As summer winds to an end, locals get out the last of their barbecues and camping trips while the weather is still warm and the leaves are still on the trees. Kids are soon going to be back in school again, so for those of you craving last minute adventures before the fall sets in, Southern Utah has a few of the best hikes to travel during the end of summer.
Kanarraville Falls is a hidden gem that is quickly becoming more well known. With the beauty of Zion without the crowds, this hike takes you through the slot canyons showcasing bright reds, pinks, and oranges of the sandstone that makes Southern Utah famous. This is a wet hike, and you will be trekking through water to go through the canyon. Lush greenery lines the paths of this beautifully enclosed trail. While the water is a great escape to cool off during the summer, it’s far too cold to hike through during other times of the year. It is not recommended to hikers from late fall to late spring because of water temperatures. The only fee to get in is a $10 parking fee.
The Zion Narrows, similar to Kanarraville Falls, is often featured on postcards and famous pictures of the park. This hike is also a water hike, through the Zion River. While some parts can be fairly deep, if following the trail, the water is deepest at knee-height. Towering slot canyon walls frame the path, giving it a sense of seclusion as you trek between the canyon walls. If you’re visiting Zion anytime between June and August, this a must during the middle of the day to cool off. The water is refreshingly cool, which means that the water is extremely cold during other parts of the year, making this a hike to do exclusively during the summer months. You can make this hike as long as you’d like, and a wilderness permit is not required for this hike. For more info, click here.
Near Escalante, Calf Creek Falls is a beautiful place to visit during warmer months of the year. Lower Calf Creek Falls is a 5.7 mile moderate hiking trail. The hike generally lasts about 3-4 hours, and although parts of it can be hot and strenuous, the falls at the end of the hike, as well as the creek throughout the hike, has cool, refreshing waters during the summer. The end of the trail takes you to a 130 ft. waterfall and a natural pool, so it’s common to bring swimming suits and swimming gear to cool off at the end of the hike before you turn back. For more info on this hike, click here.