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Planning the moment you ask your person to spend the rest of your lives together is a big deal. Naturally, you want the location to be special and everything to go down without a hitch. We get it! We think Zion National Park is one of the most epic places to pop the question, and if Zion is that place for you, read on for the four best locations to get that Zion magic. We also have a few tips to ensure the planning goes smooth as butter. THE FOUR MOST EPIC PLACES TO PROPOSE IN Zion National Park OBSERVATION POINT Observation Point is easily the most adventurous and epic place to propose in Zion National Park. The trail to the epic view is 6.3 miles round trip, making this location a true hiking adventure. The views at the overlook feature the west side of Zion Canyon and overlook Angels Landing. RELATED POST - HIKING EAST MESA TRAIL TO OBSERVATION POINT CANYON OVERLOOK This trail is 1.25 miles round trip, and the views at the overlook are nothing short of spectacular. The great thing about Canyon Overlook is how accessible it is for all adventure levels, but it is also very popular because it is such a short hike. We recommend proposing at sunrise to avoid the crowds. RELATED POST - HIKING CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL IN ZION NATIONAL PARK ANGELS LANDING For a truly epic adventure, Angels Landing is the top pick but also the hardest logistics-wise. Now that Angels Landing requires a permit, a proposal here is a little more difficult, but it can still be done. Check the ZNP website for a the details for obtaining a permit. Since this is such a busy hike, plan to do this one first thing in the morning to avoid some of the crowds. RELATED POST - HIKING THE FAMOUS ANGELS LANDING TRAIL IN ZION NATIONAL PARK PA'RUS TRAIL If a leisurely stroll along a beautiful path is more your style, then the Pa'Rus Trail in Zion is the spot for you. This paved path that runs along the Virgin River features the iconic Watchman Mountain in the background and beauty all around. We recommend taking one of the many paths down to the river, where it is more secluded and quiet. PLANNING TIPS FOR PULLING OFF THE ULTIMATE SURPRISE Keep an eye on the weather The weather in Zion is usually pretty nice. When storms do roll in they tend to move through the area quickly. Keep your schedule flexible so that if the weather takes a turn, you can reschedule that special moment for when things clear up. Plan a sunrise proposal to avoid crowds If you plan to propose in the summer or on a holiday weekend, the park will be crowded. For easier parking and more solitude, plan to pop the question at sunrise. Sunrise is the perfect time for ample parking and less crowds on the trail. Make sure you know the logistics for parking and getting to the proposal location If this is your first time hiking in Zion, it would be helpful to understand the terrain and the difficutly level of the trail where you plan to propose. You can ask locals about the trail. Facebook groups can be a really great place to ask questions. Read blog posts. Look at Google Earth. Also, make sure you fully understand parking and how to get to the trail before you leave your hotel. Figure out where you are going to put the ring and keep it safe for easy access You don't want your partner to see the ring and blow the surprise, but you also want to keep it safe and easily accessible. If you are carrying a backpack, there will probably be a pocket where you can store the ring for safe keeping. If you aren't carrying a backpack this discreet box would be perfect to put in your pocket without too much bulk. Click here for the perfect box. Start throwing your partner off the scent a few months in advance You want to make sure that nothing seems out of the ordinary. If you are planning a sunrise proposal and have never done something like that before, that might through off some red flags. Plan a few sunrise hikes leading up to the day. If you don't usually do the planning but are suddenly very diligent about planning this hike down to the detail, that could raise some flags. Try stepping up and planning a few things a month or two in advance so that your partner is used to you making plans. Make it extra memorable by hiring a photographer to capture the surprise Proposing in Zion is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Make it extra special by hiring an experienced, local photographer to capture the moment so you can have that keepsake forever as well as beautiful photos to share with family and friends. The Zion Adventure Photog team has over six years of experience capturing proposals in Zion. Let us help you plan all the details so that your proposal goes off without a hitch. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO PLAN A ROMANTIC LUXURY PRIVATE PICNIC This is such a beautiful way to celebrate and make your day extra special. Reach out to Kay's Events and Picnics and let them handle every detail while you create unforgettable memories. Embark on a journey of relaxation and enchantment. Their picnics are the perfect thing to do visiting Southern Utah, Zion National Park or anywhere in southern Utah who want to experience the beauty of the area! Wishing you the most magical proposal ever!!! Arika

Clear Creek is the main dry streambed that follows Route 9 throughout the east side of Zion. Although it may not be an actual named hike in Zion, it is excellent for some off the beaten path hiking and fun. Filled with cave like tunnels, family friendly slot canyons and sandstone cliffs, you will find surprises around every corner. LOCATION Clear Creek does not have an actual starting point or end point. As you drive along Route 9 on the upper east side of Zion, you will see the dry creek bed down below. There are pull-offs all along the drive. Pick a spot to pull off and go exploring. The best spots to pull over will start about 1/4 mile east of the Canyon Overlook parking lot. Click here to see a map of Clear Creek. Another really great place to stop is at the Many Pools trail head. There is plenty of parking and 2 pit toilettes. LENGTH Once you make your way down into the dry stream bed, this is a hike that you can make as short or as long as you would like. Always make sure to keep track of where you came down so that you will know when to head back up to your car. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION + SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE DIFFICULTY The difficulty of Clear Creek depends on the spot you pick to head down to the dry-creek. If you pull over and it looks too hard and steep to get down then drive to another pull off and try again. Once you are down in the creek bed, there will be little elevation gain. You will be walking on thick sand and over rocks. You may also have to do a bit of rock scrambling to get down to the creek bed. TRAIL DETAILS No matter where you park and go down, you will be hiking along a sandy, pebble-filled dry stream bed that will take you along short slot canyons and red/black cliffs. You may encounter some stagnant pools of water that have not dried up from the last rain fall that may restrict your hiking. You may also run into a few tunnels that take you under Route 9. These are always so much fun to explore with kids. Scroll down for tips and additional info. TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO Make sure to stick to well-worn trails or slickrock to avoid trampling plant life or cryptobiotic soil. Please respect any "do not hike here" signposts. Please minimize your impact on the area. Set aside at least an hour or two to explore along this fascinating section of East Zion. This area gets a decent amount of shade but always make sure to bring plenty of water, good hiking shoes, sunscreen, and snacks. There are many side-shoots to explore as you hike. Take the time to check them all out so that you don't miss something good right around the corner. Be cautious in this area during a rain storm as this dry stream bed can get flash floods. Do not ever write on the wall of the canyon or let your kids write on the walls......even it is something like dirt or rocks. Happy Hiking, Arika CHECK OUT THESE RELATED POSTS

There is nothing quite like a good slot canyon to make a simple hike feel like a grand adventure. Wire Pass Trail, located off a bumpy dirt road 1 hour east of Kanab, UT, is the perfect day hike to escape from the pressures of everyday life and get the adventure juices flowing. Families and seasoned adventure junkies alike will enjoy exploring in the deep narrows and taking in the quiet solitude and beauty of the wavy red rock walls. FEE 6 dollars per person. Permits are required for day-use in this area. Purchase your permit before arriving onsite as internet is spotty in this location. Purchase permits here recreation.gov. LOCATION From Kanab, UT take highway 89 east for 38 miles. You will turn right onto House Rock Valley Road. For 8 miles you will drive on a very scenic dirt road. The dirt road is well kept but might be difficult in rainy conditions. From Kanab, the drive will take you about one hour. Click here for the map and exact directions from your location. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION + SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE DIFFICULTY The majority of the trail you will be hiking through soft red sand, but there is no elevation gain......yay! There is a section that you climb down a sturdy ladder where kiddos may need a little help. LENGTH 3.7 miles round trip. When we hiked this trail, it didn’t seem this long to me at all. I guess time flies when you are having fun!!! TRAIL DETAILS For the first mile of this trail, you will walk along a wide streambed between low sandstone cliffs. It’s a bit of a boring trail in the beginning, but once you hit the slots, you are in for such a treat. Go slow and take your time through the slots. Enjoy the beauty of the light streaming in from above and the quiet solitude. You will go in and out of slots for about 1/2 mile, and then the cliffs will open up wide. This is where Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch intersect. Make sure to check out the petroglyphs on the wall to your right just before the corner turns. You can go up both ways and explore the beautiful Buckskin Gulch slots canyon. Scroll through for tips and additional information. RELATED POST: HIKING THE TOADSTOOLS OUTSIDE KANAB, UT It was so cool meeting some cowboys on the trail! We ate lunch in this little alcove. Sturdy ladder that was recently added in the canyon making it much more accessible for families. CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT OUR BLOG POST 10 RESONS KANAB, UT SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT FAMILY VACATION GOOD TO KNOW There are bathrooms at the trailhead but no water fill stations. TIPS & ADDITIONAL INFO Bring a sack lunch to eat at the wide open section at the end of the trail. Such a great spot to rest and explore. I did this hike in March with three kiddos age 2, 5, and 8. The weather was perfect for light jackets, and the hike took us 2 1/2 hrs to complete with plenty of time to explore and eat a picnic lunch at the end. Bring plenty of snacks, sunscreen, lots of water, and good hiking shoes. When we were here in March the parking lot was quite full at 11:00 in the morning. I imagine that in the summer this parking area gets quite full. I recommend going earlier in the morning or later in the day in the summer for fewer crowds and to make sure you get a parking spot. I highly recommend hiking the Buckskin Gulch off shoot's for a little ways. Don’t forget to check out the petroglyphs on the canyon walls to your right at the wide open section at the end of the hike. I didn’t even know they were there until someone kindly pointed them out to us. Another great family-friendly hike if you have the time is The Toadstools. They are located about 40 minutes away from each other. Happy Hiking, Arika CHECK OUT THESE RELATED BLOG POSTS

Red Reef Trail is a hike that I take just about everyone who comes to visit me on......with or without kids. Even before I was really into spending my days in the outdoors this was a hike that I would do often with friends, family, and even by myself. I did this hike with my senior prom date for goodness sake! With an amazing desert backdrop, towering red rock walls, arches, petroglyphs, rock caves to crawl through, tree stumps that look like elephants, trees that look like snakes, and pools for swimming in (if the stream is running) this hike is one that you do not want to miss when visiting Southern Utah. LENGTH 3 miles round trip DIFFICULTY This is an easy family friendly hike with very little elevation gain. The only spot along the trail that isn't easy for some is the rope/climbing area near the end. This section can be scary and difficult for children and adults who are nervous of heights. If you are hiking with a baby on your back this can also be a difficult area to navigate. (see my tips below for hiking with a baby) LOCATION This trail is located in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. Bring your national park pass to get in with or pay $5 at the self-pay station. The trailhead is located between Hurricane & Saint George and just 5 minutes north-west of Quail Lake Reservoir. Click here for a map and driving directions. TRAIL DETAILS The trail is sandy and at times rocky but clearly marked. Make sure to take plenty of time to stop along the trail and explore. Near the beginning of the trail, you will come to a tree stump that looks a bit like an elephant. (I know it's tempting but be careful not to climb on the tree. It is delicate.) HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION + SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE Go a little ways further and there is a great spot to climb up through a rock tunnel. Continue hiking for a bit and you will come to an amazing tree with sprawling branches that my kids call the snake tree. It is a great tree for climbing. If you follow the dry (or wet) stream bed you will come to a pool of water. When the water is flowing this is a great spot to climb the rocks and jump into the water. You can climb the trail up from here or go back and follow a rocky trail up. Once at the upper section of the trail you can sit on a bench, eat a snack and take in the beauty. Walk on and look for an arch in the rock wall straight ahead. If you hike up to the arch you can see some petroglyphs on the ceiling to the left side of the arch. Continue on the trail and the red cliff walls will close in creating a red rock surround that will leave you in awe. It is so beautiful you guys! If you feel comfortable climbing the rope section there is a little more exploring to do past this section and if you are truly adventurous you can climb the red rocks straight up to the very top. Scroll through for tips and additional info. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GETTING FAMILY ADVENTURE PHOTOS WHILE HIKING RED REEF TRAIL GOOD TO KNOW There are bathrooms and water at the trailhead TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO Bring your national park pass to get in with or pay $5 at the self-pay station. There is a first come first serve campground in this area. Such an amazing spot to camp! If you plan to hike with a baby on your back and you want to go on the rope climbing section make sure to bring a soft carrier baby pack. This will keep your center of gravity more even and make it easier to climb the rocks around. This hike can get very congested and busy during spring break (March-April) and in the summer months. For your best chance of some solitude go in the offseason. (Oct-Mid March) Also going later in the day or first thing in the morning will increase your chances of beating the crowds. There is a stream that runs along much of the trail in the spring and sometimes in the winter. The majority of the year it is dry. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks and maybe even a change of clothes for the kids if you go in the spring when the water is flowing. They will get wet. Wear good hiking shoes or hiking sandals with good grip. Always practice Leave No Trace principals. If you take it in take it out. Take a cleanup bag on all your hikes and pick up as you go. Leave these beautiful places better than you found them. Happy Adventuring, Arika CHECK OUT THESE RELATED BLOG POSTS

Southern Utah is an outdoor lover’s paradise with adventures for everyone. Whether you’re wanting to slide into a tight slot canyon, find a waterfall amidst a desert oasis, scale sandstone cliffs or explore Dr. Seuss-like rock formations this part of the state has it all. While there’s no shortage of “epic” when it comes to hikes in Southern Utah, finding the right ones that you can take your kiddos on can be a little more of a challenge. Here is a list of our favorite adventure driven hikes around Southern Utah that the kiddos will love and we feel pretty confident that parents will too. ;-) 1. KANARRA FALLS- Kanarraville, UT (Advanced) A stunning slot canyon where you climb a ladder in the midst of a magical waterfall. Yes, please! This trail is 4.4 miles round trip and about as photogenic as they come with vibrant green trees and stunning slot canyons that will leave you speechless. There is a decent amount of rock scrambling and the beginning of the trail is a bit boring but keep going, it's worth it! If you can make it to the first slot canyon (about 1.5 miles in) with the kiddos I call that a win! CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS TO KANARRA FALLS 2. RED REEF TRAIL - Red Cliffs National Reserve (Beginner) This trail is a fan favorite. It is a short 3-mile round trip hike with very little elevation gain, lots of cool spots for playing and exploring along the trail and the rock climbing rope area near the end makes the hike feel truly adventurous. If you choose to climb the rocks to the upper section with a small child on your back we recommend using a soft carrier. This will keep your center of gravity more even. There is a seasonal waterfall that runs in the spring but this hike is great any time of year. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS TO RED REEF TRAIL HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION + SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE 3. CANYON OVERLOOK - East Side, Zion National Park (Intermediate/Begginer) This family-friendly trail on the east side of Zion features big horn sheep sightings, caves (kinda) and one of the most breathtaking views in the park. It almost feels like cheating to get views like this with such an easy hike. At 1.25 miles round trip, Canyon Overlook is great for families. There is some slight elevation gain. It is important to keep a close eye on the kiddos. This trail has lots of steep drop offs especially at the overlook. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS TO CANYON OVERLOOK 4. YANT FLAT - Dixie National Forest (Intermediate) The other wordly Yant Flats begins with a short 1.5-mile hike through the woods before reaching open terrain of swirling smooth rock formations that spill out for miles. The landscape can be steep at times, and there are cliffs to be aware of, but the sticky rock will allow kids to adventure across much of the area with a little hand holding from mom & dad. Beware that the road getting out to Yant Flat is an 8-mile bumpy dirt road. It is a pretty intense drive if you are not used to dirt roads. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS TO YANT FLAT 5. WATER CANYON - Cannan Mountain (Advanced) This hidden gem of a hike located just outside of Hildale, UT has a shallow year-round creek and a rocky waterfall oasis at the end. You can venture on past the waterfall, but this isn’t advised with young kids. At 3.5-miles round trip the trail can be a little more advanced due to the moderate elevation gain and tricky rock scrambling. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS TO WATER CANYON 6. LOWER PINE CREEK FALLS - Main Canyon, Zion National Park (Intermediate) Lower Pine Creek Falls is a great trail to get away from the crowds in Zion and also an excellent way to cool off in the heat of the summer. It is a short 1 mile round trip hike to get to the picturesque pond and 15-foot waterfall. It is a true adventure with some stream hopping, boulder climbing and sketchy ledges. Warning, once you get to the waterfall may never want to leave. If you go in the summer bring swimsuits for the kids. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS TO LOWER PINE CREEK FALLS 7. KANAB SAND CAVES - Kanab, UT (Intermediate) The Kanab Sand Caves are located 10 minutes outside of Kanab and is such a fun hike with kids. These man-made caves were used to harvest sand for glass production in the 1970s. Crazy right! The 1/4th mile round trip hike to the caves is easy and family friendly. You will have to scale up a sand stone wall for a very short distance. It can be a bit slippery and difficult for kids and adults. Make sure you have good traction on your shoes. Shoes with good traction are a must! There are steep drop off ledges at the caves so keep a close eye on your kiddos. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS TO THE SAND CAVES 8. Belly Of The Dragon - Orderville, UT (Beginner) A short hike through a manmade tunnel is the highlight of this unique, family-friendly trail located just 20 miles east of Zion National Park. The cave-like tunnel/Belly of the Dragon was originally created as a water culvert under HWY89 but over time drainage from upper canyon water flow has carved the sandstone walls and created a beautiful rippling tunnel prime for exploring. This is such a great adventure with kids so bring the whole family and have some fun. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS TO BELLY OF THE DRAGON 9. BABYLON ARCH - Red Cliffs Reserve (Intermediate/Beginner) Epic views, an epic sandhill, and an epic arch make this trail such a fun adventure with kids. At 2.9 miles round trip, the trail isn't as well marked as some and the arch can be a little hard to find. Take a gps with you to make sure you stay on the trail if this is your first time. CLICK HERE FOR FULL HIKING DETAILS TO BABYLON ARCH 10. THE NARROWS - Zion National Park (Advanced) If you are visiting Zion National Park in the summer with kids who love to hike and who love water then The Narrows is a hike that should be at the very top of your list. Such a great way to beat the intense summer heat, The Narrows is an amazing slot canyon hike that will take your breath away around every turn. The full hike is 9 miles round trip but just hike until everyone is ready to turn around. CLICK HERE FOR OUR TOP 10 TIPS FOR HIKING THE NARROWS WITH KIDS We hope you have such a great time hiking your way though Zion and Southern Utah. Happy Adventuring - The Zion Adventure Photog Team

Planning on hiking the narrows, but heard how crowded it is? One of the best things about Southern Utah is the variety of watery hikes outside of Zion that few people ever try because so many are fixated on the National Park. This hike can be done as a 6-10 mile day hike, a quick out and back with kids, or it can be done as a backpacking overnighter from Cedar Breaks. Make sure not to miss the two spectacular waterfalls hidden along the trail!!! LENGTH According to All Trails this is an 8.8 mile hike if you go out and back, however, it can be lengthened to go all the way to Cedar Breaks for 10 miles one way. The main area that most people are aiming for is a wide open section of the canyon after the slots with a tall spire in the middle of it. This is a great turn around point. WITH OR WITHOUT KIDS? Kids will love this hike because of the many safe boulders to climb on and the logs they can cross back and forth over the creek. This is also a pet-friendly hike, so Fido can come along. Near the beginning of the hike there’s a waterfall made by a dam that’s fun to climb around on and about 10-15 minutes into the hike an old rusted firetruck that fell from the windy road above probably 40 years ago is fun for kids to check out. Look for this nestled in the bushes on the right side of the trail. Little kids will need to be carried a fair amount on this hike because of the uneven ground and crossing back and forth through the creek. In the late summer the creek is low and in some places no more than a few inches deep. LOCATION Travel to Cedar City then take highway 14 up cedar canyon. There will be a large gravel parking lot on the left side of the road about 10 minutes outside of town. Park at the concrete barriers and look for a trail entrance heading down the hill on a 4x4 like road. The roads are all paved and any car can make it to this spot. You will lose cell reception as soon as you leave Cedar City, so keep that in mind when making plans to hike this area. Carrying an emergency beacon is recommended due to the remoteness of this location. The road between Cedar City and Cedar Breaks is well traveled, so help will never be too far away. Click here for map & directions WHEN TO GO This hike is best done when the temperatures are warmer because you will get wet. There is no avoiding wet feet and in some cases if the water is high, you might reach knee and waist deep water. Pay close attention to any flash flood warnings and don’t plan this hike if the conditions are stormy. Weather around Zion can be very different then Cedar City, so make sure you are checking the appropriate location. TRAIL DETAILS The start of Ashdown Gorge trail has a steep entry, but don’t let this discourage you to not do this trail as the rest of the hike is a very gradual climb up the canyon. The hardest part of this hike is negotiating over boulders and logs. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION + SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE This will come to some rocks you switch back and head down to the creek. Walk in the creek up toward Cedar Breaks traveling upstream. This is an out & back so you can go as far as you are comfortable. There are a few highlights on this trail that you’ll appreciate. First the slot canyon section is really pretty and the light in it really varies depending on when you are hiking it. Try to time your hike for a return in the late afternoon so you can catch some of the beautiful shadows and golden colors on the canyon walls. Look for water holes that are both manmade from little rock dams and natural pools due to large boulders and logs diverting water. There are spots that can be waist and chest deep, which are a perfect cool down on a hot day. Make sure to mark Flanigan Arch on your GPS as you head up. This is a small arch high up on the left about 45 minutes into the hike. Also, once you reach the wide open section of the canyon, look for a little offshoot creek to the left. If you hike about ten minutes up the creek past Flanigan Arch you’ll come to a fork in the trail off to your left. Hike up the fork about ½ mile to two amazing waterfalls. Scroll down for tips and additional info. click here to check out my post | VISITING Cedar City -THE 12 BEST ACTIVITIES WITH KIDS GOOD TO KNOW No permits or fees are needed to hike this trail. No water fill stations at trailhead so make sure to bring plenty of water. Trailhead is located 10 miles from a convenience store. TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO This trail get’s regular flash floods. Pay close attention to the weather upstream. The trail changes frequently due to flash floods, so even if you have done this trail once, it may look quite different a few weeks later. If you want to make it a downhill hike, park one car at the parking lot, then travel up to Cedar Breaks and you can hike 10 miles downhill. This is usually done as a backpacking overnighter. Leashed dogs are permitted....yay! In the summer, wear hiking sandals or good hiking shoes. The terrain is sandy, rocky and uneven. Hiking sandals will come in handy for playing in and hiking up the stream. I hiking pole is always a good idea to help you navigate the water crossings. As always bring plenty of snacks, sunscreen, and water. If you are staying in Hurricane or La Verkin it is a quick 1 hour drive. If you are in Cedar City is is 10-15 minutes up the canyon. If you are staying in Springdale it will be a 1 hour 15 minute drive. After your adventure consider a quick stop at an amazing ice cream shop called Palette or grab a coffee at Bristlecone. Practice Leave No Trace principals. Do not mark on the rocks and always pack it out!!! RELATED : HIKING WATER CANYON TRIAL OUTSIDE KANAB, UT Happy Hiking, Arika CHECK OUT THESE RELATED BLOG POSTS

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

Water Canyon is a hidden gem of a hike located just outside of Hildale, UT. The trail is beautiful and interesting from start to finish with rock scrambling, sheer red cliffs, a shallow year-round creek, a waterfall canyon oasis, and stunning valley views. At 4.25 miles out and back and 500ft of elevation gain, this hike makes for the perfect morning or afternoon adventure for outdoor lovers and adventurous families. LENGTH To get to the first section of the flowing waterfall canyon, the trail is 4.25 miles round trip. You can hike up the canyon further, but this is for advanced hikers only. WITH OR WITHOUT KIDS? I have done this hike with kids plenty of times. It is a trail that can be tricky at times with uneven terrain and moderate elevations gain, but if you have lots of snacks, and patience, this is a fun one for little hikers. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION + SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE LOCATION Water Canyon is located just outside Hiledale Ut in the Canaan Mountain Wilderness south of Zion. This is a convenient hike if you are staying in Hurricane or Kanab on your trip to Southern Utah. It is a 55-minute drive west of Kanab and a 40-minute drive southeast of Hurricane. Click here for map & directions WHEN TO GO I have hiked Water Canyon in the spring, summer, winter, and fall. Winter is a little more tricky because there could be snow and ice, but if you're lucky, the canyon walls will be covered in ice. It's quite a sight! In the spring, you are more likely to get beautiful flowing waterfalls in the canyon due to all the spring runoff. In the heat of the summer, this is a great trail because of the flowing stream is great for cooling off and there is plentiful shade. The canyon is lush and green, and oh so pretty! TRAIL DETAILS After a bumpy 1-2 mile dirt road, you will come to designated parking and the start of the sandy trail. The path is well worn and, at times, splits off, but whatever route you take, it always comes back together. This hike can be a little tricky for some due to all the rock scrambling that is required. As you venture up the canyon look up to your right to find an arch in the rocks. Also, keep an eye out for narrow slots along the trail that only little kids can slide into. The wide-open canyon at the end of the hike has streams and waterfalls and is the perfect spot to rest, eat lunch, and explore. Return the way you came. Scroll down for tips and additional info. click here to check out my post | 3 Days In Southern Utah: A Perfect Family Winter Retreat Itinerary GOOD TO KNOW No permits or fees are needed to hike this trail. There is a vault bathroom at the trailhead. No water fill stations so make sure to bring plenty of water. Trailhead is located a few miles from a convenience store. TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO Hiking past the waterfall canyon is for advanced hikers only. The trail is unclear in many sections, and hikers can easily get disoriented and lost. Water Canyon can get a bit crowded during holidays and peak season from May-September. During these times make sure to show up early to beat the crowds and get first dibs on parking The last mile stretch of the road to Water Canyon is a bumpy and rough dirt road. Most vehicles can make the drive, but if it has recently rained, it would be best to take a four-wheel-drive vehicle. There are no fees or permits need to do this hike.....yay!!! Leashed dogs are permitted....yay! In the summer, wear hiking sandals or good hiking shoes. The terrain is sandy and uneven. Hiking sandals will come in handy for playing in and hiking up the stream. As always bring plenty of snacks, sunscreen, and water. Practice Leave No Trace principals. Do not mark on the rocks and always pack it out!!! Happy Hiking, Arika CHECK OUT THESE RELATED BLOG POSTS

I'm so excited to have my good friend Shanti with Wild Utah Tours here today to sharing all the fun we had adventuring at Cathedral Gorge Sate Park, NV. This state park located just 1 hour 40 minutes from Saint George absolutely blew me away. Read on for all the details and make sure to add Cathedral Gorge State Park to your to your Southwestern Utah bucket list. My husband is one of those guys who is always looking for a different adventure from what we have already done, which is how we ended up at the little known Cathedral Gorge State Park on the edge of Nevada the first week of December. This dramatic landscape of soft bentonite clay spires was formed over a million years ago from a volcanic eruption., leaving behind surreal looking landscape of canvas colored mud spires that are continually eroding and remoulding shape after every rain. WHERE IS CATHEDRAL GORGE STATE PARK LOCATED? Cathedral Gorge is located along the southern border between Utah & Nevada. It is about an hour and forty minutes north west of St. George and an hour and twenty minutes north west of Cedar City. CLICK HERE FOR MAP If you want a very full day and you are traveling from St. George, consider stopping off at Gunlock Falls in the spring to watch the waterfalls gushing or Snow Canyon for a quick walk on the petrified dunes. WHEN TO VISIT CATHEDRAL GORGE STATE PARK Like much of the Southwest, exploring open spaces like Cathedral Gorge happens in the early spring, late fall and winter. Summer is often scorching, so you want to stick to the shadowed canyons around Zion and watery hikes that keep you cool in the baking 100+ degree sun. In the cooler months these surreal mud mountains are amazing to visit, as long as there hasn’t been a lot of snow or rain. Like much of the Southwest, after rain or snow touches the ground, you often have thick, gooey, heavy mud to contend with when you try to hike too soon, so pay attention to what the weather is doing in the days leading up to visiting this park. We went one day after a rain and while there were parts we definitely avoided, we still found plenty of hard concrete like ground to hike on. Bringing an extra pair of shoes, a few towels and wet wipes to clean up post playing around this area is a good idea with kids. WHY VISIT CATHEDRAL GORGE STATE PARK? While we didn’t have huge expectations with this 2,000 acre park we are a little spoiled living in between Zion, Snow Canyon and Dixie National Forest, from the moment we drove in we were in awe of what was in front of us. Having visited both Cedar Breaks and Bryce, it was easy to see these spires were different. The lighter colored clay was almost cream colored, and the way the walls looked like melted candles dripping down had a different feel than the iron rich red landscape in the other parks. Once home to the Fremont, Anasazi and Southern Paiute, this area was first set aside in 1924 by Governor James Scrugham, then became one of Nevada’s first state parks in 1935. Located at around 4,500 feet above sea level, expect cold winters and hot summers. While there is some vegetation in the area, the constantly eroding clay is a harsh landscape to grow in so there is little to no tree cover in this park. Wear your sunscreen, even in the winter! WHAT ARE THE BEST TRAILS IN CATHEDRAL GORGE? CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOADABLE TRAIL MAP There are a handful of trails in the park that are mostly 2 miles in length. A good hike if you have little kids is parking at the C.C.C. water tower, take a moment to play on the water tower, then walk south toward the canyon caves and moon caves. Expect to explore this area for a good hour. There are a number of slot canyons to hike into, although be aware of the mud if the ground is at all wet. What’s interesting is many surfaces from the spires to the ground appeared to be hard, but upon touching or stepping, the surface gave way leaving a fine gritty sticky mud on our hands and feet. Because you don’t want to damage the landscape, best rule of thumb is to explore but if the ground and walls are soft, retreat and just observe from a distances to as to not damage the beautiful formations. When this clay is hardened it’s like concrete and nearly impossible to leave a mark on. The contrast between the hard and soft clay is incredible and even on a slightly wet day, we found plenty of rock hard clay to explore on. After we had explored the first maze like spires thoroughly, we walked north toward Miller Point trail. There’s a great picnic area you can also park at that has running water from a spigot and a covered picnic table place to eat your lunch. Walk past the tables and there are signs and a clearly defined trail leading into a gorge. Walk left to do the 3-mile juniper draw loop trail (although not advised during rains due to thick mud) and right will take you up the gorge to a look out point and another parking lot. This is about a 2-mile hike out and back and fairly kid friendly, although hold hands when heading up the spine toward the look out pagoda because it can be slippery on parts of the trail. As you climb up the hill out of the canyon for a better view, there’s a metal staircase which helps protect the spires, but also allows this area to be hiked when the ground is soft and slick. The climb is short and totally worth the view back down the canyon. This is definitely your money shot if you want to really capture the park from above looking down. SUGGESTED TRAIL - MILLER POINT TRAIL If you have kids, especially little ones, the Miller Point Trail is a great out and back because it’s easy to complete this one thanks to the lookout point as a fun destinations. The short distance makes it doable and fairly easy to carry kids on shoulders or piggyback when they are done walking. LENGTH This is just over 2-miles if you start at the picnic area and walk out. Keep this in mind if you have already been exploring a little while. The other option is to hike up a ways and then turn around and drive up to the top so you still get the view. This trail can be accessed from both the top and bottom. This took us about an hour to walk with a 6-year-old and lots of stops for pictures. DIFFICULTY I would call this trail easy to moderate because there is about 130 feet of elevation gain if you start at the bottom and go up. For an easy hike you can walk down from the top and then have one person run back up to get the car and drive it around while the kids are exploring at the bottom in the slot canyons. That makes the trail just 1-mile downhill and doable for most kids. GEAR TO WEAR Most shoes can be worn on this trail, however, consider that they will get very muddy. Mark wore Merrell MQM Flex, which are a light men’s hiking trail shoe. I wore the Merrell Thermo Cross 2 Waterproof, which was awesome for the mud and the waterproofness. I was able to literally put my feet under a spigot at the picnic area after our hike and wash the bulk of the mud off. We had Mason in Merrell Kid Morphis. Honestly I wish we had put him in rubber boots because his feet were the worst. It’s hard to tell a 6-year-old to stay out of the mud, so keep that in mind. We also failed on bringing an extra change of clothes. Since the mud can take a while to dry in the slot canyons, come prepared with extra clothes. Also, we found even when the terrain was dry and rock hard, it was still dusty and so he was covered in a lot of fine powdery residue. The terrain isn’t challenging, so poles aren’t necessary, but might be nice for dealing with the slippery mud in places. Water can be refilled at the park, so no need to carry a lot of extra. HOW COOL IS THIS CAMPSITE! TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO Make sure you bring a few towels that can get really dirty and muddy to wipe kids down just in case you hit an area with some mud. If you are interested in staying overnight, the park has a small campground with 22 sites and hook ups are available. Campsites are first come, first serve. Dogs are welcome in the park, but must remain on leash at all times. While the park doesn’t have a junior ranger program, they do have Nevada stamp booklets and coloring books, so make sure to ask about these. Park entrance fee is a very affordable $5 per car. I hope this inspired you to plan a day trip to Cathedral Gorge State Park. It is such an incredible place to explore and spend a day. CHECK OUT THESE OTHER RELATED BLOG POSTS

Zion Lodge is surrounded by soaring canyon walls, wildlife, and world-class hiking. With cabins dating back to 1928, this unique lodge is full of history and rustic charm. It is also the only hotel in Zion National Park. In this blog post, I will help you decide if a stay at Zion Lodge is the right choice for your next visit to the area. PLANNING YOUR STAY The lodge is open year-round and can be booked up to a year in advance. During the high season, May-October, I highly recommend booking 6 to 8 months in advance. Lodging options include small cabins, hotel rooms, and larger suites. There is not a swimming pool or jacuzzi on the property, and the Wifi isn't great. The rooms are comfortable and clean, but don't expect 5-star lodging. The reason for staying at Zion Lodge is 100% about location. Staying inside the park is magical and very convenient. Room rates average $220-$450 WHAT TO DO THE LAWN One of my favorite things to do at the lodge during the summer is getting an ice cream cone at the Castle Dome Cafe and then sitting on the expansive lawn while the kids run and play under the giant cottonwood tree. The people-watching from the lawn is also top-notch. :-) HIKING From the lodge, you can walk across the street and be hiking the Emerald Pools trail in a matter of minutes. You can also jump on the shuttle (March-November) and ride it to several stops for epic hiking like Angels Landing, The Narrows, Riverside Walk, and Observation Point (currently closed). BIKING Rent a bike from the lodge and explore the Zion canyon on two wheels. This is a spectacular way to take in the scenery of the park with the whole family. Rentals from the giftshop include bicycle, helmet, safety visibility vest, and bike lock. Bikes are equipped with front cargo basket, safety lights (front and back), and a pedestrian notifier bell. WHERE TO EAT The Red Rock Grill, with its large windows overlooking the floor of the canyon and the soaring stone walls, is located in the main lodge building. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner year-round. Reservations are required for dinner, and the dress code is casual. Entrees include steaks, Alaskan Salmon, pasta, burgers, and vegetarian dishes along with kid menu options like chicken fingers and mac and cheese. I have eaten at Red Rock Grill with my kiddos for breakfast and dinner. Sitting on the patio and taking in all the beauty while having dinner was by far, my favorite. The food was decent but a little pricy. Castle Dome Cafe is a seasonal snack bar adjacent to the lodge, serving a variety of snack bar-type items such as coffee, espresso, and cinnamon buns in the morning and burgers, hot dogs, and french fries throughout the day. Local microbrews are served on the Beer Garden Cart on the patio as well. The cafe is typically only open in the busy summer months. I'm not going to lie, the food at Castle Dome isn't my favorite but if you need something quick and easy it is a great option. I do love getting an ice cream cone and sitting on the lawn. That I highly recommend! If you would like a better selection of food options, a short 10-minute drive will take you into Springdale. Springdale has a ton of great food. Some of our favorite spots include Oscar's Cafe, Mimi's Cafe, and Spotted Dog Cafe. There are also a few small markets in Springdale to pick up snacks for the trail. WITH OR WITHOUT KIDS? Zion Lodge is an excellent option for a couple's getaway or a family adventure. My kids, ages 4, 7, & 10, loved staying at the lodge. I loved that the Wifi wasn't great on the property because that meant getting off the screens running around and exploring the grounds. So much beauty to explore and enjoy. My kiddos made friends with some other kids staying at the lodge and spent the evening playing tag on the lawn. Watching them chase each other around the massive cottonwood tree was pure heaven for me. Even if you don't stay at Zion Lodge on your next visit to the park make sure to stop by and enjoy the beauty on the lawn or get a quick bite to eat. Click here to book your next stay or for more information about Zion Lodge. Happy Adventuring, Arika

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.