Utah Hiking Info

Welcome to Utahhikinginfo.com!

noreply@blogger.com (Utah Hiker) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 22:11:00 +0000

Are you a hiker looking for your next trail? Haven't you ever wanted to escape from the mundane life to the pastoral unblemished surroundings of the Mountains or Desert? Do you ever get the itch to adventure out to some distant peak or explore a canyon you see as you drive down the road? Trust me I have been there. I have a passion for hiking. It doesn't matter what you see or what you do, anyone can enjoy the outdoors in one form or another. Whether you are rich or poor, young or old, every single one of us can enjoy what Utah has to offer. Utah Hiking offers hiking year round from the tops of the Uinta Mountains to the depths of Zion's Canyon.

This is all why I have created this site. Take a look what Utahhikinginfo.com has to offer:

Hikes by Skill Level
- Skill Level 1
- Skill Level 2
- Skill Level 3
- Skill Level 4
- Skill Level 5
Hikes by Location

Thanks for Dropping by and come back soon!

Mt. Nebo

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 03:50:00 +0000

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St. George Narrows ("The Red Crack")

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 03:25:00 +0000

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River Trail (Zion National Park)

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 02:06:00 +0000

Overview:
The Riverside Walk is a wonderful stroll up the canyon past cottonwood trees and along the bubbling Virgin River. You can expect a gentle walk along a paved path with gentle inclines now and again. Along with the plethora of squirrels and tourists, there are plenty of hanging gardens decorating the canyon walls on this hike. Interestingly, along this hike you'll also encounter Zion's swamp alongside the trail - an actual swamp created by the water which trickles out of the Navajo Sandstone. This hike is sometimes called the "Gateway to the Narrows" because where the River Walk ends, the canyon walls narrow out, and the Zion Narrows trail begins. You can access this trail by taking the shuttle to the farthest stop up the canyon, and there are many places along the way where you can take a break and play in the river. At the end of this walk, there is a great place to have lunch.

Trailhead:

From St. George:

Head north on the I-15

Exit the freeway on exit 16 onto SR 9 East towards Hurricane/Zion National Park

After 12.1 miles, take a right on SR 9, 500 N in LaVerkin

Follow this road for 21 miles till you arrive at the entrance of Zion National Park

From April to October, park at the museum and the shuttle will take you to the correct stop

GPS: 37°17'7.00"N 112°56'51.71"W
Distance: 2 miles out and back
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Trail Condition: Paved and well marked
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Maps:

Pictures:

Spanish Fork Peak

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 04:24:00 +0000

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Kings Peak via Henry’s Fork (Uinta Mountains)

noreply@blogger.com (Utah Hiker) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:10:00 +0000

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Dry Mountain (Wasatch)

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 03:52:00 +0000

Overview:
Dry Mountain is located in the south Wasatch Range with the city of Santaquin at its base. This is one of the two mountains directly north of Mt. Nebo, with Bald Mountain being the other . What the trail lacks in mileage, it makes up in steepness, so it can be done quickly as long as you're in good shape and used to steep climbs. The trail is generally easy to follow, and in good condition until you reach the saddle, when the trail disappears, and the bushwhacking begins. There are no restrooms or water access from this trail.

GPS: 39°55'26.33"N 111°43'15.59"W
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: 4
Hike Time: 3-5 hours
Trail Condition: Rough, rocky dirt until saddle - no trail after saddle.
Season: Early Spring to late Fall.

Trailhead:

From I-15, take exit 244 for US-6 West, and take a left under the freeway

Take the very next right at Highland Drive

After 1.1 miles, take a left at Canyon Rd

Follow this road for 7.7 miles, past Tinney Flat Campground, and around a few hairpin turns to Santaquin Meadows

At Santaquin Meadows, take a left onto what appears to be an ATV road, and this will take you to the trailhead

Detailed Description:
This hike can be best described in two sections. The first part of the trail takes you from the area near Santaquin Meadows up to the saddle of Dry Mountain, and the second part of the trail takes you from the saddle, along the ridge, to the peak.

Section 1 - Initially, the trail is comprised of fairly loose rock and gravel, and it appears as though erosion has created a crevasse along the center. There are a few large rocks and trees to hop over as the trail leads through a coniferous/aspen forest. Shortly after the trailhead, you'll come to a fork in the trail, and you'll want to take the left branch, the route that looks like it heads towards Dry Mountain. From there, goes through sections of extreme steepness, and relatively flat sections through alpine meadows. You may also notice traces of cattle, from cow pies to the occasional cow smell. After two such meadows, the trail switches back twice in its ascent to the saddle, and gains in steepness. Once you reach the saddle, head off to your right up the ridge, rather than walking straight into the saddle as the trail may suggest. This is where the official trail ends.

Section 2 - When looking up the ridge to your right, you'll see the first false summit, which is by far the steepest part of the trail. From this point, just do your best to head towards the first summit, always keeping it in view. If you always head towards the highest point you can see, and never lose sight of it, you really can't go wrong. After passing through a large field of scrub oak and other vegetation, and a few small groves of burned coniferous trees, you'll have to scramble over some loose rock to finally reach the first false summit. From this false summit onwards, the ridge becomes far less steep, and a little more interesting. Just follow the ridge, staying as close as you can to the top, and eventually you'll reach the summit. From the summit, the views of Utah Valley are amazing, as are the views of West Mountain to your west, Loafer Mountain and the rest of the Wasatch Range to the north, and Bald Mountain obscuring all but the peak of Mt. Nebo to the south.

Maps:

Pictures:

Sand Dune Arch (Arches National Park)

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:44:00 +0000

Overview:
Sand Dune Arch lies nestled between two sandstone fins, and is surrounded by a beach-like area of deep, soft sand. Visitors find this a great area to relax in the sand, and let the kids play. There are many areas around this arch to safely explore (although climbing on arches themselves is not allowed or safe), and because of its location between the fins, it remains much cooler than other areas of Arches National Park, making it a great place to come to cool off. Often, there is a breeze blowing by Sand Dune Arch, which can become quite strong on occasions. Visitors who play at Sand Dune Arch often continue on the trail to Broken Arch, which is a short distance beyond the turn off to Sand Dune Arch.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Arches National Park.

GPS: 38°45'53.71"N 109°35'1.04"W
Distance: 0.2 miles
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 15 - 30 minutes (depends how long you stay and play)
Trail Condition: Well marked and well maintained
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Trailhead:

From Moab Main St (HWY 191) head North

About 1.8 miles from the bridge over the Colorado River you'll come to the gate to Arches National Park

Follow the National Park Road to the Sand Dune Arch trailhead

You'll receive a park map upon entrance which will help you find this and other trails

Detailed Description:
The trailhead to Sand Dune Arch is located towards the end of Arches National Park, near the Devil's Garden trailhead. There is parking available at the Sand Dune Arch trailhead, but no restrooms or water access; the nearest being a little further down the road at the Devil's Garden trailhead. The journey to Sand Dune Arch is a very short one, less than a mile, and the terrain is flat and open. After about 0.2 of a mile, the trail will fork. Off to your left is the path to Broken Arch, and to your right is the path to Sand Dune Arch. You'll notice that the trail leads into a slot canyon comprised of two sandstone fins. The path through the slot canyon may require climbing up and over some rocks, but this is by no means challenging, but easily transversed by children, and even the most amateur hiker. As always, on a hot summer day, be sure to have plenty of water with you, and be sure to apply sunscreen liberally. Be sure to respect the beauty of the park by picking up and carting out any trash you may have with you.

Maps:

Pictures:

Sand Dunes Trail (Snow Canyon State Park)

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:18:00 +0000

Overview:
The Sand Dunes are a fantastic place for children to play in the sand, and for hikers to take a leisurely walk, and are consequently one of the main attractions of Snow Canyon State Park. Located not far away from a picnic area and restrooms, a trip to the Sand Dunes is great for lunch with the family. Children will enjoy burying themselves in the sand, and even rolling down the steep slopes of the dunes surrounded by the stunningly beautiful sandstone cliffs of Snow Canyon State Park. A trip to the Sand Dunes is a great addition to a day at Snow Canyon State Park due to its close proximity to other kid-friendly areas of interest including Jenny's Canyon Trail. On hot summer days, the dunes can be toasty, so be sure to have plenty of water with you, and keep the sunscreen handy.

Note: there is a $6 per vehicle per day fee to enter Snow Canyon State Park.

GPS: 37°11'33.69"N 113°38'52.14"W
Distance: 0.15 miles
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 15 - 30 minutes (but it depends how long you stay and play)

Directions from the I-15:

Take exit 8, and head west on St. George Blvd.

Go 1.9 miles, and turn right on Bluff Street.

Go 1.7 miles, and turn left on Snow Canyon Pkwy.

Go 4.6 miles, and turn right on Snow Canyon Dr.

Continue into the park, and look for the trailhead on your left. You will be given a map of Snow Canyon, which will help you locate this trailhead and other trails of interest.

Maps:

Pictures:

Pine Valley Mountain

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Overview:
The trail up Pine Valley Mountain is very steep - one of the steepest trails around, and quite a contrast to the relatively flat trails of Zion National Park and Snow Canyon. The scenery is also quite distinct from the red rock and desert of the surrounding area, with scrub oak, wildflowers and evergreen trees. In fact, this hike is more characteristic of a Wasatch or Northern Utah hike than a Southern Utah one. This is an all day hike, and not particularly kid-friendly, unless your kid is accustomed to long, grueling trails. The temperature is usually about 20 degrees cooler than St. George at the trailhead, and the breeze is quite cool on the way up. In wet years, expect to see snow on the north side of the ridge on the top until mid-July. Did we mention this is a steep hike?

This is also the trail that takes you to Signal Peak, the high point of Pine Valley Mountain and Washington County. Since the hike to the ridgeline at the top of the mountain is a full hike in its own right, the trail that goes on to Signal Peak will have its own page.

Note: You'll definitely want to bring a jacket on this hike - if not for the cool breeze along the way up, for the top of the mountain where the wind can be strong and cold.

GPS: 37°18'59.67"N 113°27'16.30"W
Distance: 1.9 miles to saddle
Difficulty: 5
Hike Time: 5-7 hours

Trailhead:
From I-15 South (St. George)

Take exit 16 for St Hwy 9 towards Hurricane/Zion National Park

About 2 miles later, turn left at 6300 West (Hwy 91)

About 5 miles later, this road becomes Leeds Main St.

Take a left on Silver Reef road about 1 mile later taking you under the freeway - eventually this road will become a dirt road

2 miles later, the road forks. Take the right fork towards Pine Valley Mountain

Follow this road for about 5.4 more miles, to the Pine Valley Mountain trailhead at Oak Grove Campground

From I-15 North

Take exit 23 for Silver Reef towards Leeds

Coming off the freeway, take a right at Silver Reef Rd - eventually this road will become a dirt road

2 miles later, the road forks. Take the right fork towards Pine Valley Mountain

Follow this road for about 5.4 more miles, to the Pine Valley Mountain trailhead at Oak Grove Campground

Detailed Description:
It's easy to follow this trail up to the ridgeline on the top of the mountain (if you're continuing on to Signal Peak, the trail is more obscure and marked by cairns, so a topo map or GPS is helpful). This trail can be divided up into sections where the scenery and trail conditions differ slightly:

Section 1: From the trailhead to the ridge that you follow up to the top of the mountain. Here the trail is the least steep, and you'll see an outcrop of red rock, and a sign that announces the start of the wilderness boundary. Also, the switchbacks are oriented in a north/south direction.

Section 2: The switchbacks bring you to the ridge that leads up the mountain. The trail during this section is steeper than section 1 and has patches of loose sand. There's not much shade in this section, and this, combined with the wind, will dry out a hiker, so water is especially important here. As far as vegetation in this section is concerned, scrub oak, and wildflowers cover the landscape. In the middle of this section, there is a large rock with a dead pine tree trunk propped up against it. This rock provides some good shade, and is a good place to stop for a snack- thus we have dubbed it, "Snack Rock." Just beyond Snack Rock is a grove of evergreens that the trail passes through before returning to the scrub oak landscape.

Section 3: Gradually the scrub oak will give way to evergreens, and here starts section 3. The air in this section becomes much cooler as the amount of shade increases. The abundance of evergreens and rocks makes the experience of this section feel more like a quintessential mountain hike. This section carries you to the top of the mountain, and you'll know you're there when the trail stops going up. From here, the views of the surrounding terrain is unparalleled. Off to the south you can see the Virgin River Gorge; to the east you can see Zion and Kolob canyons, the Grand Staircase, and even the distant Kaibab Plateau. (Where the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is located). From this point, you can search for the Summit Trail which takes you to Signal Peak, or you can have lunch, and make the voyage back to the trailhead.

Maps:

Pictures:

Cascade Springs

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:00:00 +0000

This hike has been moved to our new site at Trails360.com.

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2010 Top Hiking Blog Award

noreply@blogger.com (Utah Hiker) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:02:00 +0000

Utahhikinginfo.com achieves the 2010 Top Hiking Blog Award

The award winners for this category were announced on July 26, 2010.

Nominations for next year's 2011 award have already begun.

This award highlights the very best blogs to learn about hiking on the internet that were nominated by the internet community, and is designed to thank the authors for their contribution toward the world wide web we all use & enjoy.

Awards candidates are found by one method:
- Anonymous nominations that are open to the internet community

This allows us to generate a candidate list that is based upon what the internet determines as being good, original content. We stay away from a voting system because the only information that gives us is how well a site's readership can click a button.

After a list of candidates is compiled, we then filter the list to ensure that each site qualifies for the category. We then give the list to be scored by our panel of 5 judges. Each judge rates each blog across 20 different attributes, including content, frequency of updates, amount of advertising, length of posts, and readibility. This then provides the site with a ‘subjective’ score. These ratings are combined into an aggregate total for the 5 judges. The amount of nominations are also converted into a score, and this score combined with the aggregate score gives the blog its final rating.

The ratings are then compared for each site within a category and awards are given out to blogs in the 99% percentile (meaning the top 1% of blogs receive awards).

If you have any questions regarding the award or the awards process, please feel free to contact Jeff Adams at jeff (at) onlineschools (dot) org.

Upper Emerald Pools - Kayenta Trail (Zion National Park)

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 03:23:00 +0000

Upper Emerald Pools - Kayenta Trail

Overview:
Upper Emerald Pools poses a bit more of a challenge than the Lower or Upper Pools with a 250 foot elevation gain in 1.5 miles. Once you reach the Middle Pools, the trail becomes quite a bit more rocky and steep; in fact, making it to the top is a bit more like scrambling or climbing than hiking. Despite this, I saw many children there, who apparently really enjoyed climbing to the Upper Pools. Another perk of visiting this destination is the views of Cathedral Mountain, Lady Mountain, and Red Arch Mountain.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Zion National Park, and swimming is not allowed in the Lower, Middle, or Upper Emerald Pools.

Trailhead:

From St. George

Head north on the I-15

Exit the freeway on exit 16 onto SR 9 East towards Hurricane/Zion National Park

After 12.1 miles, take a right on SR 9, 500 N in LaVerkin

Follow this road for 21 miles till you arrive at the entrance of Zion National Park

From April to October, Park at the museum and the shuttle will take you to the Zion Lodge stop

GPS: 37.250714, -112.959553
Distance: 3 miles out and back
Difficulty: 2 until Upper Pools junction, 3 from junction to Upper Pools
Hike Time: 2 - 3 hours
Trail Condition: Well marked and well maintained
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Detailed Description:
There are two routes to take to reach the Upper Emerald Pools: the trailhead at Zion Lodge, or the Kayenta trailhead at the Grotto shuttle station. This post will describe the Kayenta trail, since from the Zion Lodge, you take the Middle Emerald Pools trail to arrive at the Upper Pools. (See the Middle Emerald Pools description). The Kayenta Trail begins as a slight uphill trek up Mount Moroni, but then levels off as it enters the Canyon where the Emerald Pools are located. During the summer months, this trail can be hot and dry, so it's very important to take plenty of water and sunscreen with you. The Kayenta trail is relatively flat until the junction with the Emerald Pools trail. This junction is well-signed, and if you continue on up to the Upper Emerald Pools, that's where the trail becomes more of a climb. The Upper Emerald Pools is a very spectacular sight, and well worth the climb, but don't expect a solitary destination. There are a lot of tourists that visit this destination, especially so on free national park weekend, when I was there.

Maps:

Pictures:

Middle Emerald Pools (Zion National Park)

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 02:47:00 +0000

Middle Emerald Pools

Overview:
The Middle Emerald Pools is the second in a series of three pools in this canyon, and from which flows a waterfall into the Lower Pools. If you look hard enough, you'll notice many varieties of aquatic animals, including minnows, tadpoles, toads, dragonflies, and damselflies. This 2-mile hike can be strenuous for children because of the 150 foot elevation gain and rocky terrain, but if your children can make it, they'll love these beautiful pools.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Zion National Park, and swimming is not allowed in the Lower, Middle, or Upper Emerald Pools.

Trailhead:

From St. George

Head north on the I-15

Exit the freeway on exit 16 onto SR 9 East towards Hurricane/Zion National Park

After 12.1 miles, take a right on SR 9, 500 N in LaVerkin

Follow this road for 21 miles till you arrive at the entrance of Zion National Park

From April to October, Park at the museum and the shuttle will take you to the Zion Lodge stop

GPS: 37.250714, -112.959553
Distance: 2 miles out and back
Difficulty: 2
Hike Time: 1 - 2 hours
Trail Condition: Well marked and well maintained
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Detailed Description:
A short distance after the trailhead at Zion Lodge, after travelling across the bridge over the river, the trail forks. To the right is the trail to the Lower Emerald Pools, and to the left is the trail to the Middle Emerald Pools and Upper Emerald Pools. There is only one way to get to the Lower Emerald Pools, and you cannot access the Middle and Upper from the Lower. There are two ways to access the Middle and Upper Pools: One way is from the trailhead at the Zion Lodge, and the other is from the Kayenta Trail.

Once you cross over the bridge and reach the junction from the trailhead at Zion Lodge, and head left to the Middle and Upper Pools, the trail begins its steep ascent, gaining a lot of elevation fairly quickly. Once the trail veers left and begins to head up into the canyon, you can look to your right, and on the other side of the canyon see the Kayenta trail leading into the canyon. The two trails meet at the Middle Emerald Pools, and from there, a separate trail joins which takes you to the Upper Pools. In the afternoon of the Spring and Summer, this trail can be very hot and dry, and because of the harmful bacteria, you can't drink the water in the pools, so it is necessary to bring your own. Fortunately, there are many stops in Zion National Park where you can refill your water bottles, Zion Lodge being one of them.

Maps:

Pictures:

Mill Canyon Peak

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 03:54:00 +0000

Mill Canyon Peak

Overview:
The trail to Mill Canyon peak is mostly a loose dirt trail that is well marked due to the number of dirt bikes that traverse it on a regular basis. It can be steep in places, and it is mostly uphill the whole way. It is a very pleasant hike, and the views of the surrounding mountains are quite breathtaking, as are the forests of aspens you'll encounter. At an elevation of 10,349 feet, Mill Canyon Peak is comparable to Loafer Mountain near Santaquin, Utah Valley.

GPS: 40.2947N 111.3433W
Distance: 2.6 miles
Difficulty: 4
Hike Time: 2-4 hours

Trailhead:

From the I-15, take Exit 272 (800 N in Orem)

Follow this for 3.6 miles, then veer left into Provo Canyon

After 7 miles, turn left at UT-92 to Sundance

After 8.5 miles, turn right at the three-way intersection of UT-92 (Alpine Highway)

3.4 miles later, you'll see your first left turn onto a dirt road. Turn left here.

Follow this dirt road for 2.4 miles until you reach the trailhead. You'll see a "parking lot" which is basically an open field of grass where cars park. The trailhead is marked as trail #157.

Detailed Description:
Trail #157 is actually a common road for dirt bikers, and after some distance, you need to turn off this trail to make it to the peak. It's easy to tell when you need to head off this trail though; once you come to the junction where the trail forks (near a rockslide) take the right trail, marked by the sign that reads "East Ridge Tr. No. 038." (shown in the pictures below) This part of the trail will take you over what looks like an old wire fence, which actually follows the trail in many places. Once you reach the ridge, you'll have a view of Deer Creek Reservior, Heber and Waltsburg. At this point, look for a trail that heads up the ridge. (also shown in the pictures below) This isn't an official trail, and there are times when it nearly disappears, but keep heading up the ridge with the summit (or one of the three false summits) in site, and you can't go wrong. This trail passes over a few terraces built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, and through many fields of wildflowers.

Note: We hiked this the first weekend in August 2010, and we were passed by not one, not two, not even three dirt bikers, but 16! Not exactly the solitude we were hoping for.

Maps:

Pictures:

One of the 16 dirt bikers we saw along this trail.

When you come to this sign and rockslide, take a right onto trail #038.

This is what the trail along the ridge looks like. Take a left here to catch the ridge trail.

Petrified Dunes (Snow Canyon State Park)

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 02:10:00 +0000

Petrified Dunes Trail

Overview:
If you are a fan of scrambling over slickrock, you will love the Petrified Dunes Trail! This trail is relatively short but sweet, but can get a bit rugged as it approaches the Three Ponds Trail. Snow Canyon State Park gets hot during most of the hiking season, so make sure you are equipped for the heat with plenty of water and sunscreen.

Note: there is a $6 per vehicle per day fee to enter Snow Canyon State Park.

GPS: 37.215624, -113.643948
Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: 2
Hike Time: 30 minutes - 1 hours
Directions from the I-15:

Take exit 8, and head west on St. George Blvd.

Go 1.9 miles, and turn right on Bluff Street.

Go 1.7 miles, and turn left on Snow Canyon Pkwy.

Go 4.6 miles, and turn right on Snow Canyon Dr.

Continue into the park, and look for the trailhead on your left. You will be given a map of Snow Canyon, which will help you locate this trailhead and other trails of interest.

Detailed Description:
From the trailhead, the trail markers indicate the Butterfly Trail off to the right, and the Petrified Dunes Trail to the left. The trail is easy to follow to the dunes themselves, but once on the dunes, it can be difficult to navigate the trail. Just head in a south-westerly direction and follow the nook in between the dunes down out of the slickrock and look for the trail. Once the Petrified Dunes trail comes to an end, you pick up the Three Ponds Trail. Turn around and come back for a one mile out and back experience, or, add another 15 - 30 minutes to your hike time and head left on the Three Ponds Trail and up to the nearby Hidden Pinyon Overlook for some fabulous pictures!

Maps;

Pictures:

Lower Emerald Pools (Zion National Park)

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:36:00 +0000

Lower Emerald Pools

Overview:
The trail to the Lower Emerald Pools is a beautiful trail offering views of the Virgin River and the stunning cottonwoods along the river banks. Though the Lower Pools are just farther than one mile from the trailhead, this is an easy hike because it's a relatively flat trail with only a 70 foot elevation gain. This journey mimics that of Weeping Rock owing to the many places along the way where water flows through the Navajo Sandstone and under the trail. Don't try and drink any of the water along the way because it contains a harmful bacteria, and don't try to feed or play with the squirrels as they are wild animals prone to bite anyone who gets too close.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Zion National Park, and swimming is not allowed in the Lower, Middle, or Upper Emerald Pools.

Trailhead:

From St. George

Head north on the I-15

Exit the freeway on exit 16 onto SR 9 East towards Hurricane/Zion National Park

After 12.1 miles, take a right on SR 9, 500 N in LaVerkin

Follow this road for 21 miles till you arrive at the entrance of Zion National Park

From April to October, Park at the museum and the shuttle will take you to the Zion Lodge stop

GPS: 37.250714, -112.959553
Distance: 1.2 miles out and back
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Trail Condition: Well marked and well maintained
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Detailed Description:
The easiest way to access the Lower Emerald Pools is via the trailhead at Zion Lodge. Cross over the bridge, and follow the signs. Zion National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Utah, so expect to run into crowds, especially on this hike, because being across the street from the lodge, and being a relatively easy hike to a very beautiful destination makes it one of the more popular hikes in Zion. The crowds are even more prevalent if you come on free national park weekend like I did.

When you arrive at Lower Emerald Pools, you can walk under a small waterfall caused by the Middle Pools, so be prepared for a slight soaking. There also is quite a bit of vegetation growing in the area under the falls reminiscent of a desert oasis. Swimming is prohibited in the pools, but you can still cool off under the waterfall if you need to. If you have time, visit the Middle Emerald Pool and Upper Emerald Pool. Thsee hikes are a bit more challenging because of the added elevation gains, but if you can make it, you'll discover more natural beauty you won't want to miss!

Maps:

Pictures:

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Weeping Rock (Zion National Park)

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 03:22:00 +0000

Weeping Rock

Overview:
This short hike ends at an overhang covered with mossy vegetation called the "Hanging Gardens" of Zion, and with a steady stream of water flowing over the edge. The name "Weeping Rock" refers to the Navajo Sandstone which, because of its porous nature, allows water to flow through it. This hike is relatively short, less than half a mile, and it is a paved trail, but it is a fairly steep one.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Zion National Park.

Trailhead:

From St. George

Head north on the I-15

Exit the freeway on exit 16 onto SR 9 East towards Hurricane/Zion National Park

After 12.1 miles, take a right on SR 9, 500 N in LaVerkin

Follow this road for 21 miles till you arrive at the entrance of Zion National Park

From April to October, Park at the museum and the shuttle will take you to the Weeping Rock stop

GPS: N37 16.255 W112 56.308
Distance: 0.4 miles
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 15-30 minutes
Trail Condition: Paved and well marked
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Detailed Description:
From the shuttle stop, head around into the parking lot and over the bridge, where the trail starts. There will be a sign marking the way. You'll have no problem following the trail, and while you're enjoying the hike, notice the little mini-waterfalls along the trailside. It is also common to see squirrels along the path, but don't feed them! They can be dangerous if you get to close.

As you approach the overhang, expect to get wet as you'll have to walk through the falling water to get underneath. The water is a cool refresher in the heat of Zion National Park. You'll have to bring water to this hike because there is no water available at the trailhead, although there is a restroom facility. Do not attempt to drink the water that flows from the rocks as the water contains harmful bacteria.

Maps:

Pictures:

Tunnel Arch (Arches National Park)

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Tunnel Arch

Overview:
Tunnel Arch is one of many arches that can be accessed from the Devil's Garden trailhead in Arches National Park. It is only about a quarter of a mile from Pine Tree Arch, which makes it convenient to see these two Arches on the same trip. The close proximity is a bonus for families with small children who may not be able to hike long distances, making it possible for them to see more of nature's wonders. Tunnel Arch is actually a double arch comprised of a larger hole towards the center of the fin, and a smaller hole on the upper-left. The fin in which this arch was formed is relatively thick, which creates the illusion that it is more of a tunnel than an arch, hence the name.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Arches National Park.

Trailhead:

From Moab Main St (HWY 191) head North

About 1.8 miles from the bridge over the Colorado River you'll come to the gate to Arches National Park

Follow the National Park Road to the Devil's Garden trailhead

You'll receive a park map upon entrance which will help you find this and other trails

GPS: N38 47.132 W109 35.782
Distance: 0.4 miles
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 30 - 45 minutes
Trail Condition: Well marked and well maintained
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Detailed Description:
The trails in Arches National Park are very well marked and well maintained, and there are a lot of people who enjoy these trails. Begin at the Devil's Garden trailhead and continue along the path, following the signs as you go. There are two forks in the trail as you approach Tunnel Arch. The first branches off the main path to the right taking you to Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch. At the next fork, you'll see that Tunnel Arch is to your right, and Pine Tree Arch is to your left. Follow the signs and you can't go wrong. Plus, you'll receive a park map when you enter Arches National Park which will help you find these arches.

Be prepared to meet a lot of people on the trail as Arches is one of the most popular national parks in the country. Again, the trail is well maintained and well marked, and there are some slight inclines as the trail goes over some fairly hilly terrain. There are some remarkable views of sandstone "fins" stretching out across Arches National Park, and of the La Sal mountains to the east of Moab.

In the summer months, the temperature in Arches National Park can get fairly hot, so be prepared with extra water and sun protection, especially if attempting these hikes during midday. However, the best time to photograph Tunnel Arch is in the morning.

Maps:

Pictures:

Pine Tree Arch (Arches National Park)

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Pine Tree Arch

Overview:
Pine Tree Arch is one of two arches in very close proximity; the other is Tunnel Arch. It is very easy to visit both in the same trip as the distance between them is only a quarter of a mile or so. The trail is very well marked and well maintained, which makes this an excellent hike for families with children. Also, there are other arches of interest in this area, including the formidable Landscape Arch, the largest natural arch in the world.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Arches National Park.

Trailhead:

From Moab Main St (HWY 191) head North

About 1.8 miles from the bridge over the Colorado River you'll come to the gate to Arches National Park

Follow the National Park Road to the Devil's Garden trailhead

You'll receive a park map upon entrance which will help you find this and other trails

GPS: 38.787306°, -109.598772°
Distance: 0.5 miles
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 30 min - 1 hour
Trail Condition: Well marked and well maintained
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Detailed Description:
You can access Pine Tree arch from the Devil's Garden trailhead, the farthest point of interest on the paved Arches Entrance Road. The trail is well marked by signs, and lined with rocks, making the route very easy to follow. When you arrive at the arches, the sight of them towering over you is quite amazing. Take a moment to stand underneath Pine Tree Arch and take it all in.

As you can tell from the photos, be prepared to meet a lot of people on the trail as Arches is one of the most popular national parks in the country. Again, the trail is well maintained and well marked, and there are some slight inclines as the trail goes over some fairly hilly terrain. There are some remarkable views of sandstone "fins" stretching out across Arches National Park, and of the La Sal mountains to the east of Moab.

Maps:

Pictures:

Lava Flow Trail (Snow Canyon)

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 03:45:00 +0000

Lava Flow Trail (Snow Canyon)

Overview:
The Lava Flow trail transverses fields of ancient lava, travelling through some picturesque view points, and ends at West Canyon Road. The trail itself is well-marked at the junction with the Whiterocks Trail and the Butterfly Trail, so it is easy to stay on track. Since it is relatively flat, this is a trail that provides a nice, easy chance to see some of the stunning features of Snow Canyon State Park.
Note: there is a $6 per vehicle per day fee to enter Snow Canyon State Park.

Directions from the I-15:

Take exit 8, and head west on St. George Blvd.

Go 1.9 miles, and turn right on Bluff Street.

Go 1.7 miles, and turn left on Snow Canyon Pkwy.

Go 4.6 miles, and turn right on Snow Canyon Dr.

Continue into the park, and look for the trailhead after 3.25 miles on your left. You will be given a map of Snow Canyon, which will help you locate this trailhead and other trails of interest.

GPS: 37.223357, -113.642661
Distance: 2.5 miles out and back
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 1-2 Hours
Trail Condition: well-maintained and well marked
Season: Early Spring to late Fall

Detailed Description:
Near the trailhead, where the fields of ancient lava are more concentrated, there are a few very deep lava caves that are worth exploring. Be sure to bring head-lamps, and be smart when you're exploring the caves, because it can be easy to get lost or stuck while spelunking. During the Summer months, it can get hot in Snow Canyon, so be sure to bring plenty of water. Shade is sparse along this trail, so sunscreen is a must if this hike is attempted during mid-day. The wildlife you may see here is similar to that of the Butterfly Trail, you may see lizards, chipmunks, and plenty of wildflowers.

Maps:

Pictures:

Donut Falls

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 02:17:00 +0000

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Navajo Loop Trail

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:35:00 +0000

Navajo Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park

Overview:
The Navajo Loop Trail is a relatively short, but very scenic hike. It's a fantastic way to explore the beauties of the Bryce Canyon National Park's hoodoos with your entire family, and see quite a lot of scenery in just a short distance. A short distance from the trailhead of Navajo Loop Trail, you will arrive at the hoodoo formation called Wall Street, which is an area of the canyon where the canyon walls and a few impressive Ponderosa Pine tower above you as if they were skyscrapers, hence the name.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Bryce Canyon National Park.

Trailhead:

From the I-15

Take exit 95 for UT-20 toward US-89/Panguitch/Kanab

After 20.5 miles, turn right at the T-junction of HWY 89

After 10.1 miles, when you arrive at Pangutich, take a left on center street to continue on HWY 89

After 6.9 miles, take a left on UT-12 towards Red Canyon

After 13.5 miles, take a right on UT-63 towards Bryce Canyon National Park

You'll receive a park map at the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park which will help you locate the Navajo Loop trailhead at Sunset Point

GPS: 37.623763, -112.167763
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: 2
Hike Time: 1-1.5 hours
Trail Condition: Well-maintained and easy to follow.
Season: Late Spring to Late Fall

Detailed Description:
From the entrance of Bryce National Park, head to Sunset Point, which is one of the first turn-outs of Bryce National Park. You can access the Navajo Loop Trailhead from the parking lot there. A very short distance after the trail begins, the trail forks as the loop begins. You can take either path, but Wall Street is to the right. Shortly after the fork, the trail begins to descend very steeply, through a series of many switchbacks, 521 feet into Bryce Canyon. The switchbacks are some of the steepest I've seen on a hike, but they're very short, so it's not so bad. In fact, on a normal day in the Spring/Summer, you're bound to see several families with children undertaking these switchbacks. Once you've descended, the next half-mile or so is a relatively flat, gentle walk until the trail starts heading back up towards Sunset Point. As you're coming back up out of the canyon (assuming you've come by way of Wall Street) you'll see another famous rock formation called Thor's Hammer, which is a prominent hoodoo with a large boulder on top (see photos).

Maps:

Pictures:

A gigantic Ponderosa pine towers above the trail in Wall Street.

The magnificent Thor's Hammer can be seen on the right side of this photo.

Double O Arch (Arches National Park)

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Double O Arch

Overview:
Less than a mile beyond Landscape Arch lies the second biggest Arch in Arches National Park, Double O Arch, with the larger of the two arches comprising this double arch at 71 feet, and the smaller at 21 feet. Double O Arch is a spectacular site along the Devil's Garden trail, as is the hike that takes you there. From Landscape Arch, the trail becomes less apparent and more primitive, and therefore, more fun. This hike is, of course, very crowded, and best undertaken in the morning hours when the lighting is good for photography, and the crowds haven't become overwhelming.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Arches National Park.

Trailhead:

From Moab Main St (HWY 191) head North

About 1.8 miles from the bridge over the Colorado River you'll come to the gate to Arches National Park

Follow the National Park Road to the Devil's Garden trailhead

You'll receive a park map upon entrance which will help you find this and other trails

GPS: 38.799257, -109.621136
Distance: 4 miles out and back
Difficulty: 3
Hike Time: 1-2 hours
Trail Condition: Well maintained and well marked until primitive trail, more rugged until destination
Season: Early Spring until late Fall

Detailed Description:
The Devil's Garden trail is very well-marked, well-maintained, and well-travelled until Landscape Arch where the Primitive Trail Loop begins. When you arrive at the Primitive Loop sign-post, take the left fork for the most direct route to Double O Arch. We arrived at the Primitive Loop at around 3:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon on a Saturday in June, and although the Devil's Garden parking lot was packed beyond capacity, we were one of the only groups we saw who ventured beyond Landscape Arch, and remained fairly isolated our entire voyage until we returned to Landscape.

After trekking over and around sandstone fin after sandstone fin, and seeing beautiful views of the valley to the north and the La Sal mountains to the east, you'll arrive at Double O Arch. Be sure to take plenty of water because you won't find any along the way, and during the right time of day it can get pretty hot. The trail itself is mostly flat, so the only uphill hiking you'll have to do is up and over the fins. Also, be on the lookout for cairns to mark the way when the trail leaves the sand and heads up and over the fins. You'll see signposts along the way, like the one shown in the pictures below, so it's easy to tell when you arrive.

Maps:

Pictures:

Title image taken by Flicka

Landscape Arch (Arches National Park)

noreply@blogger.com (James!) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Landscape Arch

Overview:
Landscape Arch was declared in 2004 as the largest national arch in the world at approximately 290 feet long. It can be accessed in Arches National Park from the Devil's Garden Trailhead, which is the furthest trailhead accessible by motorized vehicle from the park entrance. The trail is very well marked and well maintained, which makes this an excellent hike for families with children. Also, there are two other arches if interest on the way to Landscape Arch: Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch, and two arches just after Landscape Arch: Navajo Arch and Partition Arch. Seeing all these arches in the same trip makes this hike very worthwhile.

Note: There is a park entrance fee of $25 to enter Arches National Park.

Trailhead:

From Moab Main St (HWY 191) head North

About 1.8 miles from the bridge over the Colorado River you'll come to the gate to Arches National Park

Follow the National Park Road to the Devil's Garden trailhead

You'll receive a park map upon entrance which will help you find this and other trails

GPS: 38.783166, -109.595171
Distance: 1.56 miles out and back
Difficulty: 1
Hike Time: 30-45 minutes
Trail Condition: Well maintained and well marked
Season: Early Spring until late Fall

Detailed Description:
There are two advantages to visiting Landscape Arch early in the morning - as early as you can stand. First, you beat the crowds, which usually hit the trails closest to the park entrance first. By arriving at the Devil's Garden Trailhead first and working your way towards the park entrance, you're working your way from the back of the park towards the front, when most people work their way from the entrance to the back of the park. Second, in the morning, the light from the sun shines behind you as you're facing Landscape Arch, which makes the lighting ideal for beautiful pictures.

As you can tell from the photos, be prepared to meet a lot of people on the trail as Arches is one of the most popular national parks in the country. Again, the trail is well maintained and well marked, and there are some slight inclines as the trail goes over some fairly hilly terrain. There are some remarkable views of sandstone "fins" stretching out across Arches National Park, and of the La Sal mountains to the east of Moab.

Maps:

Pictures: