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It's no secret that summers in Southern Utah are hot. Knowing the best spots to escape the heat is essential to survival and Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon is one of those spots. Located in the small town of Veyo, just 20 minutes from St. George, in a lush green canyon is one of the most unique swimming pools you will ever visit. Surrounded by towering jagged basalt rock and a shady stream filled with catch and release crawdads, Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon is the perfect summer destination with your family. And did I mention that the canyon is typically 12-15 degrees cooler than the temps in Saint George!?! The natural spring pool stays at a comfortable 87 degrees and is emptied and refilled every evening with fresh new water from the natural spring on the property. There are fun surprises placed in the sides of the pool like a 2 dollar bill, a bat skeleton, a baby turtle and many more surprises covered in acrylic and hidden for little divers to find. HOURS & PRICE Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon is open in the summer from Memoria Day weekend through the end of September Monday-Sunday 9am - 8pm Canyon Access Pass 14 and Older - $9.50 Children under 14 - $7.50 Children under 2 - Free The Canyon Access Pass includes use of the pool and crawdad canyon for the full day. CAMPING There are 30 beautiful campsites perfectly situated right along the lush, shady stream in Crawdad Canyon. Campsites range from $25-$35 a night for up to 4 people. When I camped here with my family we especially loved listening to the stream rushing alongside our tent and hearing the sounds of the canyon come alive at night. It was magical. There also sites available for large groups. All campers are required to buy a Canyon access pass for each day camping. ONSITE GRILL Guest are allowed to bring food with them for the day, but one of our favorite things is having lunch or dinner served poolside. The Veyo Phand dipped corn dogs are so freakin good! ROCK CLIMBING If you are into rock climbing, then you won't want to miss the 250 bolted climbing routes in the canyon that range from 5.6 to 5.13. The all-day Rock Climbing pass is $8.50 and does not include gear. CRAWDAD CANYON When we weren't swimming in the pool and eating at the yummy onsite grill we were exploring along the stream, catching crawdads, and imagining we were in a J.R. Tolkien novel. The beauty and uniqueness of this lush, shady canyon is seriously unmatched anywhere else in the Saint George area. HOW TO CATCH A CRAWDAD It's not hard to catch a Crawdad if you know how to do it. For a while I just thought you had to be super fast but turns out if you bring hotdogs and put them on a stick, the crawdads will come to you. All you need is a string, and a paper clip or clothespin to tie on to the line and a stick. You also need a net and a bucket. Attach the hotdog, stick it in the water, and patiently wait for them to come. The crawdads are very shy and immediately hide when they hear you coming, so it is best to put the hotdog in a spot that looks like a good hiding place. Once the crawdad attaches to the hotdog slowly pull them out of the water, swoop them up with a net and plop them in the bucket. The stream is catch and release, so when you are done, make sure to put them all back where you found them. VEYO PIES No visit to Veyo is complete without making a stop at Veyo Pies. Located along the main road and right around the corner from the pool, Veyo Pies is world-famous for their pies. Yes, they are that good. Our favorites are the banana cream pie, the sour cream lemon, and coconut cream......if you can’t tell we like cream pies....haha. If you are there during lunch, you also need to try their chicken pot pie and brisket sandwich.

The Watchman Trail in Zion National Park is often overlooked for more popular trails like Angels Landing or The Narrows, but it shouldn't. This trail is absolutely stunning with epic Zion views and a prime view of the iconic Watchman Mountain. With with a mild 456 ft elevation gain this family-friendly trail is a must for Zion enthusiasts and new visitors alike. Length 3.3 miles round trip. This is an out and back trail. Difficulty This is a moderate, family friendly hike with a mild 456 ft elevation gain. Beware though; this trail is exceptionally hot in the heat of the summer. Location The trail begins at the Zion Visitor Center. Walk on the road toward Route 9 until you see the trailhead signage which is on the north side, on the Virgin River’s east bank. Click Here For Map Trail Details The Watchman Trail starts at the Visitor Center. The beginning of the trail hugs the river then takes you into the hills. For a mile or so, the trail is moderately strenuous, looping and heading uphill around the valley. Soon you can look down on the canyon from atop a layer of cliffs. Desert greenery surrounds you. Trees and a few hardy shrubs provide a small bit of shade along the way. Prickly pear cactus is everywhere. Be careful! Don’t touch them. Heading west again, you reach a delightful view of the canyon with the Visitor Center below, Springdale off in the distance, and Watchman Peak in the south. This is a terrific place to stop and have lunch if it isn’t too hot. You can always take the short loop trail with even more views off to the south. After taking in the sights on the loop, you head down back to the main canyon. Scroll through for tips and additional information. Good to Know Use the restroom and water bottle fill station at the visitor center. There is no bathroom on the trail. Tips and Additional Info This is a great hike to do in the winter, spring, and fall. In the summer you want to make sure that you go first thing in the morning or later in the day since there is very little shade on this trail. Originally, the trail was intended to go to the peak of the Watchman spire, but because of difficulties, it has never been completed beyond the viewpoint loop. This is a great trail to take if lines for the shuttle are too long in the spring and fall (not in the summer because of the heat), and you are ready to do some hiking. If you are camping at either of the campgrounds in Zion, you should definitely wake up early and hike this trail. It is very easy to get to from the campgrounds, and this is a great hike early morning hike. This is not a paved trail, but it is well maintained. Bring good hiking shoes, water, snacks, and sunscreen. Happy Hiking, Arika

Spending time in the outdoors is one of my favorite ways to connect and spend time with my kiddos. Outdoor adventures give me life, so naturally, I want to share that love with my kiddos, and there are so many great benefits of getting kids outside and in nature. After my recent solo canyoneering adventure with Nathan of All Ways Adventure, I decided I needed to plan an adventure with my kids, so I reached out to Nathan again to see what we could put together for a family activity. We tried canyoneering with my girls, Lucy and Willow, a few years ago. It was such a fun family adventure, but canyoneering with kids is a very involved activity, and even though my girls had fun and it was a great experience for them, there were lots of tears. I really wanted to give canyoneering another go, but I was nervous it would be a little too much stress. I explained my concerns to Nathan, and he suggested we keep it simple, but still fun, and do an evening of rappelling close to home. I loved that idea! Nathan knew of a beautiful area in Red Cliffs Reserve that had some very beginner rappells along with a more advanced rappell, perfect for getting my kiddos to push through their fears. My four-year-old Phoenix was so cute to watch. He was scared and stumbled on the rocks going down a few times, but he did it. I was so proud of him! My seven-year-old Willow did amazing. She even conquered the more advanced rappel. She is by far my most adventurous kid. My 10-year old Lucy, likes to stay in her comfort zone. She did great on the beginner rappels and loved rappelling, but we couldn't get her to push through her fears on the more advanced rappel, which is totally ok. All kids are different with different comfort levels. It will just take her more time to get comfortable enought to push through those fears......but I know she can do it. Our evening of rappelling was a perfect stress-free way to get my kids outdoors and trying something new. They were able to push the limits of their comfort level, and feel proud of themselves. There are so many great family-friendly activities to check out while visiting Zion/Southern Utah, and canyoneering/rappeling should be at the top of your list. I had our guide Nathan, with All Ways Adventure, answer all the questions that parents might have before booking an adventure for their family. QUESTIONs & ANSWERS IS CANYONEERING A FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITY? Definitely! Family Canyoneering trips are our most popular type of trip. Our trips are private and are tailored to your family’s unique needs. The only prerequisite is desire. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CANYONEERING AND RAPPELLING? Good question. Rappelling is the skill of descending a cliff with the use of a rope. Canyoneering is the sport of navigating a slot canyon. Many skills are involved in Canyoneering, including rappelling, stemming, scrambling, sliding, squeezing, wading, swimming, and more. I think of it as an adventure hike with ropes. IS RAPPELLING WITH KIDS SAFE? Absolutely! Canyoneering and rappelling can be safe for anyone. As long as the proper skills and equipment are used. All Ways Adventure does not skimp on equipment and never compromises on safety. ARE THERE ANY AGE REQUIREMENTS? Not really. We have worked with kids as young as 3. However, we recommend 5 and up. All Ways Adventure believes in getting kids outside early and often. WHAT IF SOMEONE IN THE FAMILY (PARENTOR KID) IS SCARED OF HEIGHTS? Join the club. It is normal to be afraid of heights, and our guides are totally used to addressing this challenge. You may not walk away cured, but you’ll have an opportunity to face your fears under the watchful eye of a highly trained guide. A few tears are a common stepping stone from kids and adults alike. Our guides are used to this and are always willing to do a tandem rappel. SHOULD FAMILIES DO A FULL DAY OR HALF-DAY ADVENTURE? You know your kids better than we do. Our trips require around 3-8 hours of concentration, depending on the trip length. We ask you to consider a recent outing with your child and how long you have before naptime/meltdown. If you want to go for the full day but are uncertain about whether your kids can handle it, consider one of our multi-sport trip options. Breaking up the day by going back to the climate-controlled car, having lunch, or a change in activity can be an effective way to reset the timer on a wilting kid (or adult!). WHAT DO YOU DO TO HELP FIRST-TIME RAPPELLERS TO GET PAST THEIR FEARS? Typically, education goes a long way. Our guides are experts at mitigating risk. We use top of the line equipment that is specifically designed for rappelling. Our ropes literally hold 5,000lbs. In addition to quality gear we practice the industry’s most stringent safety standards. With the use of a 2 rope system everyone is able to rappel on their own and the guide can override at any point along the way if needed. WHAT IF THEY'RE NOT SCARED, AND WANT TO GO BIG? No problem! Our family trips are not watered-down versions of our regular trips and we are happy to go all out. As we’ve said before, we tailor the trip to you. We acknowledge that traveling with kids is expensive, and they don’t contribute much money to the family vacation fund. We believe that our trips are so crucial to the development of a confident, capable child that we offer a 10% family discount to help parents prioritize this once in a lifetime opportunity. WHAT IF SOMEONE THINKS THEY CAN'T DO RAPPELLING/CANYONEERING? First off, it’s called CANyoneering, not CAN’Tyoneering. All jokes aside, we believe anyone willing can experience the vertical world. And we are serious. If you believe your challenges will be new for us (and we’ve seen a lot – old and young, “height-a-phobia,” amputees, joint replacements, organ transplants, language barriers, and other unique scenarios), just let us know. We’d be happy to prepare for your curveballs. With the support of our guides at All Ways Adventure, we have watched many amazingly resilient people overcome challenges. That’s what keeps us (and you!) coming back – those proud, smiling faces. I find that kids rely on the emotions of their parents to know how to act. If Mom or Dad is scared, certainly the kids will be, too. Fake it ‘till you make it here. Chances are you’ll arrive at the bottom of a big rappel wishing it was longer. DO YOU OFFER ANYTHING FOR FAMILIES THAT ARE LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE BUT DON'T HAVE THE DESIRE TO TRY RAPPELLING/CANYONEERING? No problem. We offer rope less adventures too. We can share our favorite off the beaten path hikes. Or we can go off-roading into the Zion area wilderness in search of remote native rock art, dinosaur tracks, slot canyons, rock arches, sand dunes, hoodoos, spires, 360 views and more. Make sure to reach out to Nathan with All Ways Adventure if you are planning a trip to Zion/Southern Utah. You won't regret it!!! Happy Adventuring, Arika

The southwest is known for its beautiful, rippling, red rock slot canyons. Standing inside one of these stunning canyons makes you feel like you are standing inside an intricately carved sculpture. It is magical and awe-inspiring. Many slot canyons in and around Zion National Park are easily accessible with a little bit of hiking, but there are many more that aren't. To explore the ones that aren't requires just a little extra adventure with canyoneering. Other than the fact that I love the outdoors and I really like hiking, I'm a pretty regular girl without much in the way of special outdoor skills. That is why I love canyoneering! Canyoneering is one of those unique outdoor activities where you don't need much skill (if you go with a guide), but you feel like a true legit hardcore adventurer. All you really need is a little bit of courage. For canyoneering you do need special equipment and a lot of knowledge about tying knots and all the safety precautions to stay safe. I don't have any of that knowledge or equipment, so when I decided that I needed an adventure day, I reached out to Nathan with All Ways Adventure to guide me for a fun filled day of canyoneering. Nathan is the guide that we used on our family canyoneering adventure a few years ago, and since then, he has started his own business. Nathan has been guiding for many years in the Zion area and is so knowledgeable and great with kids. He knows all the best off the beaten path spots to explore. Since I had such a great time with Nathan on our first canyoneering adventure, it was a no brainer to use him again. I love that he started his own business! Getting to go canyoneering on my own was such a different experience than the first time I went. I loved canyoneering with my kiddos but, I gotta say that canyoneering with just adults it a little more adventurous and dare I say........a lot more fun. The day was just what I had hoped for and then some. I felt like a true adventurer as we started out trudging through the snow and bushwacking our way down to the first rappel. Given that these canyons require rappelling, the trails aren't as trafficked as most trails that I usually hike. I don't normally do backcountry hiking, so I loved that the whole thing felt very off the beaten path, which always ups the adventure level in my book. As I have only rappelled one other time, it took a minute to get used to the feeling of being suspended in air and trusting that I was completely safe. Once I got that down, I felt very little fear. Mostly it was just fun and made me feel like a total badass. I should add that I am not a daredevil at all. Not even close. Nathan is really good at walking you through all the safety precautions, and I felt very safe the whole time. The canyon that we did had six or seven rappels that ranged from super long to pretty short. We even got to rappel down a frozen waterfall. That was pretty cool! I asked Nathan a few questions about canyoneering and rappelling for those of you who are new to this fun outdoor adventure activity. What is the difference between canyoneering and rappelling? Rappelling is the skill of descending a cliff with the use of a rope. Canyoneering is the sport of navigating a slot canyon. Many skills are involved in canyoneering, including rappelling, stemming, scrambling, sliding, squeezing, wading, swimming, and more. I think of it as an adventure hike with ropes. Things to know about rappelling/canyoneering I have guided and still guide many sports, Canyoneering is by far my favorite. Most anyone can do it, the only prerequisite is the desire, and the canyons have a way of bringing out the curious youngster in you no matter your age. I have seen success in children as old as three and as young as 80. Is it safe for kids/families? Absolutely! Canyoneering and rappelling can be safe for anyone as long as the proper skills and equipment are used. All Ways Adventure does not skimp on equipment and never compromises on safety. When is the best time to go? Slot canyons are formed by water, and often there are pools. So, the warmer temps of Spring, Summer, and Fall are best though canyoneering is possible year-round. Should I hire a guide? Vacation time is limited and valuable. Hiring a guide is the best way to maximize your time. Additionally, whether you have experience or not a guide can help you go further, see more and do it with confidence. Make sure to reach out to Nathan with All Ways Adventure to book an out of this world adventure that you won't forget. He is amazing at working with all adventure levels and tailors the adventure to just what you are looking for. Happy Adventuring, Arika

Toadstools, mushrooms, hoodoos whatever you want to call them is ok with me! This beautiful hike, located conveniently in between Kanab and Lake Powell, is a must do next time you are driving along HWY 89. The Toadstools is a fun and easy hike with kids. The famous hoodoo/toadstool like formations have plenty of areas to run, play, and explore. This hike is the perfect way to get out some serious energy next time you are on your way to Lake Powell with kids. My kiddos absolutely loved this hike.......and that is coming from kids who don't love to hike.....haha! We did this hike for the first time in March and then again 3 weeks later because it was so much fun. Running from toadstool to toadstool and playing hide and go seek kept my kiddos entertained for hours. This is a hike that I had seen advertised a lot and had I known how easy and kid friendly the hike was I know I would have taken my kiddos much sooner. LENGTH 1.5 miles round trip with very little elevation gain. All the exploring will most likely add another half mile.....but whos counting when you are running from toadstool to toadstool.....haha! Depending on how long you explore at the end this hike can easily be done in under an hour. DIFFICULTY This trail has very little elevation gain and is ideal for younger kids or elderly hikers. LOCATION Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument 45 miles east of Kanab on HWY 89 and 12 miles west of Big Water. Click here for map & directions GPS Coordinates(37.101310, -111.873169) WHEN TO GO We have only done this hike in February/March and it was a great time to go. I think the only time I would not recommend this hike is in the middle of summer from June-August......too hot!!!!! There is no shade or water to play in so the heat would be brutal. If you go in the summer months go at sunrise or sunset. TRAIL DETAILS Located right along highway 89, there is a decent sized parking lot and a well-marked trailhead. You will follow the trail all the way back to an open area of Toadstools and rock formations. Take plenty of time to climb, play and explore this vast open area and then continue on to the west for even more toadstools and some jaw-dropping views of the Paria River Valley. Make sure not to miss the 2nd section. We did the first time we went. It's hard to believe there is even more goodness! Return the way you came. click here to check out my post | 10 reasons kanab, ut should be your next family vacation GOOD TO KNOW There are no water fill stations or bathrooms in the area. TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO Best to go in the spring, fall, or winter due to no shade. With time for plenty of exploring both times we did this hike we spent around 1-2 hours. This is a great hike to check out if you are visiting Kanab, Lake Powell or driving along HWY 89. There are no fees to do this hike.....yay!!! Wear shoes with traction good for climbing on the rocks. As always bring plenty of snacks, sunscreen, and water. This is a dog-friendly trail.....yay!!! Practice Leave No Trace principals. Do not mark on the rocks and pack it out!!! Always practice Leave No Trace principals and leave the places you visit the way you found them. Better yet, bring a clean-up bag with you and leave it BETTER than you found it! Another great family-friendly hike if you have the time is Wire Pass Trail. They are located about 40 minutes away from each other. Happy Hiking, Arika CHECK OUT THESE RELATED BLOG POSTS

There is something special about Kanab, UT. Maybe it's the red rock desert backdrop or the convenient location to 3 incredible national parks. It could be the fact that it is home to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary or it's classic old western movie history. Whatever it is that makes Kanab so special, it is clear that this small Utah town holds a little bit of magic that most small towns just don't have. To experience a little of the Kanab magic, check out this two-day family-friendly itinerary that combines hiking, sand dunes, local history, Hollywood movie sets, smores, and furry critters. ITINERARY OVERVIEW Day One Little Hollywood Museum Lunch at Kanab Creek Bakery Best Friend Visitor Center Heritage House Museum Dinner at Juniper Ridge Restaurant and Saloon Campfire S'mores and Stargazing Tour Day Two Hiking Kanab Creek at Best Friends Lunch at Best Friends Tour of Best Friends Iron Horse Restaurant and Saloon Sledding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes Sate Park No visit to Kanab is complete without stopping by the Kanab Visitor Center. Get everything needed to plan the ultimate stay. Get a lay of the land, ideas for things to do and ask all your questions to one of the knowledgeable front desk guides. DAY ONE Before the heat sets in start the day by exploring Little Hollywood Museum in the middle of town. This free museum is filled with extensive Kanab movie history and movie sets from many of the old western movies that were filmed in the area. Grab an artisan sandwich and some french pastries at Kanab Creek Bakery and then head over to the Best Friends Visitor Center. Located in the heart of Kanab, the visitor center is an interactive educational center with opportunities to play with kittens, watch birds, and purchase memorabilia. Sign up for a sanctuary tour, get information about volunteering opportunities or attend one of the special events like Kittens & Coffee or Paint Your Pet's Portrait. After cuddling with kittens step back in time with a tour of the Heritage House Museum. Built in1894, the home has been lovingly restored by the city of Kanab. Get transported back to a simpler time with one of the free daily tours. A knowledgeable tour guide walks visitors through fascinating stories of the history of Kanab and the people who once inhabited the home. One of the memorable nuggets of history was the story of how Kanab had the first all-female town council in the United States, four years before women could even vote. That is some good stuff! Head over to Juniper Ridge Restaurant and Saloon (OUT OF BUSINESS :-() for a first-rate Western dining experience. The Roll Away Saloon, located upstairs is named after a saloon with the same name in the early days of Kanab. Legend has it that the women of Kanab would get upset that their husbands were spending all their money and time at the saloon. They would send over law enforcement, but the saloon was on logs, so when the law would come, they would roll it across the border into Arizona. You just can't make that stuff up!!!! End the night with a Campfire S'mores and Stargazing Tour by Adventure Tour Company. Take a drive in a large open-air truck to a private canyon, with the famous Kanab movie fort as a backdrop. The fort was used for the filming of 25+ movies including the Apple Dumpling Gang and the most recent, HBO's second season of West World. Spend time getting up close with longhorn cows, playing campfire games, and making s'mores with gourmet homemade marshmallows. DAY TWO Start the day by hiking along Kanab Creek at Best Friends. The cold creek makes this the perfect summertime activity. Bring swimsuits to splash and play in the water and for wading through thigh-deep water when the creek goes through a short slot canyon. Hike along Kanab Creek for as long as you want and then turn around and head back. Continue up the road to Angel Village lunchroom at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Enjoy a $5 vegetarian/vegan buffet and salad bar. The magic of this lunch has everything to do with the stunning views overlooking Angel Canyon. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is home to around 1,600 animals at any given time. Situated on 20,700 acres east of Kanab, Best Friends is the nations largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals. While searching for their forever homes, animals receive love, medical help, and a scenic, healing environment. While at Angle Village get the full Best Friends experience by attending one of the many free guided tours that are available to visitors. It is highly recommended to sign up in advance because tours regularly fill up. Click here for a list of all the tour options. The guides are very passionate about what they do and the animals that are in their care. It is a beautiful thing to experience. For dinner head to Iron Horse Restaraunt and Saloon to enjoy some Southern Utah barbeque. With southwestern props to entertain the kids, adults can sit back and have a drink while listening to live music. Fill up on barbeque and then drive 30 minutes north-west to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park for sand sledding. The drive is beautiful and surprising as the red sand mounds seem to pop up out of nowhere. Once in the park drive to the ranger station and rent sand boards for the evening at $25 a board. Make sure to get a wax square to help the board go faster. In the hot southern Utah sun, it seems that the sand might be too hot for play, but towards the end of the day, it is surprisingly perfect. Ask the ranger for directions to the best spot for sledding, grab your board, and head for the hills. Once your feet hit the sand, kick off your shoes and let the sand slide through your toes. Best feeling ever! Hike up the red sandhills, jump on the sled, and fly down. Repeat over and over again. The board will go faster or slower depending on the grade of the hill and whether or not it is waxed up properly. Bring goggles just in case it is windy. This article was written in partnership with the Kane County Tourism Board. For more information about attractions in and around the Kanab area, visit VISITSOUTHERNUTAH.COM. You can also follow them on Instagram @abrakanbra. Happy adventuring, Arika CHECK OUT THESE RELATED BLOG POSTS

The Lower Pine Creek Falls Trail is one of those rare hikes in Zion National Park that is not advertised by the park. Because of this, your chances of having the place all to yourself on a Saturday morning in the middle of the summer are pretty good, or maybe that's just me. The picturesque pond and 15-foot waterfall may take some stream hopping and boulder climbing to get to, but once you are there, you may never want to leave. LOCATION From the Zion Visitor Center drive 1.5 miles north on Route 9 (the main road going through Zion). Just before you start rounding to go up the series of switchbacks that take you up to the Carmel Tunnel, pull over to a small paved parking area to your left. If you go over a bridge, you have gone too far. LENGTH This hike is a short .70 miles round trip....but don't let that fool you. It takes some work to get to. DIFFICULTY The difficulty of this trail lies in the stream hopping and boulder climbing that you have to do in order to get to the pool and waterfall at the end. I have done this hike with kids many times, but if you are more comfortable with a flat paved trail, this is not the hike for you. TRAIL DETAILS This trail starts out as an easy to follow dirt trail. As you get further into the canyon, you will need to cross the stream a few times, and the trail becomes less defined. You may have to do some exploring to make sure you are on the right path. If you come to a dead end just turn back and try another path. At the first small pool, the path gets a little tricky. We like to climb up the rock wall on the right-hand side. Look for stacked boulders to help you scale the rock. Follow the rock wall until you have to cross the stream again. You will then do a little more climbing up and through rocks. At the pool at the end, there is a nice sandy beach that is perfect to sit and rest, enjoy the waterfall and eat some lunch....enjoy! Scroll down for tips and additional info. CHECK OUT OUR DETAILED GUIDE TO HIKING ZION WITH KIDS TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO The pools are permitted for swimming so if you go in the summer with kids make sure to bring suits, water shoes and plenty of snacks. Chances are you are going to spend a large chunk of time exploring and playing in the water. The waterfall is flowing all year long. Always be cautious of weather conditions. This area does experience flash flooding. If it looks like it will rain or is raining up canyon do not go on this hike. Tiny treefrogs and tadpoles can be found here in the summer so keep your eyes out and don't step on them. This trail can be accessed without needing to use the shuttle so if the shuttle lines are longs this hike is a great option to take. For the best chances of solitude go early in the morning or later in the day. Always carry out your trash and leave this incredible spot the way you found it. Happy Hiking, Arika

ALERT - THIS HIKE IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO A LANDSLIDE Any time that you get the opportunity to hike Observation Point in Zion National Park, just go, but if you get the chance to hike this amazing trail with a dusting of snow covering the ground count yourself FREAKIN LUCKY!!! Just ask MacsExplore, the amazing adventure family that I adventured with! At 8 miles round trip with 2,100 ft elevation gain this trail isn't for the faint of heart but with stunning beauty around every corner, slot canyons, and epic views this hike is one that should be at the top of your Zion bucket list, with or without the snow. LENGTH 8 miles round trip DIFFICULTY The path is well marked and paved much of the way. The difficulty of this trail lies in the elevation gain. At 2,100 elevation gain, you need to be in good shape or plan to go very slow. If you have knee problems the hike down will be a challenge. See below for recommended gear and tips for hiking with kids. LOCATION The start of this hike is at the Weeping Rock shuttle stop in the Zion Canyon. In the winter between the end of November and March, you can drive into the canyon and park at the parking lot. All other times of the year you will take a 30-minute shuttle ride from the visitor center. In the winter go early because parking is limited in the canyon and the lot fills up quick. We found a spot just fine at 9:30 am on a Tuesday in early December but if you go during Christmas break or on a weekend you should try to get there around 7-8ish to make sure you find parking. CHECK OUT THIS POST FOR ADDITIONAL INFO ON VISITING ZION IN THE WINTER TRAIL DETAILS You will be climbing right from the getgo. The trail is paved and the views are seriously good motivation. My favorite part of the trail is when you get to a canyon and the towering red walls close in. Take some time to explore the slot canyon and play on the ice (if you get that lucky!). Once you get to the dirt and the trail is no longer paved you will know that you are getting close to the overlook......keep going. Scroll down for gear recommendations, tips & additional info. Zion takes their slippery trails pretty seriously! My companions for the day! Those views!!! My favorite section of the trail Made it to the top!!! GOOD TO KNOW There are bathrooms at the trailhead.....make sure to go because 8 miles is a long time to hold it! gear recommendations Do not go to Zion in the winter without some good SNOW TRAX. Believe me, I have made that mistake. They are inexpensive and invaluable at navigating slippery and icy trails TREKKING POLES this will save your knees on the downhill. Warm hiking boots, gloves, beanie, down jacket, and warm pants. Click below for some of my tried and true faves. ​Women's Snow Sneakers Women's Beanie Women's Warm Leggings Women's Down Jacket TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO In the winter go early in the morning to make sure you get a good parking spot If you are planning to hike Observation Point with kids make sure to take plenty of time to stop and play, observe, and explore along the trail. This makes the uphill seems so much less daunting......also bring plenty of snacks and water. Like more than you ever think you could need! If you want to skip the uphill and still get the views of Observation Point then you can hike from East Mesa Trail. CHECK OUT THIS POST FOR ADDITIONAL INFO ON hiking east Mesa Trail If you want to go this route you need to make sure the road to get to the East Mesa trailhead is passable. Call the Zion Ponderosa front desk and ask. Meet the McEvoy’s, a family of 4 that craves outdoor adventures, beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. They are aspiring to teach their children that they can do hard things, love and respect the planet, and seeking ways to give back is their life’s mission. They are striving to teach their children that traveling is more than just fun adventures: it is a priceless education in learning more about the world around them, connecting with people of different cultures, and trying new things. They just booked a one way ticket to Guatemala! Follow along on there adventures in their website AdventureTogther.com and their instagram.

I have never been very good at pampering myself. As a mother of three, I am usually just happy to have an afternoon on my own every once in a while. Recently though with some life changes (getting a divorce), I have become more intentional about my self-care. I realize that taking care of myself and doing things that make me happy have a huge ripple effect. I am a better mother and overall human when I make self-care a priority. In the past the idea of a spa treatment after a day of hiking would have been a totally foreign idea for me, but these days I think it should be a necessity. Haha, maybe not a necessity but hey, if healing, inner peace, and radiant energy are your thing, then a spa day at The Spa at Cable Mountain Lodge is calling! Located in Springdale, and just steps from the entrance to Zion, The Spa at Cable Mountain Lodge is the ideal way to rest, recover and recharge after a day spent hiking the trails in Zion. I was recently lucky enough to spend a beautiful afternoon with a girlfriend getting pampered and enjoying the calming energy at The Spa at Cable Mountain Lodge. It was pure bliss. From the moment we walked in the doors of the spa, I felt a deep calmness and relaxation wash over me. We were given robes, sandals, and a locker key for our belongings and then guided to a beautiful women's locker room with a lemongrass eucalyptus-infused steam room and whirlpool. We spent some leisurely time soaking in the whirlpool and showering off before heading down to the co-ed relaxation lounge for a quiet place to relax before our treatments. The relaxation lounge was such a beautiful space with a lighted salt wall, moving art, fresh fruit, and fruit-infused water. Our massage therapists came out and greeted us and then took us back to separate cozy rooms. I received the Emerald Pools Gemstone massage. The massage focused on the healing powers within gemstones, crystals, and petrified wood fossils. The crystal-infused oils and vibrational energy mists were amazing, and I felt so energized after my massage. My girlfriend got the Mountain of the Sun Massage. Her message focused on soothing tight muscles and fragrant organic oils. From the look on her face after the massage, I think she enjoyed it......haha! After the massages, we headed to the Social Spa for the Sweet Desert Honey Hand and Foot Treatment. The four-person co-ed Socal Spa suite had the most fantastic lay back Zero Gravity Dream Loungers. I could have laid in my lounger all day while getting my fragrant warm foot soak and deliciously scented Caramel Coffee Scrub. The drizzle of Honey Heel Glaze mask and Sunflower Honey Butter massage was so good! After our treatments, we enjoyed some quiet time in the relaxation lounge before heading back to the locker rooms for one more dip in the whirlpool. It was such a beautiful and relaxing afternoon at The Spa at Cable Mountain Lodge. Don't you worry, I will be again soon for some more self-care whether I go for a hike before or not. Click here for a list of all the services and to book your next spa day. Compensation for this post was provided by Cable Mountain Lodge. Opinions expressed here are my own.

Want to beat the summer heat and crowds on your next visit to Southwestern Utah? Why not plan your trip to the land of red rock and sunshine in the fall? With mild temps, fewer visitors, gold-colored leaves, and endless adventure possibilities, Southwestern Utah in the fall is about as good as it gets. Get your adventure juices flowing with activities like kayaking at Quail Creek Reservoir or hiking The Narrows surrounded by fall color. Check out these tips and adventure ideas to help you plan the ultimate getaway with crisp fall air, and the crunch of leaves under your hiking boots. When And Where To View The Fall Color Fall comes to Greater Zion a little later than it does to most areas of the country. From late October through November, you will find the leaves changing color and cool crisp air perfect for all those outdoor adventures. The best areas for spotting fall color are Zion National Park, the scenic drive along Kolob Terrace Road and Red Cliffs National Reserve. Some of the best fall hiking includes Riverside Walk, Water Canyon and Red Reef Trail. Fall Adventure Ideas Hike The Narrows in Zion In the fall, water levels in the Virgin River are typically idea for hiking The Narrows, and since monsoon season ends in early September the chances of rain and flash flood threats are low. Bonus, the fall colors in The Narrows are spectacular! RELATED: HIKING THE NARROWS WITH KIDS Bike Gooseberry Mesa This world-class trail is the perfect biking destination in the fall. With advanced and intermediate options, Gooseberry Mesa boasts rolling slickrock, twisty singletrack and jaw-dropping vistas. This adventurous trail is best enjoyed without the blistering heat. Hike Snow Canyon There isn't much in the way of fall color in Snow Canyon, but the mild temps make fall the perfect time to visit this beautiful state park. Scattered with volcanic cones, sand dunes, lava flows, and soaring red sandstone cliffs, Snow Canyon is a must for any trip to Southwestern Utah. RELATED: 10 EPIC FAMILY FRIENDLY HIKES IN SOUTHERN UTAH Paddle board or Kayak at Quail Creek, Sand Hollow, or Gunlock State Parks The water may be a touch too cold for swimming, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy gliding and paddling on the water. Surrounded by vibrant red desert cliffs, any one of these lakes make for an excellent way to spend a fall afternoon. RELATED: Summer fun at Sand Hollow Reservoir - Hurricane, Utah Hike Red Reef Trail This popular trail in the Red Cliffs National Reserve gets stunning fall color and is the perfect adventure hike for families. With an amazing desert backdrop, towering red rock walls, arches, petroglyphs, rock caves to crawl through, tree stumps that look like elephants, and trees that look like snakes, this hike is one that you do not want to miss when visiting Southwestern Utah. RELATED: Hiking The Red Reef Trail - Southern Utah ATV tour at Sand Hollow Explore miles and miles of sand dunes, zoom down sand hills, and take in expansive and stunning views in the crisp fall air. An ATV ride in the soft red desert sand of Southwestern Utah is the ultimate family adventure. Hike, Climb or Go Canyoneering At Lambs Knoll Lambs Knoll is located along a lesser-traveled section of Zion along the scenic Kolob Terrace road. With stunning fall color, hiking, climbing, slot canyons, and canyoneering what more could you ask for? Lambs Knoll Climbing Area has a little something for everyone. CLICK HERE FOR MY SPRING FALL ZION ITINERARY WITH OLDER KIDS This article was written in partnership with the St. George Tourism Board and Travel Mindset. For more information about attractions in and around the St. George area, visit GREATERZION.COM. You can also follow them on Instagram @greaterzionutah. Happy adventuring, Arika

The Cinder Cone trail is a steep and short hike up to the top of one of the highest ancient volcanos in Southern Utah. These ancient volcanos are the reason why all the beautiful lava rock is scattered all over the valley. With beautiful views of Snow Canyon and Dammeron Valley the trail has 500 feet of elevation gain and can be quite slippery. Once at the top you can hike down into the crater and check out a small rock fort and rock wall. I'm not sure the history of the rock fort but it is kinda fun! LENGTH 1.5 miles round trip DIFFICULTY With the quick elevation gain and the slippery path, this trail isn't ideal for younger kids or elderly hikers. LOCATION From St Geoge take Bluff Street North 2.6 miles. You will come to a small parking area on the east/right side of the road. From here the trail is well marked. Click here for map & directions TRAIL DETAILS I hiked Cinder Cone Trail with my husband on a cloudy and cold day in January. From pictures I have seen online, the trail is a little more picturesque in the warmer month with greenery lining the edges of the cinder cone but it was a great hike to do in the winter, and the views from the top were stunning. The trail starts off of a busy road but you quickly hike around to the back side of the cinder cone and the traffic noise dies down. The trail is gravely and steep. Once up at the top hike around the rim and down into the center of the crater. This is a great spot to stop and rest before making the trek back down. Scroll down for tips and additional info. For another great hike in the area click here to check out my post | Hiking Yant Flat - Southern Utah GOOD TO KNOW No bathrooms or water fill stations at the trailhead but gas station is 5 minutes down the road. TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO Hiking poles would be a great thing to bring to help with your footing and save your knees on the way back down. This trail has no shade so not the best trail for the summer months May-September Wear good hiking boots and bring plenty of water Always practice Leave No Trace principals and leave the places you visit the way you found them. Better yet, bring a clean-up bag with you and leave it BETTER than you found it!

The Grapevine trail in Zion National Park is not a bucket list trail. It doesn't have a breathtaking waterfall or jaw-dropping views. To be honest, I thought twice about posting this hike because I didn't think it had enough wow factor, but I'm posting it anyway because I actually really loved this hike. It's not for everyone though. It's not family friendly even though is a short 1-mile round trip and isn't for those who are looking for a classic Zion hike. It is for those who don't mind a slippery and steep lava rock trail and it is definitely for those who want some solitude amidst a beautiful little stream. I hiked this trail in the winter (January) with my husband and I imagine that in the summer this hike is even better when the trees are green and the stream is a refreshing respite from the heat. LENGTH It is .5 miles one way to reach the Left Fork stream. From here you can head north or south and explore a little way along the stream. DIFFICULTY Because of the 350 ft steep and rocky descent, I don't consider this a family friendly trail. The trail is gravely and it's easy to slip and slide. Older kids that are good hikers will probably be fine but young kids should not do this trail. I also do not recommend for elderly hikers. LOCATION This trail is located along the Kolob Terrace Road which is the west section of Zion National Park, about a 35-minute drive from the Zion Visitor Center. Click here for map & directions. Always practice Leave No Trace principals and leave the places you visit the way you found them. Better yet, bring a clean-up bag with you and leave it BETTER than you found it! TRAIL DETAILS For the first 100 yards or so the trail is flat and clearly defined. You will come to a deep canyon and from there you will start the steep and rocky descent. The trail is pretty well defined but there is plenty of cacti that you will need to keep an eye out for. Go slow and choose your footing wisely. The trail is slippery with loose gravel. Before long you will reach the stream. From here you can explore to the north or to the south. Make sure to look for a marker before you leave the path so that you will know where to head back upon your return. The trail along the Left Fork Creek isn't well marked so you will have to make your own way without much of a trail. Your hike back up will take a little longer.......unless you are in pretty good shape. It's a good leg workout that's for sure! Scroll through for tips and additional info. This was the marker we chose to help us know where to head back up. Cool tree right! We took a few brakes on the way back up GOOD TO KNOW No bathrooms or water fill stations at the trailhead. TIPS & ADDITIONAL INFO Good hiking boots are a must. Hiking poles would also be a good idea to save your knees. This trail has no shade until you come to the stream. During the summer months, I suggest going earlier or later in the day to avoid the intense sun beating down on you during the steep hike up. This would be a great quick hike to do if you are staying at Zion Under Canvas. It is just 1.6 miles up the road. Please be respectful and DO NOT add to the carvings in the sandstone walls. Always practice Leave No Trace principals and leave the places you visit the way you found them. Better yet, bring a clean-up bag with you and leave it BETTER than you found it! CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MY POST | ZION UNDER CANVAS GLAMPING WITH KIDS