Archive for the ‘Scenic Drives’ Category
Friday, August 13th, 2010
 An RV heads toward the mile long tunnel in Zion National Park Zion National Park officials are temporarily suspending the fee for oversized vehicles to pass through the mile long tunnel in Zion National Park. Due to construction on the road on each side of the tunnel, single lane traffic will be required for all vehicles and the large vehicle fee waiver will remain in place for up to five weeks. The $15 fee is normally charged to all vehicles 7 feet, 10 inches wide and/or 11 feet, 4 inches tall or taller.
 Tunnel with rounded ceiling - Zion National Park The tunnel was constructed in the 1930’s, and the ceiling of the tunnel is rounded on both sides. This means that larger vehicles cannot safely pass through the tunnel while traffic is coming from the opposite direction. To accommodate larger vehicles traffic must be stopped at the opposite end of the tunnel while the larger vehicles, and other accompanying vehicles, proceed in single file through the tunnel. It takes man-power at both ends of the tunnel to manage this process, thus the necessary fee. However, with night-time construction on the road and the construction of some historic rock walls, the day-time traffic through the tunnel will all be restricted to single lane traffic. Zion National Park superintendent Jock Whitworth indicates that since all traffic will be single file, it is not justified to charge the additional fee for larger vehicles.
 The tunnel travels through the side of a mountain, and there are several windows in the tunnel that allow views into the main canyon of Zion National Park Expect a few slight delays but road traffic through Zion National Park between Springdale and East Zion (highway 9) is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The drive through the tunnel is quite an awe-inspiring experience. The construction of this tunnel is considering one of the great engineering marvels of national park history. View this page for more details - Zion Road Construction Schedule
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
 A view of Kolob Reservoir in summer Kolob Terrace Road begins in the small town of Virgin, Utah about 15 miles west of Zion National Park’s south entrance. This road offers access to several trailheads and overlooks, including the Left Fork of North Creek, The Subway slot canyon, West Rim Trail, Lava Point Overlook, and Kolob Reservoir. From the town of Virgin the road ascends to a plateau and runs for about 25 miles through diverse and dramatic backcountry scenery, disecting Zion National Park between Zion Canyon and its lesser-explored sister, Kolob Canyon. The name “Kolob” comes from Mormon (LDS) scripture, indicating a star near Heaven. Climbing Kolob Terrace Road to nearly 8,000 feet above sea level it’s easy to see this area comes close to Heaven, in both elevation and beauty.
 A horse grazes in tall grass fields on the Kolob Terrace near Zion National Park How to get there: Kolob Terrace Road offers instant access to wilderness and solitude; you won’t find Zion’s crowds here. Look closely for a small sign indicating Kolob at the intersection of Highway 9 in Virgin. The paved road starts out lined with fertile pastures, then climbs steeply into the red cliffs, winding in and out of the park through mountainous alpine forest, rugged canyonland, and the open expanse of the Lower Kolob Plateau. Inside the park you’ll pass the Firepit Knoll cinder cone, cross over Pine Spring Wash, and pass the West Rim trailhead, before reaching one of the park’s literal and figurative high points: Lava Point Overlook. Sitting at 7,890 feet, Lava Point Overlook is the one of the higher peaks in Zion National Park and offers a stunning panoramic view. Lava Point Road also offers access to the remote Blue Springs Reservoir and the Wildcat Trailhead, where the hike through The Subway begins (permit required).
About five miles from Lava Point Road, pristine Kolob Reservoir lies at 8,8118 feet just outside the park boundary. A few ranches and log cabins dot the landscape on the way to the well-stocked reservoir but if you’re seeking solitude, good trout fishing, and primitive camping, this is the place. The final stretch of road around the reservoir and beyond is unpaved. Most people choose to turn around and go back the way they came.
In winter the upper section of this road can be closed with snow but the lower section is still worth the drive. Check road conditions with the ranger station prior to heading out during winter months.
Tags: Kolob, kolob canyons, kolob reservoir, kolob terrace, subway slot canyon, utah, virgin utah, west rim trail, zion, Zion National Park, zion park, zion utah Posted in Adventure, Camping, Canyoneering / Climbing, Geography, Hiking, Lakes / Reservoirs, Scenic Drives, Zion National Park, activities, fishing
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
 Utah's Highway 18 from St. George to Enterprise Highway 18 (SR-18) encompasses a 40-mile stretch between St. George and Enterprise. As part of the Legacy Loop Highway, the paved scenic byway winds past rugged red canyons and dramatic turns of history as it follows along a section of the historic Old Spanish Trail trade route.
Highway 18 begins in St. George, just south of I-15, and heads north past the Ledges Golf Club and through the black lava-capped sandstone cliffs of Snow Canyon State Park. The road continues northwest through Wide Canyon, and past the imposing Veyo Volcano cinder pit. A four-mile hike leads to the summit of this geologic relic (5,223-feet above sea level) , where panoramic views of Snow Canyon and the surrounding mountains and valleys await. Continue the short drive north to the quiet, bucolic community of Veyo (pop. 724), an acronym for “virtue, enterprise, youth, and order” coined by the girls of a local Mormon youth group “Beehive girls” in the early 1900s.
 Diamond Valley area volcanic cinder cone near Snow Canyon State Park North of Veyo, Highway 18 winds for another 21 miles through the hills and vales of the Dixie National Forest. The remote community of Central is the gateway to Pine Valley town, reservoir, and recreation area; exit Highway 18 onto Forest Highway 35 and head east for about ten miles. At an elevation of 6,500 feet Pine Valley is known for its alpine forest, cool summer temperatures, camping, hiking, and horseback riding. Continuing north on Highway 18, you’ll pass the site of the controversial Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1857. The road then turns northeast for the final stretch to Enterprise (pop. 1285), a small upper valley town with access to camping, hunting, and rainbow trout fishing in nearby Upper and Lower Enterprise Reservoirs.
Click on the pictures to see a larger view.
Tags: dixie national forest, enterprise reservoir, enterprise utah, highway 18, ledges golf club, mountain meadows, pine valley utah, saint george, Snow Canyon, St. George, utah, veyo utah, volcano Posted in Camping, Cities - Towns, Fish, Geography, Geology, Lakes / Reservoirs, Scenic Drives, Snow Canyon, St. George Utah, State Parks, activities, fishing
Monday, June 14th, 2010
With this loop there are many places to stop and look around, or even take a hike, or you can simply enjoy the scenic drive. This drive offers different perspectives depending on which direction you follow the loop.
 Gunlock Reservoir Utah The Gunlock scenic drive is a 48-mile loop that circles northwest from St. George, past Gunlock State Park and the Veyo Volcano, through the northeastern edge of Snow Canyon State Park, then back to St. George. The loop is a paved road with a gradual increase and decrease in elevation, perfect for a scenic afternoon drive or an aerobic bike ride.
This is the loop that is part of the famous Ironman Triathlon. Ironman participants do the loop twice. For cyclists, clockwise is the easiest way to ride. Begin in St. George and head west on UT-8 (Sunset Boulevard). Five miles west along the road the beautiful little city of Santa Clara is home to the Santa Clara River Reserve, the Santa Clara City Arboretum, and several city parks and trails. From Santa Clara, UT-8 turns into Old US-91. The turn for Ivins City is just a few miles down the road. Ivins is home to the renowned Tuacahn Theater, nestled beneath the magnificent red rock cliffs near Snow Canyon State Park. In Ivins you’ll also find the Art Village of Kayenta where you can visit various artist studios, galleries and even catch a meal.
Old US-91 continues past Shivwits, a small village on the Shivwits Indian Reservation and home of the oldest band of Paiute Indians. Bear right onto CR-3184/N. Gunlock Road around the reservation. The road gently increases in elevation as it climbs past Gunlock State Park, where the sparkling blue waters of Gunlock Reservoir attract boaters, swimmers, and fisherman year-round. The park and the nearby town of Gunlock are named for “Gunlock Will” Hamblin, a renowned 19th-century Mormon pioneer and sharpshooter.
 View of a volcanic cinder cone near Snow Canyon State Park Continue northeast for about 5 miles on CR-3184/N. Gunlock Road, then turn right onto West Center Street/W. Gunlock Road to the small rural community of Veyo. Turn right (south) onto SR-18. A mile down the road you’ll pass the imposing black cinder pit, Veyo Volcano. Just past Veyo Volcano is the turn-off for Upper Sand Cove Reservoir, where largemouth bass and trout are plentiful. Continue south on scenic highway 18 through the northeastern section of spectacular Snow Canyon State Park and past the Ledges Golf Course. SR-18 turns into Bluff Road as you re-enter St. George.
Tags: backway, byway, gunlock, gunlock reservoir, gunlock utah, Ivins Utah, Santa Clara Utah, scenic drive, scenic loop, veyo utah Posted in Cities - Towns, Fish, Geography, Hiking, Lakes / Reservoirs, Scenic Drives, Snow Canyon, St. George Utah, State Parks, Tuacahn, Water Sports, activities, fishing
Friday, May 21st, 2010
 Hiker looks up at Kolob Arch. One of the two largest arches in the world. Where is it? The Kolob Finger Canyons road is a five-mile scenic drive through the magnificent Kolob Fingers of Zion National Park. Hold your hand in front of your face and you’ll have an idea of the shape of these canyons as you look at your fingers and the space between. Access to this section of the park is from Interstate 15 (Exit 40), north of St. George and near the town of New Harmony, Utah. This is a less frequently visited section of the park and offers grand views, and access to some magnificent hiking and backpacking trails.
What will I see there? The road begins at the Kolob Canyons entrance, and ends at the Timber Creek Overlook. The road climbs over 1,000 feet within the five mile drive and partly follows a fault line for the Markagunt Plateau. On your left you’ll pass five finger-like formations with deep canyons in-between. You’ll find several pull-outs with interpretive signs at various points along the way.
What trails can we hike? Two miles into the drive you’ll pass the trailhead for the middle fork of Taylor Creek. This is a moderate five-mile hike that passes two historic homesteads, several large rock formations, and then ends at Double Arch Alcove.
At the 3.5 mile mark you’ll find the beginning of the Lee Pass Trail-head. This is the trail that leads to the La Verkin Creek Trail to Kolob Arch. This arch is one of the largest free-standing arches in the world. The strenuous back country hike is 14 miles round-trip over soft sand and across streams. It is a good trip for an overnight stay. A permit is required to stay overnight.
Kolob Canyon Road ends at an elevation of 6,369 feet. The road comes to a scenic view point and visitors have access to a picnic area and an easy to moderate one-mile round-trip hike that offers higher views of Timber Creek, the Pine Valley Mountains.
What does it cost to enter this part of Zion National Park? The Kolob Canyon Road is open year-round. During winter months you may want to call ahead to check on road conditions. Visitors can pay the entrance fee ($25 per vehicle, good for seven days to all of Zion National Park) at the Kolob Canyon visitor center. Your Golden Eagle National Parks pass will also give you access to the Kolob Finger Canyons area.
Tags: Finger Canyons, Kolob, Kolob Finger Canyons, Kolob Fingers, utah, Zion Kolob, Zion Kolob Fingers, Zion National Park, zion park Posted in Biking, Forest, Geography, Geology, Hiking, Photography, Scenic Drives, Zion National Park, activities
Friday, February 5th, 2010
Grafton, Utah
 Grafton School House Grafton is a historic ghost town just south of Zion National Park and located along the Virgin River. The modern day town nearest Grafton, is Rockville. Grafton was first settled in 1859 and was located just one mile west of its present town site. In January of 1862 the town was completely washed away by a flood on the Virgin River. Settlers rebuilt the town a mile further up stream at its present site.
 Gravestone of young teenager killed in uprisings There were many log houses, a post office, a church, a school, and a community hall. The town was deserted in 1866 due to Indian attacks and resettled once the threat had subsided.
Said to be the most photographed ghost town in the West, it has been featured as a location in several films, including 1929’s “In Old Arizona” and the classic “Butch Cassidy and the Sandance Kid”, filmed in 1969 and starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman. If you are familiar with the movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” you may remember the scene where Newman is riding a bicycle while the music of B.J. Thomas serenades he and Katherine Ross (Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head). This was part of the scenes that were filmed at Grafton.
Directions: To get to Grafton Ghost town you will drive to the town of Rockville and look for a road labelled “Bride Road” at the east end of town (south side of street). Turn on this road and go south across the old iron bridge. Follow the road to the right as it turns west and becomes a dirt road. Travel this direction for a couple of miles until you see the Grafton cemetery on the left. The road to the old Grafton town site curves right (north) toward the Virgin River (just a few hundred yards). Park your car and wander around the old school house and through the old cemetery.
 Grafton Cemetery
Tags: butch cassidy, butch cassidy and the sundance kid, church, flood, Grafton, grafton ghost town, grafton utah, in old arizona, indian, indian attacks, katherine ross, paul newman, post office, robert redford, rockville, rockville utah, springdale, Springdale Utah, sundance kid, virgin river, Zion National Park, zion park Posted in Cities - Towns, Education, Geography, Ghost towns, Hiking, History, Scenic Drives, Springdale Utah, Weather, Zion National Park, virgin river
Friday, February 5th, 2010
Ever since the new freeway was opened through the Virgin River Gorge, travelers simply don’t travel very much to Las Vegas via old highway 91. This state road, that goes west through the quaint city of Santa Clara, comes to a fork near the base of Utah hill. Go left at the fork, and you would continue toward Las Vegas, turn right and you will go north to Gunlock State Park. The reservoir, tucked away about 15 miles northwest of St. George, is a hidden secret.
 Water Skiing on Gunlock State Park Gunlock State Park is a scenic 600-acre park is a great place for boating, swimming and for other water sport enthusiasts to enjoy some of the warmest water temperatures in Utah. The reservoir, built in 1970 and fed by the Santa Clara River, also provides excellent fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish. The banks of the reservoir are lined with pine and juniper trees, with a backdrop of red and pink Navajo sandstone cliffs to the west and ancient lava beds to the east. With heavy spring snow-melt and rains, you may find water flowing over the southwest corner of the reservoir and then cascading across the red rock formations below. This is quite a spectacular site and the best opportunities to see this are usually between March and April. It really depends on the weather conditions. Also found in this area are a wide array of ancient Native American writings. Click here to read more.
 The town of Gunlock - Just 1 mile north of the Gunlock State Park The park is named for “Gunlock Will” (William Haynes Hamblin), a Mormon pioneer and expert marksman who settled in the area in the mid-1800s. The road to the park was once known as the Old Spanish Trail and was traversed from New Mexico to California by adventurers in search of gold.
Southern Utah’s sunny, dry climate allows the park to remain open year-round, although spring and fall entertain the most visitors. There is a day-use fee ($5.00 in 2010) for this state park, which includes the boat launch and limited facilities, including a covered pavilion and vault toilets. Primitive camping is available ($10 per night in 2010).
Tags: Boating, Camping, cliff jumping, fishing, gunlock, gunlock state park, gunlock utah, kayaking, State Park, State Parks, utah state park, utah state parks, wake boarding, water skiing Posted in ATV/4x4, Adventure, Boating, Camping, Cities - Towns, Hiking, Lakes / Reservoirs, Scenic Drives
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
 St. George Marathon Competitors The St. George Marathon happens this weekend (October 3, 2009). It is a large event for St. George and one of the better marathon events in the United States. Many participants use this race to qualify for the famous Boston Marathon. The St. George Marathon course, from Central to St. George on state highway 18 is a run that includes a lot of downhill. While there are a few hill climbs, the course descends in elevation from approximately 5,500 feet to 2,800 feet. This makes the St. George Marathon a faster race than others and therefore allows participants to run slightly faster times that may help them qualify for the Boston Marathon.
 Runners on the course of the St. George Marathon With over 10,0oo applicants for the race, an anticipated 6,700 runners will be allowed to compete in the marathon this weekend. One of the many pluses for this race is the scenic beauty along the course. Snow Canyon State Park, parallels several miles of the course and the scenic views into the canyon, from state highway 18 are quite spectacular.
This year’s raceis sponsored by Nordic Track, Gatorade Endurance Formula, Intermountain Health Care and a number of local sponsors.
If you have an interest in competing in the 2011 St. George Marathon, then click here for more information. Click here for other specific calendar details related to the events surrounding the marathon.
Tags: boston marathon, gatorade, jogging, marathon, nordic track, running, Snow Canyon State Park, st. george marathon, St. George Utah, st. george utah marathon Posted in Cities - Towns, Events, Health & Fitness, Scenic Drives, Snow Canyon, St. George Utah
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
The town of Springdale, Utah sits at the southwest entrance to Zion National Park. The 2000 census listed the population of Springdale at 457 and somehow this small community plays host to many of the visitors to Zion National Park. At an elevation of 3,900 feet Springdale was named in 2008, by Forbes Traveler, as one of the 20 ‘prettiest towns’ in America.
 View toward Zion National Park - Springdale, Utah One visit to this community and the beauty of this small town is immediately evident. Springdale is surrounded by the emerging red-rock formations of Zion National Park and other formations that lie just outside the park.
Two different forks of the Virgin River (north and east forks) come together in the Springdale area. Both of these rivers have been major contributors to the erosion, and therefore the creation, of Zion National Park.
 Scenic Highway 9 - Springdale Utah - Zion National Park For Zion National Park visitors, Springdale, Utah offers many excellent lodging, dining and shopping opportunities. In addition to this there are several entertainment options such as the Zion Canyon Giant Screen Theatre where IMAX films are shown, and the O.C. Tanner Amphitheater which offers outdoor entertainment through the summer season. Several outfitters in Springdale provide gear and guided outdoor adventures for activities such as; hiking, canyoneering, mountain biking, jeep tours, rappelling, rock climbing and more.
History: This area was visited and inhabited by Native Americans and was explored by early Mormon pioneers in the 1850’s and 1860’s. In 1862 Mormon pioneers settled the Springdale community, and it was the wife of one of these pioneers that suggested the name of Springdale, because of the proximity to some freshwater springs.
Tags: america, dining, forbes traveler, History, lodging, native americans, pioneers, Shopping, springdale, Springdale Utah, united states, virgin river, zion, Zion National Park, zion national park hotels, zion national park lodging Posted in Adventure, Biking, Canyoneering / Climbing, Cities - Towns, Entertainment, Geography, Geology, Hiking, History, Restaurants, Scenic Drives, Shopping, Springdale Utah, Zion National Park
Thursday, July 9th, 2009
The St. George and Zion National Park area is filled with some incredibly scenic back-roads and byways. One official definition of a back-road or byway is “a small side road not regularly used by people or traffic.” So with that in mind, let’s take a look at one of the back-roads or byways that you may want to consider exploring.
 - Grafton Historic School House
Smithsonian Butte
Scenic Byway:
Attractions along this dirt-road include (Town of Rockville, Grafton Ghost Town, Gooseberry Mesa, Smithsonian Butte).
Directions / Things to See and Do:
This road begins/ends in two places; Rockville and Apple Valley. Access in Rockville (from Scenic Highway 9 near Springdale/Zion National Park) is via the “Bridge Road” at the eastern edge of town. Look for a small street sign and turn south on this road. You’ll know if you are going in the right direction if you immediately cross an old iron bridge across the Virgin River. Follow this road as it curves to the right (west) and toward the ghost town of Grafton (1.5 miles).
Turn right in the fork of the road (2 miles) to visit Grafton Ghost Town. Check out the cemetery (on left) just as you enter the old town. Be sure to read some of the interesting gravestones.
 - Grafton Cemetery
The town of Grafton was settled in the 1960’s but up-risings among the local Native Americans forced the people to vacate the town for a few years. Reasons for this are found on the gravestones. Local farmers battled the frequent flooding of the Virgin River before finally giving up on raising crops in this area. There is a school-house and some old homes that still remain. This is the location of the famous bicycle scene in the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, where Butch (Paul Newman) gives Etta (Katherine Ross) a ride on a bicycle and the song “rain-drops keep falling on my head” is sung by B.J. Thomas. Many scenes for this movie (Robert Redford also stars) were shot in this area.
Returning to the main road you were on, you will move south (left at fork - uphill) toward Gooseberry Mesa. You’ll see Smithsonian Butte (large formation to southeast) as you move up the hill toward Gooseberry Mesa. The turn-off to get onto the mesa is 4.5 miles (right / west). The road moves back to the north on top of the mesa and there are many look-out points on the northern rim of the mesa. One road follows a northwest course (5 miles) to a look-out area and another road (splits west) and goes to the end of the mesa (approx. 7 miles).
 - Mountain Biking on Gooseberry Mesa - Utah
This is famous mountain biking terrain so bring your bikes if that is your As always, be considerate of bikers, hikers or other travelers as you proceed down these dirt roads in your vehicle.
Once you return to the point where you started out onto Gooseberry Mesa you are just 2.75 miles to reach the main highway (SR-59). Of course you can reverse your course and start here, or even return down the road back to Rockville (Scenic Highway 9).
Tags: back-road, backroad, byway, cemetery, dirt road, gooseberry mesa, grafton ghost town, rockville, scenic byway, smithsonian butte, springdale, St. George, utah, Zion National Park Posted in Adventure, Biking, Cities - Towns, Geography, Hiking, Scenic Drives, Springdale Utah, St. George Utah, Zion National Park
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