Archive for the ‘Hiking’ Category
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
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
Monday, May 10th, 2010
There’s nothing quite like outdoor adventure experiences in the St. George and Zion National Park area. Bringing the right equipment can make a day of mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, camping or any type of outdoor adventure, an extremely enjoyable experience. Without it, your experience around St. George or Zion may be less than you expect. Below we have created a list of a few “must have” items for being prepared to enjoy the great outdoors. Remember that even if you’re in familiar territory, challenges can still arise.
 Hiking, Climbing, Biking, Rappelling, in St. George and Zion National Park Always carry rain or cool weather gear, even in the summer, when flash rains or hail storms can change temperatures quickly. Here’s a list of a few key items to have close at hand:
Compass
First Aid Kit
Flashlight/Batteries
Insect Repellant
Map
Pocket Knife
Repair equipment (per activity)
Snacks/Food
Sunscreen / Hat
Sturdy Shoes
Toilet Paper
Water
Waterproof matches
Whistle
In addition to these items you may need repair resources for the vehicle or equipment you are using. Here’s a list of local shops that supply much of what you may need.
Springdale, Utah:
* Biking Zion (1458 Zion Park Boulevard) Bicycle rentals, equipment and repairs
* Zion Adventure Company (36 Lion Boulevard) - Equipment rentals, guides, climbing, camping, hiking and canyoneering gear.
* Zion Cycles (868 Zion Park Boulevard) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
* Zion Rock and Mountain Guides (1458 Zion Park Boulevard) - Equipment rentals, guides, climbing, camping, hiking and canyoneering gear.
Hurricane, Utah:
* Over the Edge Sports (76 E 100 S) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
St George, Utah:
* Bicycles Unlimited (90 S 100 E) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
* Big 5 Sporting Goods(245 Red Cliffs Drive) - Hunting, fishing, camping, outerwear, footwear.
* Desert Cyclery (1091 N Bluff Street) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
* Desert Rat (160 N 500 East) - Climbing, camping, hiking and canyoneering gear.
* Dixie Gun and Fish (1062 E Tabernacle)- Hunting and fishing supplies
* Hurst Ace Hardware (160 N Bluff Street)- Hunting, fishing and camping supplies
* Red Rock Bicycles (100S Bluff Street) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
* Sportsman’s Warehouse (2957 E 850 N) - Hunting, fishing, camping, outerwear, footwear.
* Sunset Cycles (491 N Bluff) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
Tags: biking gear, equipment, hiking gear, outdoor gear, St. George Utah, supplies, zion, Zion National Park Posted in Adventure, Biking, Camping, Hiking, St. George Utah, Zion National Park, activities
Friday, April 30th, 2010
Mountain Biking or Hiking.
 City Creek and Rusty Cliffs Trails About this trail: The City Creek trail starts on Turtle Road in an area above the red sandstone cliffs of St. George, Utah. City Creek Trail combines with the lower Rusty Cliffs Trail to create a 10-mile round-trip ride or walk, and you’ll experience a 300-foot elevation gain. Once a pioneer path, the Rusty Cliffs Trail is filled with native desert vegetation that grows amongst the rocks and sand. Located near a St. George City Golf Course, called Red Hills Golf Course, the Rusty Cliffs trail loops to the north around a small canyon. This hiking and mountain biking trail is relatively easy to follow and can be enjoyed year-round.
Trail Degree of difficulty: For the most part this combined trail has a technical level of intermediate and runs along some rocky ledges. Those looking for some advanced singletrack will find it on an optional side loop that runs to the northwest, on the Rusty Cliffs trail section. You may follow this loop over a low ridge before swinging back to meet up with the City Creek trail again.
 Mountain Biking in St. George, Utah How to get to the trail head: From the city of St. George you will head north on Main Street and then turn right onto Hope Street. From here take the fork on your immediate left and travel up to Skyline Drive. At the top of the cliffs you will turn left on Skyline Drive (aka Turtle Road) and within 1/2 mile you will turn right into the parking area just past the hilltop. The trailhead is across the road (west), about 150 yards south of the parking lot. Alternately, the City Creek trailhead can be reached by traveling north via Bluff Street to the Snow Canyon Parkway intersection. Turn right to follow Skyline Drive to the east and drive approximately two miles to the parking lot.
Tags: city creek, city creek trail, desert tortoise, Hiking, Mountain Biking, rusty cliffs, rusty cliffs trail, saint george, st george hiking, St. George, st. george mountain biking, St. George Utah, turtle road Posted in Adventure, Biking, Hiking, History, St. George Utah, activities
Friday, February 19th, 2010
 Views of the Virgin River in Zion and and a Virgin River Overlook The Virgin River is the water system that is responsible for carving some of the main canyons in Zion National Park. This river drainage contains some of the most dramatic landscapes in the America. Located in the southwest corner of Utah, the Virgin River provides valuable water resources and recreation opportunities for over 120,000 local residents. The Virgin River and its contributors are divided into three main drainages: the North Fork, the East Fork, and the Santa Clara River.
 Viewers look down into the north fork of the Virgin River basin. North Fork - Virgin River: The North Fork of the Virgin River begins at Navajo Lake and Kolob Reservoir and receives contributions from many drainage areas along the southwest Markagunt Plateau. The North Fork enters Zion National Park, forming the famous Zion Narrows which is popular for hiking. The East and North forks of the Virgin River come together outside of Zion National park, south of the town of Springdale. Once the North and East Forks of the Virgin meet the river continues on in a southwestern direction running through the towns of Rockville, Virgin, LaVerkin, and Hurricane. Along its path towards St. George are Sand Hollow and Quail Creek Reservoirs. These state parks are beautiful places for boating, fishing, and swimming.
 Shadows show the course of the east fork of the Virgin River. East Fork - Virgin River: The headwaters of the East Fork originate in the southeast Markagunt Plateau near the junction of US Highway 89 and State Highway 14. After flowing through the towns of Glendale, Orderville and Mt. Carmel Junction the river turns west entering Parunaweap Canyon and Zion National Park. Within Parunaweap Canyon adventurous hikers and kayakers navigate “The Barracks” section, a remote narrow canyon which in places is less than 15 feet wide and 500 feet deep.
Santa Clara River Drainage: The Santa Clara River originates in the Pine Valley Mountains, flows towards the town of Santa Clara, and on south to St. George, meeting up with the Virgin River next to I-15 at about mile marker five. The Santa Clara River runs through Gunlock State Park and Reservoir a popular spot for fishing, camping, swimming and boating. The river generally runs only a few inches deep, ideal for skim boarding.
Virgin River Gorge: After the Santa Clara River joins the Virgin River the river then cuts through the rising Beaver Dam Mountains to create a spectacular Gorge reminiscent of the Grand Canyon with eroded, stepped cliffs and terraces of sandstone and limestone. The Virgin River Gorge is a spectacular place to enjoy many different activities including camping, hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking.
In the river itself, the threatened Woundfin minnow and Virgin River Spinedace struggles to survive. Desert bighorn sheep were historically present on the Arizona Strip. By the early 1900s desert bighorn were believed to be extirpated from the Virgin and Beaver Dam Mountains and Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs areas. Small remnant populations were still extant in the Grand Wash Cliffs and Kanab Creek. Since the late 1970’s, Arizona Game and Fish Department and the BLM have been cooperatively working to re-introduce desert bighorn sheep to the Arizona Strip. Visitors might also spot an antelope, a mountain lion, wild turkey, peregrine falcon, or desert tortoise.
About 20 miles south of St. George, along I-15, is Cedar Pocket Campground. This recreation area with 75 camp and picnic sites is open year-round and is a gateway to one of the most remote areas of the United States.
Near the lower end of the gorge is some of the most challenging rock climbing in the United States. Climbers worldwide come to climb the legendary limestone in this narrow gorge. This area isn’t for the timid as routes average 5.12d.
Virgin River to Lake Mead: After leaving the Virgin River the river enters the Mojave Desert and flows past the towns of Beaver Dam and Littlefield, Arizona and then enters southern Nevada near the town of Mesquite. The river empties into the Colorado River at Lake Mead, approximately 40 miles east of Las Vegas.
Posted in Adventure, Boating, Camping, Canyoneering / Climbing, Geography, Geology, Hiking, Lakes / Reservoirs, State Parks, Water Sports, Zion National Park, activities, fishing, virgin river, wildlife
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
A family or someone with young children that is visiting St. George and Zion National Park, will be wondering what are the best things to do with children? Below are some suggestions. Check this blog to see options for things to do with teenagers, and things to do for couples or adults.
Young Family
- Walking / Hiking Trails: St. George has over 50+ miles of paved walking/biking trails. Many of these trails connect to each other while others take follow their own course along scenic byways. The paved trails offer a smooth and safe experience, while the more adventurous may choose any one of literally hundreds of places to hike. A very popular hiking destination, close to St. George, is Snow Canyon State Park, but there are trails in every direction from St. George.
 Washington City Recreation Center - Washington City Recreation Center / Sand Hollow Recreation Center / St. George City Pool: Water enthusiasts will enjoy the year-round activities of the Sand Hollow and Washington City recreation centers. Hydrotubes, and water-toys are available at both facilities. Washington City recreation center also offers a climbing wall, work-out facilities, basketball/volleyball courts, gymnastics and more. In summer the outdoor St. George City Pool also offers a hydotube and pool.
- Ice Skating Rink: This past winter (2009-2010) an ice rink called the Dixie Igloo. The ice-rink is housed in a structure in the downtown St. George area (west end of the city square). Ice skating is available only during winter months.
 Fishing Ponds - Fishing ponds: St. George city has several local ponds that are stocked with fish. Two of these ponds are located at the Canyons Softball complex.
- Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum / Dinosaur Tracks Site: These and other museum sites make for an interesting one to two hour excursion for family members of any age. Youngsters especially will be intrigued by the Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum.
- Veyo Pool - Creek / Picnic / Pool / Climbing: Go north of town just 20 minutes on Bluff Street past Snow Canyon State Park and you’ll come to the quaint town of Veyo Visitors will enjoy the lava canyon where a small pool, burger grill are located. The Santa Clara River runs through this shaded canyon and there are climbing routes on the canyon walls.
 Horseback Riding - Snow Canyon State Park - Guided Activities: Even young-ones will enjoy some of these activities. Local guides provide horseback riding, ATV tours, rock climbing, canyoneering or guided hikes and much more. Talk to our guides and outfitters to determine any age limitations. (click here)
Tags: activities, climbing, dinosaur tracks, dixie igloo, family, fishing, Guided Activities, Hiking, hiking trails, ice skating, igloo, Recreation, recreation center, rosenbruch wildlife museum, saint george, St. George, things to do, utah, veyo pool, walking, young family Posted in Guided Activities, Hiking, Recreation, Snow Canyon, St. George Utah, activities, fishing
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, January 27th, 2010
 Sand Hollow State Park - Often referred to as Little Lake Powell Sand Hollow State Park is often referred to as little Lake Powell because of its red-rock formations and sand dunes that rise from the waters edge. Just 15 miles from St. George and just five miles from downtown Hurricane, Sand Hollow State Park beckons water sports and off-road enthusiasts with a 20,000-acre playground of sand dunes, and sparkling water. Recreational opportunities range from boating and fishing in Sand Hollow Reservoir to off-roading in the dunes surrounding the neighboring Sand Mountain. The newest of Utah’s state parks has quickly become one of its most popular.
 Swimmer at Sand Hollow State Park The summer-time warm waters of Sand Hollow reservoir make it a favorite destination for boaters, kayakers, swimmers, and also fisherman who are looking for the catch of the day. The reservoir is well-stocked with bluegill and bass. Water sports fans are also lured by the occasional fishing tournament, boat show, or wakeboard competition.
ATV enthusiasts consider the 6,000 acres of red sand dunes some of the most enjoyable off-road terrain around. Sand Hollow also offers opportunities for biking, hiking and equestrian adventures. Overnight camping with hook-ups is available at the Westside campground and at the Sand Pit campground.
The gates of Sand Hollow State Park are open year-round and daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. In 2010 the day-use entrance fee is $10.00 which includes the boat launch and OHV access. Annual state park passes ($75) can also be used at Sand Hollow.
 Boating at sand Hollow State Park. Hurricane Sand Dunes in background. Directions: Take I-15 to Exit 16 and travel east on Highway 9 for four miles. Turn right on Turf Sod Road and travel one mile. Turn left onto the Sand Hollow access road (two miles), then turn left at the park entrance.
Nearby activties: Sand Hollow Golf Course is just across the street from the entrance to the state park. Check out more details on this course by clicking here.
Tags: bass, bass fishing, bluegill, bluegill fishing, boaters, Boating, fishing, kayak, sand hollow, Sand Hollow State Park, State Park, swimmers, swimming, utah state park, water, Water Sports Posted in ATV/4x4, Adventure, Boating, Camping, Cities - Towns, Geography, Geology, Hiking, Lakes / Reservoirs, Sports, St. George Utah, State Parks, Water Sports
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