Kolob Canyon is part of Zion National Park except it's north and west of the main park. I've been here once several years ago in March after a snow storm. Rangers had just opened the curvy road but it was still snowy/icy. I took the drive out to the viewpoint but because of fog, I could see absolutely nothing. So the visit really doesn't count. Today is supposed to be sunny and in the mid-60s so today will count.
My plan is to hike the Taylor Creek trail. The trail is 5 miles round-trip with minimal elevation change. The destination of the hike is a Double Arch Alcove.
Bright sunny morning as I head to Kolob Canyon. I arrive sometime after 9am and start my journey up to curvy road heading uphill.
Just as I roll up on the Taylor Creek parking area, I get my first glimpse of BIG red rock!
My original plan was to go to the final viewpoint (end of the road) first and then hike Taylor Creek on the way out. But after seeing the Red Rock (and only two cars in the parking lot), I quickly park and get ready for the hike.
The landscape is typical sagebrush country - pine, junipers, sagebrush with rock formations of various shapes, sizes, colors (mostly red).
The trail immediately heads down a series of steps thru the pines. Once down, the trail continues along mostly flat ground -- a packed red sand. The ground vegetation is dried/brown/dead as one would expect. Lots of fallen oak leaves on the ground.
The trail follows and crosses Taylor Creek. There's still water flowing; the creek isn't very wide but wide enough that the day will be filled with rock hopping across a rock or two.
The trail is heading towards those big red rock formations. Hard to see them since the sun is directly behind some but they are getting closer.
I wind my way thru the trees and numerous creek crossings (must have been over 20 of them before the end). It extremely quiet except for the flowing stream. I guess the birds aren't quite awake yet as it's still cool and the trail is still very much in the shade.
I do spot a few still blooming flowers along the way. (I can count the number of flowers I saw today on 2 hands so there weren't many.)
The rocks are getting closer.
In one muddy section, I find some mushrooms!
And still closer.
I pass a sign to a historic cabin -- I'll stop on the way back. It's the Larson cabin - circa 1930.
I finally reach the big rock and follow the trail between them.
Soon I pass cabin #2 - the sign says 1930 - Fife Family. Hardy folks because this cabin is really isolated.
After a while the trail gets a bit wilder - more trees, ground vegetation (even horsetails), etc...It also looks like my travels between the big rock is ending soon (it's opening up ahead of me). I must be nearing the end.
I'm seeing Maple trees now. Their leaves have just changed to their yellow colors. (Not sure why everything is in Winter mode except here but it looks pretty.)
Then I see the sign - Double Arch Alcove.
I make my way there. Lots of lime green vegetation along the ground. I can hear the sounds of dripping water down the walls.
I can see the 2nd arch above.
Pretty neat place.
Would love to get a photo of the entire Double Arch Alcove but it's way too close and the walls way too tall.
Time to head back.
Well I have to say that the way back is definitely brighter. The sun hasn't made it over the big walls - probably never does this time of year.
More people coming now -- glad I came hear first.
I exit the big walls and enter the sunlight.
I'm getting closer to the end and turn to look at those rock formation now - much nicer.
I see a butterfly - a Viceroy I think. But unfortunately it flies the other way so I can't confirm.
Trail complete --- fun time!!
I head up the road the windy road higher and higher. The views of the red rock to the left are really nice. I head up to the viewpoint. (I think the views were better from the road.)
So I head down and stop at a few of the viewpoints.
And its time to head home.
On the way up I-15, I see lots of cattle, a few horse and donkey and the big surprise - a herd of Pronghorn (about 15 of them). They are near and irrigation sprayer (probably hay fields).
Awesome day! Great trip!
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