Kanaraville Falls

This is hands down one of my most favorite things we ever did. In fact, I loved it so much, I went on it every year we lived there and one year twice. It's a great hike to take visitors to. It is a beautiful slot canyon! It takes about 3 hours to go to the second waterfall and back. You can go further than that, but there really isn't much past that.

The trail is nice and wide so even if there are other people, you don't feel crowded.

Whatever you do, just don't wear flip flops. I wore sneakers because it can get slippery on the rocks. 

Bring water because you will get thirsty!

You start out on a dirt trail for about a mile. 

Then you get into a spot where you get to stay on a trail or wade through the water. You'll go back and forth from left to right. We of course, chose the water!

View from bottom up.

After hiking a ways, you get to a ladder. It's basically a tree with boards on it. We sent up an adult first, then the kids, and an adult came up the bottom.

This is from behind the waterfall.

It's breathtaking! 

As you can tell, there's many photo opportunities here.

The best part of the whole hike is when you get up past a second waterfall about 1/2 mile.

It's a great swimming hole! 

                                                           This is a natural waterslide.
                     

The first year we hiked Kanarraville, there was a swing there. But the next year it was gone.

Kanarraville Falls is about 12 miles south of Cedar City. To get to Kanarra Falls, take the Kanaraville exit and turn east on 100 North. There is a $10 parking fee, but you could also park at the church and walk up to the falls. For more info, follow this link: http://www.utah.com/hike/kanarra-creek-canyon-trail.

C Trail Overlook

There is a painted letter C on the mountain in Cedar, and just above it is this beautiful overlook. 

This was one of the first "drives" we went on. We lived just underneath this area, and had heard it was a great view. I had only been right in the middle of Cedar, and was surprised how far I could see in every direction! I loved to go up there and pinpoint where our house was, the high school, Smith's, etc. 

The “C” Trail Overlook, located at the top of the trail includes a parking area and viewing area, benches, multiple informational signs, and the large painted “C” on the mountain side. To find the overlook turn East on Center Street in Cedar City heading up Cedar canyon. Travel approximately five miles and turn right (south) toward Kolob Reservoir. Travel up the paved road, climbing in altitude. After you cross a cattle guard turn right before passing over a second cattle guard into the designated “C” Trail Overlook parking area. (http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/cedar_city/recreation/c_trail.html)

The first thing you need to do if you live in Southern Utah, is spend $85 on an annual National Park Pass. Otherwise, each park is $25 to get in. Well worth the money!

One of the first nation parks that we went to was Kolob Canyon, which is actually part of Zions. Kolob Canyon is beautiful. It is known for it's red rock and beautiful views. 

Kolob Canyon is located at Exit 40 on Interstate 15, 40 miles north of Zion Canyon and 17 miles south of Cedar City.

There are a few small hikes, and a few overnight hikes. We never did the overnight ones, but the other ones were completely kid friendly and still had spectacular views. Short and sweet.

 Even if you just drive the five-mile scenic drive along the Kolob Canyons Road, it's still totally worth it. Don't forget your camera.

Fuzzy caterpillar.

Canyon Park

Cedar City has so many great parks. This is the first one we went to recommended by my friend Rosalee. At first I thought it was a secret park because there wasn't many people there and it was sort of hidden. I later learned it's probably the 2nd most popular park! 

There are two sides (East side/West side) to this park. There are boweries, playground toys, big grassy areas, a stream, a volleyball net, and the Canyon Trail runs right through it. 

The Canyon Trail is a paved trail that goes from the mouth of the canyon clear down to the other side of town. 

  

Things to bring: sand toys, extra clothes (believe me), a picnic!

One of our favorite things to do there was to throw a boat or ball in the water and chase it down to the end of the creek.

When someone wasn't playing volleyball, the sand pit turned into a huge sand box. Kids will bring over buckets of water and build tunnels, etc. 

Address of the park: 151 S. 400 E. (http://www.cedarcity.org/239/West-Canyon-Park-Ann-J-Gardner)

On the way to Cedar City on I-15, take the Beaver exit 109. There is a gas station called Beaver Valley Chevron. You must go sit in the giant rocking chair! Because if you don't, then you might be a fun hater.