos, rice dishes. It's so legit they don't even have an Instagram handle!
Spanish word of the day: el jinete translates to the horseman in English.
The rest of the night was tame. Cornhole, beers, NCAA March Madness, pool, hot tub, and gossip catching up. Let's face it we were a group of 40+ married men and we're in Hurricane, UT.
Plus, the adrenaline of the trip made our eyes larger than our drinking stomachs, and we way over purchased booze during our stock up trip to Costco.
Day 2 - We Sort of Conquer Zion National Park
Zion
There is a reason Zion is the 3rd most visited national park. It's simply amazing.
Driving toward the park you start catching the hiking buzz. Backpackers, families, adventurers all geared up and from all over the world were waking up and making their way to the park.
We opted to park a bit outside Zion and make the 15 minute walk. Third most visited park = no parking inside. There's also a convenient shuttle system that takes you all over the park as well.
Visiting Zion with its vast canyons and hikes and geographical formations, you see exactly why national parks were created 100 years ago. It's immense and amazing. With over 90 miles of hiking, this could have been a week long excursion.
West Rim Trail & 🕱🕱🕱 Angels Landing 🕱🕱🕱
Did those skull emojis get your attention?
The most popular hike here is the (in)famous Angels Landing. We'll get to that. First, we had to "warm up" with the West Rim Trail.
West Rim Trail Quick Facts
The West Rim Trail starts at the Grotto Picnic Area. The Zion shuttle service will take you right there. There's a bathroom and water fill station. Use them both. You won't see either for a while. If you don't your, hike will not be an enjoyable one. Bring water. It's an absolute must.
You'll cross a bridge over the Virgin River. Your hike has begun. Everyone is full of energy and excitement.
The WRT to Angel Falls is 2.4 miles of pure elevation in Refrigerator Canyon. Soon enough, you'll hit the aptly named Walter's Wiggles, a series of switchbacks that will snake you up the cliff. You will be hiking with hundreds, if not thousands of people.
Elevation increase + no shade = sweat. I consider myself a fit person, but even I had to stop a few times and catch my breath. Just keep pushing. It's worth it. Where else will you find views like this?
After 2.4 miles, you'll hit a trailmarker for Angels Landing. Decision time!
Here is where it gets interesting. You can choose to continue on the WRT, turn back, or attempt.... dum dum dum... that's dramatic music... Angels Landing.
Angels Landing is the most popular trail here. Much of the trail consists of a narrow path, like three feet narrow. You'll be guiding yourself via chain most of the way. Why chains? If you forgot you only have three feet of path, you'll be treated to a straight drop.
Depending on your source, at least 15 people have gone over the edge in the last 15 years. So, if you're afraid of heights, this may not be the best hike for you. That said, there were hundreds of people on this hike of all athletic ability. Only you can decide.
The first part of the hike is fun. You scramble up some rocks with the aid of a chain. This isn't so bad! Expect traffic jams as people going up collide with the descenders.
Then we came into view of the spine. Four grown men simultaneously said, "Hello no."
Four guys with nine kids among us meant our risk tolerance just wasn't having it today. We opted to hang out on a small landing and people watch. What a view though.
Kayenta Trail
We descended back down Angels Landing and WRT. A quick trip back to the Grotto facilities to reload on water, and we were feeling good. Another hike? Why not?
The Kayenta Trail was a cake walk. It's a nice moderate 2-miler that hugs the Virgin River and leads to the Emerald Pools.
It was the perfect way to squeeze in one last hike before heading out.
More picturesque mountains and water
Zion Basics
Zion is immense, yet crowded. Make the most of your time here.
The Road Less Traveled
Zion - The Narrows
This is the other famous hike at Zion. You essentially hike through the North Fork of the Virgin River that flows through an impressive slot canyon. There are different flavors of this hike, each with its own difficulty. Expect to wade through water most of this hike, sometimes up to your chest, and waders are available for rent at the park. When I return to Zion, this is what I'm doing.
Golf - Copper Rock
While we explored Zion, half of the crew golfed at Copper Rock. It's right across the street from our VRBO, so you can't beat the convenience. The guys came back with all positive reviews.
Instagram with the save (again):
My Plane Reading
With two kids, I have about 3 minutes of free time a day. When I travel, I always bring a book to keep up with my reading.
A friend recommended this book to me - Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History.
If you like American or Western or Native American history, it's an absolute must read. The author paints a vivid story of the final American frontier - Texas. On the other side of that frontier were the Comanches, the most feared and powerful tribe in America. The book weaves the history of Texas, America, and the Comanches into a Pulitzer Prize-winning story.
Odds & Ends
This was one of the first Texas Country songs I heard. Most people that hear "country" think Garth Brooks or Luke Bryan. Texas Country is raw and anti-Nashville pop country.
CCR was one of the best. They sing a lot about Oklahoma. They sound more rock than twangy country. Their fans loved them.
They broke up for a various reasons. Their lead singer, Cody Canada, is still touring with another band. But, man do I wish these guys were still making music.
I was the only one from Texas, so naturally I'm the only one that knew anything about Texas/Red Dirt Country. I introduced the fellas to this classic. It's safe to say there are now seven more Texas Country converts in this world.
Long live CCR!
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