Mar 19 - Sentry Trail (Antelope Island)

Heading to Antelope Island this morning to hike the Sentry Trail. I was thinking about hiking to Frary Peak but after seeing bflies yesterday (including one by work), I'm getting butterfly spring fever and I think Sentry Trail is the best place to see them on the island.

Sunny morning but crisp (in the 30s); heading to near 60 degrees.

I arrive at the causeway and find out that today is the Annual Buffalo Run; it's not the running of the bison but people running an ultra-marathon of up to 100 miles. I had the pleasure last year of hiking the White Rock trail with lots of runners; that was a fun time.

Today, I'm heading to the Sentry Trail (not part of the race) so I'll just get to watch runners from my car as I drive the island.

As I drive along the causeway, the landscape is starting to green-up.

There are hundreds of shorebirds along Farmington Bay. I will stop on the way out to see what kind of shorebirds they are.

When I arrive on the island, I turn immediately towards the Ranch. I'm immediately greeted by 4 bison pretty close to the road.

And across from the bison, a  Meadowlark is belting out his song.

That's a great start to my day because I'm not expecting to see too many animals because of the race.

Hearing lots of bird calls along my drive; mostly Western Meadowlarks and Horned Larks - such a great sound!

I stop for a Chukkar that is walking across the road.

As I expected, I see no animals until I'm almost at the Ranch; there are bison near the mountains.

The road to the Sentry Trail parking is open - yea!

It's sunny and a cool 38 degrees - a little chilly for bflies.

I park and as I'm getting out of my car, I see a couple flashes of white in the field across the road. It's a lone pronghorn!!

He's walking south towards the trail I'll soon be on. I watch for a bit; he's continuing south. I may meet him soon.

I head to the trail but the first time I look back, I can't find him anymore. The ground is "wavy" so I'm sure I'll see him soon so I continue walking. I continually look back for about 50 yrds. Then finally, surprise, what I'm looking for is directly north from me!

The antelope is stopped looking at me and I him. I decide just to wait to see what he does. He slowly starts moving to the east.

I watch him pawing at the ground and then he squats...

... I think I now know why pronghorn paw at the ground.

I move up the trail a little and that's just far enough away that he starts south again towards the trail. Again I just watch.

He seems to have an itch as he keeps stopping and making odd movements; except each time he's stopping, he's using a dead stalk to scratch that itch.

Very interesting -- Is that stalk a tool? I thought only humans and primates use tools?!

Once he crosses the trail, I continue on my way.

As I continue towards Mushroom Springs, I notice about 5 bison heading down the hill towards the Springs. They stop one level up under the trees where I saw the Bald Eagles this winter. Hope they stay there.

Lots of Horned Larks along the trail.

I see my first flowers of the year - Redstem Stork's Bill.

I proceed up towards Sentry Peak. Lots of Chukkars calling this morning. I hear them in several spots along the way.

I'm seeing lots of burrows in the sand; I'm not sure who resides in them though.

I'm not seeing any beetles, tiger beetles or lizards this morning. They were all out the last 2 times I've been here. I just think it's just to cold right now -- maybe on the way down.

As I approach the ridge, there's a small herd of bison off in the distance to the north.

I make it to the ridge and I start seeing the yellow flowers of Spring Parsley! They are all along the ridge line.

I head south along the ridge towards Sentry Peak. As I get closer, I see a form on a rock; it's a Chukkar. He's calling.

I get pretty close before he moves into the brush.

Looking down towards the west as I pass behind Sentry Peak, there's a group of at least 5 bison below.

I see a Horned Lark in nest building mode.

Time to start heading down.

I finally see a black beetle (only one) and a few Tiger Beetles.

I see a flock of light blue birds flying away. They are so pretty in the sunlight.

The bison still remain above Mushroom Springs.

On the way back to my car, I see a white butterfly fluttering up the trail towards me. I stop hoping it will land but it keeps going. The only one of the day! (It's only 48 degrees out right now; maybe later in the afternoon long after I'm gone more will be flying.)

Heading back to the Ranch down the dirt road, I see a bunch of animals down by the water. It's a herd of deer - at least 10!

There seems to be more bison scattered around on the drive back up the island.

The Island Buffalo Grill is open for the season so before heading out, I stop for a bison burger - yummy!

The final stop is on the causeway to check out the birds. Hundreds of avocets!

And a few ducks. These guys were really playful or feisty (not sure which). Lots of chasing, flying up and then back down. Maybe it just Spring?!


























Awesome day!

Mar 18 - Little Cottonwood Trail

Heading to the Little Cottonwood Trail this afternoon. The trail is at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon and is a good early season hike. I'm actually hoping to see some overwintering bflies today (Commas, Mourning Cloaks); it's been warm enough to be flying.

I get start around 1:30. The main parking is not open yet although the parking lot and surrounding area is pretty much snow-free.

I have to travel a couple miles up the canyon to a small parking lot. The trail starts about 1/4 mile before the actual end of the trail across from the old brick building.

Still lots of snow here - trail is covered with up to 3 feet in spots. There are open spots in the sunnier portions of the trail.

I head to the trail's end first. I hear a few squirrels and see a couple of robins along the way.

Must have been a hard winter as I have to work my way around 3 trees that have fallen and are crossing the trail.

Looks like this little pine had a hard winter.

I can hear walking flowing in the creek especially as I get closer to the end. I arrive at the end to snow and open water. Wonderful!

On the way back down, I see an orange bfly fly by but I can't keep track of him. Definitely a Comma - but whether it was a Satyr or Hoary Comma I'm not sure. Perhaps I'll see another one.

I take a side trail to get closer to the creek...

...before continuing.

I head pass the trail to the parking and head down hill.

Nothing too exciting just lots of snow!

I cross the 2 foot bridges - both still with over a foot of snow on them.

Not seeing any moose tracks or scat -- I've seen them the last 2 winters. We did have a lot of snow early; perhaps the moose migrated to lower altitudes.

I finally make it to the 3rd bridge and my turn around point. Less snow on this bridge but still covered.

The trail continues down towards the main parking. Looks pretty clear of snow as it's mostly in the sun. I would expect to see more bflies if I continued but that's not for today.

Time to return.

Nice little snowy hike to end my day!

Mar 12 - Zion National Drive (A drive-thru)

When I look out the window this morning, I'm so glad I crammed everything I could into yesterday as it's snowing!!

Definitely better than rain but .... I hope it clears soon.

When I leave Kanab, it's still snowing but the snow looks so beautiful on the red rocks!

As I head towards the east entrance of Zion again, I see a group of turkeys alongside the road (and no deer).

Since it's still drizzling, I guess I'm just doing the tourist drive to the main part of the park - of course stopping when I can.

The first stop is Checkerboard Mesa.

Then multiple stops along the way to the tunnel.

Including a bird stop.

I stop here to walk the Canyon Overlook Trail. This I have been on before but it is worth taking.

The trail follows along the rocks and the rim of a canyon.

Surprised to a paintbrush blooming - just this one plant.

Goes over a boardwalk and thru a cave/grotto

Before ending at a viewpoint of the switchbacks and the main canyon below (where all the tourists are).

Time to head back to the tunnel.

After the walk, I stop at the Visitor's Center (lots of visitors today) and decide, since it's still overcast and drizzly, to head home. Yes, a little wimpy but I didn't bring rain gear -- just brought the snowshoes :)

Still a great day and an awesome 3 day week-end!!

Mar 11 (Part 3) - East Rim Trail (Zion National Park)

OK, finally, the last part of my busy day. I'm heading to Zion National Park for a "quick" hike on the East Rim Trail. I've been to Zion once before (a quick "tourist" visit), so this is a new trail for me.

Once back in Mt Carmel, I make a left turn and head thru ranch land towards the park's entrance. As I near the entrance, it's starts getting boulder-y.

I see a deer on the way. (And lots of blinking deer crossing signs.)

The East Rim Trail turn-off is just after the Park's entrance. From beginning to end, it's around 10 miles; you really need a drop-off and pick-up to make it work as the trail ends inside the main part of the park. Since it's 2 pm, I'm only walking a portion of it - I'm giving myself 1.5 hours and then I'm turning around. Hope I end up somewhere with a good view :)

Off I go thru the woods - mostly pine but there's a lot of oak leaf litter. The trail is sandy and follows a dry creek bed. To my left, big, huge rock of varying colors and patterns. Extremely pretty!

I'm making very slow progress as I'm looking and taking tons of photos.

I find one small patch of tiny yellow flowers

A little further along, one small patch of vetch.

There's also cactus poking through the ground -- they're a pink/red color.

The trail is pretty flat so far but the walls are starting to close in a bit.

I find a cactus growing in the lichen on a rock.

Finally, the trail takes a sharp left turn and I'm walking down a little canyon (not really a great word for it but it's the only one that comes to mind). There's a wall (20ft high) to my left and then a small drop-off to the dry creek bed and another wall. Lots of trees here.

Suddenly something brown and furry crawls down the rock wall, walks across the trail and heads down the drop-off. I'm thinking weasel or marmot -- but the body seems too wide and has too bushy of a tail to be a weasel. The crossing happens about 30 ft in front of me so when I get to the spot he went over, I look. All I see is a little squirrel in the tree looking my way. What I saw was NOT that squirrel - it was too big!!

One more turn and the uphill starts but its not bad.

Finally, there's an opening - oh my!

Such wonderful views of the canyon below - oh wait, there's my trail below. Hey, those rocks I was looking up to earlier, I'm on top now! Awesome!

There views disappear behind the trees again.

I keep going and finally get more glimpses of the big canyon. I thought about stopping but there were people already at the spots with the best views. Since I still had time, I continue on. I'm actually excited because it looks like the canyon may have an end point and I'm heading in that direction.

The trees along the canyon's edge block the views again.

I start seeing more deer tracks in the sand.

I think I'm getting close to the end as the trail is heading down hill. And then there it is; the end of the canyon!

Oh was it ever worth it continuing on!!! I'm at the end of the canyon (Jolly Gulch)! With a view 200ft below to the bottom Holy cow!

I sit to enjoy!

The trail actually continues on the other side of the canyon but I'm done for the day - my time is up; it's time to head back.

What a great hike! (I think I went almost 3 miles one way.)

As I head out of the park back towards Mt Carmel, I see one deer on my right and a little further there are at least 5 deer on my left. I can see why there is so many deer crossing signs!

After a stop to eat in Mt Carmel (excellent apple pie), the sun is finally out and it's casting a wonderful glow on the red rocks all the way back to Kanab! A perfect ending to a very busy and exciting day!

Mar 11 (Part 2) - Coral Pink Dunes

Heading to the Coral Pink Dunes now. It's about an hour drive south to Mt Carmel Junction (the eastern end of Zion) then about another 15-20 miles south from there.

The dunes are estimated to be between 10-15 thousand years old forming from the Navajo sandstone that represents UT's red rock country.

I have to stop in Kanab first to secure a hotel for the night - it is Friday night after all and it's Spring break. Hey, the trees are flowering here in Kanab!!

On the way back north, I catch the eastern entrance to the park and get my first glimpses of the coral pink sand as the 9 mile road winds thru it -- thankfully, the road is paved. Lots of pine trees around.

After the 9 miles, I get to the north/south intersection and head south 2 miles to the park.

I make a quick stop at a pull-off to see some dunes. I have to climb a very small one first. It's really windy and I can see the sand blowing near the ground. But it's a beautiful sight.

I continue and see some blue birds (orange chests) - they are probably are bluebirds just wouldn't expect to see them in a sand environment.

I enter the park and in about 200 yards is the parking. The park protects the rare dunes habitat and a very rare Coral Pink Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle. Found only within a small portion of the 7 mile long Coral Pink Dunes ecosystem, it became a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act in 1996. The Welsh's Milkweed, a federally listed threaten plant, is also home within the dunes.

The dunes is also home to the Black Jackrabbit, Great Basin Rattlesnake, Short-horned Lizard, Ord's Kangaroo Rate, deer, ....

I follow the sidewalk up from parking to a set of bleachers (I guess the bleachers are for Ranger talks). And then it's all sand - with a lot of dried vegetation. The larger dunes are about 1/4 mile away. Plenty of kids out there playing in them.

I decide to roam the area near the bleachers.

Unfortunately, I'm a little too early to see the Tiger Beetle; it emerges in April and is around until June. (Maybe I'll have to come back.) But I do see a black beetle moving around.

From the old plants I'm seeing, it looks like there's a number of blooming plants in the summer time.

Near one plant, I spot a lizard but he crawls back under the plant before I can get a good look. Now, I'm on mission to find another.

In spots, I see lots of scat - probably the rabbits or rats. And I find a tunnel for some critter.

I also find some new plant life emerging from the sand. And I see some green yucca plants. This is the Kanab Yucca; yet another threatened plant. It only exists within 20 miles (east and west) of the Coral Pink dunes.

After wandering a bit, I decide to leave - still need to get to Zion.

On way out, I see something in tree -- looks like an owl; perched on an outer branch, clearly two ears. But on closer look, it's just a squirrel. :(

Neat stop but onto Part 3 of the day: Zion National Park!!

Mar 11 (Part 1) - The BIG Day -- Starting at Red Canyon

Well, it's going to be a busy day today as they've added a chance of rain on Saturday. There's several places I want to go and with Sat being an unknown, I'll try to squeeze them in today.

Its an overcast morning and it's really supposed to stay that way the entire day - maybe some peeks of the sun. But at least it'll be near 60 degrees.

I'm heading back to Red Canyon to do some exploring. The views of the canyon can be seen right from Hwy 12 on the way to Bryce Canyon -- with the bright red colors, you can't miss it. 

There are many trails that run thru Red Canyon and others thru the nearby canyons. My goal is to hike Losee Canyon; it's about 3 miles to an overlook; so 6 miles round trip. Also at the trail head is the Arches Trail. It's a short 0.7 mile trail leading to several small arches.

To get to Losee Canyon, I turn on a dirt road just before Red Canyon. A 2 mile drive along a dirt road gets me to the trail head. And there I make an executive decision for the day - because of the chance of rain tomorrow (and my desire to do at least one hike in Zion), I'm not hiking the 6 miles of Losee Canyon; but the Arches Trail is a go!

The trail crosses a wash (not where you want to be in heavy rain), passes what I can only think is an outdoor over 

before reaching the start of the loop thru the red rock cove to hunt for tiny arches! It's about 0.2 miles to the actual loop.

I head in the counter-clockwise direction. The scenery is stunning and I'm actively looking for those arches. And I start to find them; and they are small.

Tiny arch #1 - it's the eye on the face. :)

There's Arch #2 behind #1.

Heading around the loop.

More arches in the distance.

The trail comes to a high point.

And then starts heading back down to complete the loop.

Great little hike!

Once down, I head back to the main road and drive once more thru the Red Canyon.

Excellent morning but it's after 11am and it's time for Part 2: the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. And it's over an hour away!

Mar 10 - Bryce Canyon

Heading to southern UT today for a change of scenery. And Bryce Canyon is a great start. I haven't been there in 3 years and I've never been during the winter (which is why I'm heading there). I'm not sure what to expect as Bryce is at 8000+ ft and southern UT received a bunch of snow early in the season but as with the Salt Lake area, warm temps and little snow dominated Feb - I don't know how much snow (if any) to expect. So off I go armed with winter gear (snowshoes, YakTraks, insulated boots) and regular hikers and shorts.

It's a sunny day and it's supposed to be around 50 degrees at Bryce Canyon.

I see my 1st bfly this season -- it was large and looked dark but that's all I could tell as it was crossing the hwy as I sped by. I can't image what it could be except perhaps a Monarch/Viceroy.


I see another butterfly as I turn onto Hwy 12 outside Panguitch towards Bryce Canyon. This one looked black - the only black bflies I know don't fly here. Hmmmmm???

Well there's definitely not a lot of snow around here except in the shady spots.

I pass Red Canyon (tomorrow's destination) and then pass by the Bryce Canyon entrance as I head to my first stop, Mossy Cave - actually it's grotto created by an underground spring.

Mossy Cave is roadside stop between Bryce and Tropic UT. I was there 4-5 yrs ago in Sept; cute little trail leading to a very green, moss covered opening with water dripping from the ceiling (hence the name, Mossy Cave). In the winter, the dripping water is suppose to form huge ice formations (ice stalagmites and stalactites). I'm hoping to see that - if it hasn't melted by now :)

The scenery around the cave is much like that of the lower section of Bryce Canyon as it is on the edges of the park.

When I arrive there's only a couple of cars in the parking area. I take the beautiful little hike along a stream bed towards the cave. The stream is running but the flow is low - very nice to listen to though. 

The trail crosses two bridges and along the way I see to waterfalls - both just trickles of water.

I arrive at the cave. Yes! There's ice! Very tall formations! (And an iced over small tree.) Very cool!!

Now I can head happily to Bryce Canyon. On the way back, I hear dried leaves moving around. I look for the source; under a tree scratching around in the leaves is a Spotted Towhee.

On wards to Bryce Canyon.

My first stop is Sunset Point. Unfortunately, there is no snow on the formations as I hoped but there is some snow around - and hey, it's still amazingly pretty.

I head down to the "Amphitheater" (the canyon bottom) on the Navajo Loop trail. Typically, this is combined with the trail up thru "Wall Street" but that stretch is closed so I'll combine it with the Queen's Garden trail to complete my loop ending at Sunrise Point (approx. 2.9 miles).

The trail down is for the most part clear - a few areas of mud and I remember only one small section of packed snow (a few steps in length). There's still snow in shady cracks and crevices -- the whole way is just beautiful.

This time, I make it a point acknowledge seeing Thor's Hammer! I've past it on previous trips without realizing it but this time I make sure I notice it!

I reach the "bottom" and make a very short detour to the 2 bridges

And then turn left to go up the Queen's Garden Trail.

Although I saw many people heading up and down the Navajo Trail, I see only few people on the Queen's Garden Trail (I guess going down and then back up Navajo is the people's choice of the day; but they are so missing out!) 

Along the way, I see some chipmunks and a Stellar's Jay.

As I head up from the bottom, there are incredible views every direction and they only get better as I climb.

And 3 tunnels to pass thru!

Can't forget, Balanced Rock.

The views out to the east are so clear - I can see for miles!

Awesome hike!

As I walk back to Sunset Point (and my car), I notice this one hardy tree hanging on with fully exposed roots.

Now it's time to hopefully find some snow at the highest point of the park (9100ft) at Rainbow Point. I do run into snow as I drive up; seems like about 3ft remaining along some portions of the drive nearing Rainbow Point.

In the Rainbow Point parking area, there's a good amount of snow; the Bristlecone Trail is still buried.

The views are good.

But personally, I think Sunset and Sunrise Points have the best views. (Bryce Point would be next.)

On the way down, I stop at all of the viewpoints including the Natural Bridge.

There's a chipmunk laying on a small rock basking in the remaining sunlight while enjoying the views of the bridge too!

On the way out of the park, I see 4 deer heading near the road. In fact, 2 of them cross in front of me. I carefully leave the other 2 still eating very near my car.

A nice ending to end awesome day!