September 28, 2013

Kolob Canyons (Zion National Park)

Zion National Park is divided into two sections.  There is no road connecting the two sections.  We visited the main section of the park a couple of days ago and today visited the less traveled part of the park.

 

  

 

Kolob Canyons is less than 10 miles from the Red Ledge RV Park so it only took approximately 20 minutes to get there. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We briefly stopped in at the Visitor Center where I stamped my passport before taking the 5 miles scenic drive that dead-ends at the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint and the beginning of the Timber Creek Overlook Trail.   

 

 

  

The trail (only 1 mile roundtrip) is considered easy to moderate in difficulty. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The views were spectacular. 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

We climbed up on the rocks at the end of the trail and just took in our beautiful surroundings. 

 

Back in the car, our next stop was at the Verkin Creek Trailhead.  When we saw that the trail was over 11 miles we continued on in the car to the Taylor Creek Trail. 

 

 

 

 

 

 The information board at the trailhead stated the trail was 5 miles.  There are two cabins built in the 1930’s, the first one approximately 1 and ½ miles down the trail and the second cabin 2 miles down the trail.  We decided to make the first cabin our goal and turn-around point.

 

The trail began with a descent down 100 steps.  (I was already dreading the ascent)  We had to cross the creek several times. 

I was quite winded as most of the trail was uphill. 

 

 

 

 When we finally reached the cabin, Monte asked if I wanted to attempt to reach the second cabin.  I was concerned about the amount of daylight remaining but it sounded like he really wanted to continue so I agreed. 

 

 

 

 

I must have brought up my fear about being on the trail in the dark too many times because Monte finally agreed we should turn around and head back.  I was also concerned about the possibility of encountering a mountain lion) BUT at that point I knew it couldn’t be much further so I said I wanted to continue on the trail.

Finally we came across the second cabin.  Hikers, coming in the opposite direction on the return informed us that it wasn’t much further to the Double Arch Alcove and the end of the trail.

I was beginning to think the hikers had lied because the trail seemed to go on forever

 

 but FINALLY we heard echoing voices and when we round a bend in the trail there it was the Double Arch Alcove. 

I told Monte I didn’t have enough energy to climb to the top

so he handed me the camera so I could get a picture of him as he scaled the alcove.

He was surprised to see me coming up to meet him. 

I just felt that I would be disappointed in myself having come this far and not making the attempt to go the last little bit to the top.

 

I’m glad I did it!

 

 

The return trip on the trail went a lot faster because much of it was downhill and those 100 steps leading to the parking lot at the trailhead was easier than I thought it was going to be.