To accomplish one of your “bucket list” items is a
noteworthy event. To do three in one week on the same trip is a bit of a
miracle. That happened to me this week.
Kanarra Creek Trail – commonly referred to as Kanarraville
Falls – is a very rewarding hike that takes you up a canyon just east of the
town of Kanarraville, UT. This is a water hike and cannot be completed without
getting wet. The trail crosses Kanarra Creek many times and eventually enters a
slot canyon where you have no choice but to enter the 3-8 inches of water so
you can see the falls. The trail is lush with trees, plants, reeds – lots of
green. Not really suitable for small children unless you plan to carry them a
lot of the way. And there were plenty of people who did just that. Beautiful
hike – definitely a great place to get out of the St George heat in the summer
time!
We attempted this previously, but the vehicle we were
driving was not prepared for the exciting little climb. Experienced 4x4 drivers
would laugh at that report, but for our rear-wheel-drive van, the courage
needed to finish this challenge was more than it could muster.
This time around, we were better prepared. Toquerville Falls
is an oasis in the desert that is best found by truck, SUV, or ATV. The road is
rough, but well worth the trip. The
views are spectacular on the drive, and the waterfalls are beautiful and great
to play in. The area is clean and great for families. There is no hike
required. You can drive right to the falls, but the road is ‘extremely rough’
(words from our brochure). Because of the popularity of the location, a good
number of people make the necessary arrangements. It took us two attempts over
the course of a couple years.
You won’t be sorry you made the trip!
I’m not sure I was mentally prepared for this hike. Though Angels
Landing doesn’t make the cut for the TOP 5 OVERNIGHT BACKPACKING TRAILS IN UTAH,
it is one of the most majestic treks of my life. The hike is a mere 5 miles
round trip, but the rating is “Strenuous; steep with exposure to long drop-offs.”
And that’s no lie.
There's no view more dramatic than what you
see from 1,400-feet up, while hanging onto a chain bolted into a cliff.
Angels Landing is one of the world's most renowned hikes and is an unforgettable short adventure hike worthy of all bucket lists. The views of Zion Canyon's 270 million-year-old rock layers will time travel you back to the Triassic period when this section of the Colorado Plateau was a flat basin at sea level. The literature reports that anyone in an average physical condition can make this heavenward trek, but it’s a good workout and can be mentally challenging as well with its steep switchbacks and sheer drop-offs. Endurance is key. Thankfully, there are chains bolted into the cliff to provide secure handholds. People who have a severe fear of heights should not attempt the final stretch but can enjoy the trail all the way to Scout Lookout.
Now this is a five-mile round trip with an elevation change
of 1,488 feet, so the trail is steep…at times very steep. Part way up, we met a
man descending the trail in a wheelchair. His friends had made the necessary
arrangements to make this possible, and he had the guts to do it. Amazing. For
a first timer, I thought we were almost there, but the most challenging feat
was yet to come during the final ascent. I was grateful for Emily’s help and
patience. She walked ahead of us and waited periodically for us to catch up. On
the Hogsback, she made sure I was safe and didn’t fall. It was much better with
her help.
The trail begins across the river from the Grotto Picnic
Area. It travels over pretty level terrain until you hit the switchbacks that
take you up to Refrigerator Canyon.
Refrigerator Canyon is always shady and cool, with a
comfortable breeze that can enchant hikers in the sweltering heat of daytime.
Walter's Wiggles is a series of 21 switchbacks that quickly
rises to the top of the ridge at Scout Lookout. From here you can preview the
last half mile of the hike and is a common turn around point for those who
consider it too difficult.
From Scout Lookout, you cross the Saddle and then climb the
ridiculously steep and narrow Hogsback, using the chains that are bolted into
the stone to keep from sliding over the edge of the cliff.
Once you've conquered the Hogsback, you are ready to mount
the Angels Landing Summit. Hardy trees have made their homes clinging to the
steep slopes of the Landing, offering shelter to birds, foraging chipmunks, and
exhausted hikers.
As I climbed, I thought how much this experience is like
life. We all journey along trying to follow the path as we proceed. At times,
you think it is too much to handle. Exhaustion, fear, endurance, and grit are
all part of the experience. I was glad I didn’t do it alone. Encouragement,
help, and patience were valuable and welcome guests. I tried to remember how
helpful these gestures were and reciprocate in kind when my turn was at hand.
But when the going got really rough, the chain was my focus and the companion
that I needed in that moment. As long as I held fast to the chain, I was safe.
Especially with drop-offs of more than a thousand feet on
both sides of me, holding fast to the chain was comforting, wise, and safe. I
couldn’t help but think of Lehi’s dream and the similarities between this
experience and his description of our trek through life. I was living it. And so
are you.
We are encouraged to hold fast to the iron rod, keep on the
straight and narrow, and push forward amid dangerous and difficult
circumstances. Continually holding fast to the rod of iron and enduring to the
end is our security amid the dangers and difficulties of life.
Nevertheless, Lehi forewarns us that even some who made it
to the tree and partook of the fruit failed to continue holding fast to the
word of God. He explains it this way:
28 And after they had tasted of the
fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they
fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.
The 8th chapter of 1 Nephi tells us much more
about the circumstances surrounding Lehi’s dream and the events that happened
then. But we also see the fulfillment of his dream in our day and in our lives.
He talks about those who did press their way forward, continually holding fast
to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the
fruit of the tree and remained faithful.
“And he did exhort them then with
all the feeling of a tender parent that they would hearken to his words.”
Who of us haven’t felt these very same sentiments for our
children? We all have. Amid tough times and difficult circumstances, we hold
fast to our faith in Jesus Christ, because we know that all things work
together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according
to his purpose. Yet with that said, some of my life’s choicest opportunities
came in the form of great challenges.
A strenuous hike and a chain fastened to the stone taught me
that lesson even more clearly.
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