The Red Cliffs, Near Leeds Utah: One of Southern Utah's best swimming holes!

The Red Cliffs Recreation area near Leeds, Utah is an awesome place to spend a whole day or just a few hours. If you are planning on visiting this little paradise in the desert and want to do some swimming. Make sure to plan your trip during the spring before the pools become stagnant. If your not looking to get wet then you can just meander along the well maintained path next to the creek.  Directions to The Red Cliffs Recreation Area

The Red Cliffs Recreation Area is an awesome place to take a swim. Many of these pools are over eight feet deep. 

The main trail follows the river west of the camp sites. 

Grand Canyon, Toroweap Overlook

The Grand Canyon Toroweap Overlook is absolutely breathtaking! It really is a hidden gem, most people I have spoken with haven't even heard of it. A warning up front for this little adventure is this, you will have to drive for over 60 miles on a dirt road to get there. As you pass the Toroweap Overlook Ranger Station and approach the overlook the dirt road turns into more of a jeep trail. You will need a high clearance vehicle to drive the full distance to the canyon overlook. Once you reach it you will find that nothing has really been developed it is as raw and beautiful as it has always been. However there are bathrooms available near the end of the trail. Click the link below for Directions.

Directions to the Toroweap Overlook  

Pictured above is the view from the Toroweap Overlook looking north.

Pictured above is a view from the Toroweap Overlook facing downstream.

Have you hiked the Taylor's Creek Trail in Kolob Canyon?

Taylor's Creek Trail is located in Kolob Canyon at the north end of Zion National Park. The Taylor's Creek Trail is full of breathtaking views from the massive rock cliffs to the beautiful riverbed teaming with green plants and wildlife. The hike can be done by almost anyone dew to the fact that it follows the riverbed and crosses relatively level terrain. At the end of the trail you will find the impressive Double Arch Alcove (pictured above), this was personally my favorite part of the entire experience. The hike is 5 miles round trip so be sure to give yourself around 4 hours to complete it. For more information on Kolob Canyon you can visit the official website HERE. For directions to the trail head click on the link below.

Directions to Taylor's Creek Trailhead

   

Lions Mouth Cave, Cedar City

 Lions Mouth Cave petroglyph's are located just 20 minutes west of Cedar City, Utah. Lions Mouth Cave is an awesome place not just to observe petroglyphs, its also a great place to rock climb or simply explore the area. The hike to Lions Mouth Cave is only a short 10 - 15 minute hike making it great for everyone. The trail head is located just of the road on a well marked pullout. From there the trail winds is way through the juniper trees up to the large conglomerate rock that makes up the Lions Mouth. When you see it you will know why it has been given the name Lions Mouth. Enjoy!!!

Directions to Lions Mouth Trail-head

 The  petroglyphs are located just below the Lions Mouth on the south side of the rock.

Ashdown Gorge, Cedar City Utah

Ashdown Gorge is an absolutely beautiful canyon. The hike laces its way along the narrow river bottom in the shadows of the enormous overhanging cliff walls. Besides the fact that we hiked it during the winter with a whole lot of ice and snow, its a relatively easy hike (if you like water). Depending on the season one could easily  walk up creek itself, instead of trying to traverse some of the obstacles along the shore. As you ascend farther up the canyon and as it narrows, the water has dug deep into the cliff faces creating massive rock overhangs. This really is a must see if you are just passing through Cedar City or just want to take some time out for a good time. I would for sure put it on the list of top ten best hikes in the area. If your asking your self where is Ashdown Gorge? I will include a link below that will take you to a good spot to park your car and got going!

Directions to Ashdown Gorge, Cedar City, Utah

We seemed to be doing this every 100 yards or so. 

I am not going to lie, climbing out of the gorge back to the parking lot in the snow was not my favorite part of this hike. 

Here is a little video showing how creative you can get crossing the creek. ENJOY =) 

Spring Creek Trial

 Spring Creek is a beautiful hike located only 23 minutes from Cedar City Utah. I will include directions to the trail head (highlighted in blue). Spring Creek starts as a wide valley eventually winding its way into a breathtaking slot canyon. The trail is not difficult making it a great hike for everyone! So next time you are sitting in your room asking  Siri "Things to do near me?" or  "things to do in Cedar City?" Put your phone down and check out this awesome canyon. Its time to go find your adventure!
 -Directions to Spring Creek trail head-

Cathedral Gorge

  This is honestly one of my personal favorites. As you can see from the photos it is literally a huge playground with endless canyons, hills and tunnels to explore. It is only an hour and twenty minute drive from Cedar City located literally at the end of highway 56. You will come to a Shell gas station turn right and the Gorge will be on you left in less than a mile. Cathedral Gorge is a Nevada State park so you can expect to pay a small fee of about $7 per car, its totally worth it!  

DIRECTIONS TO CATHEDRAL GORGE STATE PARK