Day 2
September 5, 2023
There was one reason I came to Cedar City, a photograph. That's it. Imagine a waterfall inside a slot canyon. That's Kanarra Falls. It's not the first time a picture drew me in and I'm sure it won't be the last.
Knowing I'd be walking in water for the latter part of the trip, I invested in a pair of water hiking shoes. The sole isn't as heavy as a hiking boot, but it offers a lot more support than a sneaker. They're designed to grip like boots, but drain after a few steps out of the water.
The town of Kanarraville oversees the falls trail. It's just a couple of exits south on I-15. The town is named after the creek, which was named after the Paiute Chief Canarrah. Over time, the creek has created a slot canyon. That's where I was headed.
The town only allows one hundred and fifty people into the canyon per day at a cost of $12 a person. Once through the gate, you're on your own. Once again, being on Eastern Time, I was up nice and early. The gates open at 7A and I was actually the first person to go in. After checking my name on the reservation list, the friendly woman at the kiosk informed me the water would be a chilly forty-eight degrees.
There are three waterfalls on the trail. I'd only be going to the second one, 1.9 miles up the canyon. More on that later. The first half of the trip is simply working your way down through the canyon.
It didn't take very long to the first water crossing. Sure, I could have stepped across on a stone or two. But, what better time to test out the shoes. Did I mention the water was forty-eight degrees. That was a bit shocking. As for shoes... Have you ever walked through water in sneakers? Remember that slightly squishy feel along with the added weight of wet canvas? That's how it felt. But, as advertised, a few steps back on the path and they had drained.
The trail follows the creek for a while, crossing back and forth numerous times.
Eventually, you stop crossing the creek and it becomes the actual trail. There are signs reminding you to stay in the river.
Eventually, you do arrive at the slot canyon and start in... A group of four younger guys were moving much faster, so I let them pass. Yes, they do come back in the narrative.
At 1.6 miles, you come to the first waterfall and a staircase up to the second one.
At the second waterfall, you can either turn around, or climb up the debris on the right and continue to the third one.
After watching each of the four guys climbing up the side, I decided I really didn't need to follow them up. The lack of foot holds on the water smoothed rocks seemed a bit precarious.
The sound of the waterfall was echoing off the walls and surprisingly loud. How loud?
Even if I was still walking in cold water, somehow being back in the sun felt better.
Back at the car, it felt good to get out of the damp shoes and just let my feet air dry for a few minutes. Back in proper hiking boots, it was a short drive across town to the next trail, Spring Creek Canyon.
There's a split in the trail at the two and a half mile mark. That seemed the perfect place to turn around. In the end I have no idea how far back I had walked. Eventually, the trail would be clogged with storm debris and mud. Definitely worth it though!
The Indian Paintbrush was in bloom, adding a splattering of red color to the trail.
Blue sky reflecting on the water never gets old...
After a late lunch, it was time to hit the third rail of the day. This time, it would be an easy three miles round trip. Cedar City has a series of paved walking/running/biking trails. After ditching the car in a city park, I randomly chose the East Bench Trail.
It's also where I encountered Rosie the Rock Snake. The idea is to add painted stones to the end and see how long it can get.
It goes well past that sign...
The last few stones at the tail...
All in all, not a bad way to begin this journey.
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