Snow Canyon, Gunlock & The Veyo Pie Shop
On my first day in Hurricane (pronounced Hur-i-can) we went to The River Rock Roasting Company in La Verkin Utah for breakfast and coffee. I had an southwestish omlet. This is a popular cafe and restaurant and is known for its artisanal coffee and baked goods, as well as its menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. It is also situated above the Virgin River, which flows through the area. We ate indoors with the view of the valley and the river below.
The Virgin River is a narrow and winding river that flows through steep canyons and rocky terrain. The river in this area is rather muddy, which is fed by melting snow from the surrounding mountains. This seems to be a desert area that greens up when water is flowing. In general, the view from the balcony offers a peaceful and picturesque backdrop to enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee.
Snow Canyon St. Park
Snow Canyon State Park is a beautiful desert park that covers over 7,400 acres in southwestern Utah. The park is characterized by its stunning red sandstone formations, lava flows, and petrified sand dunes, which make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers.
There are over 38 miles of trails in the park, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. Some of the most popular trails include the Petrified Dunes Trail, the Scout Cave Trail, the Butterfly Trail, and the lava tube trail.
The features a unique geological formation known as the lava tubes. These tubes are underground tunnels formed by molten lava that flowed through the area thousands of years ago. Visitors can explore the lava tubes by hiking through them, where they can witness the various features such as narrow passageways, skylights, and collapsed sections. The lava tubes provide an exciting and otherworldly experience for visitors, offering a glimpse into the park's volcanic history. It is important to note that visitors should come prepared with proper hiking gear, water, headlamps and caution as the tubes can be dark, narrow, and uneven in many areas.
In addition to its natural beauty, Snow Canyon State Park also has a rich human history. The park contains numerous archaeological sites and artifacts that date back thousands of years, and visitors can learn about the park's history at the park's visitor center.
Gunlock State Park
The temperature was warming and by afternoon there were significantly more people in the parks. It was spring break for some of the area schools and the water was melting filling the rivers with rushing water. Gunlock State Park is a short distance from Snow Canyon State Park and it was crowded.
This is a beautiful park known for its waterfalls during wet periods in the year. The park is named after the nearby Gunlock Reservoir, which is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming. The park covers over 240 acres and is surrounded by red rock formations and desert landscapes.
The parking lot was full and cars were parked a mile back on both sides of the road in both directions. The trail leading to the falls area was narrow and passed through large rock formations, making it difficult for people of all ages and fitness levels to navigate. Some struggled in the direct sun, pausing to catch their breath, while others attempted to bypass others by climbing over the rocks. Surprisingly, there didn't seem to be a limit to the number of people allowed in the park, which only added to the congestion and challenge of navigating the trails.
One of the main attractions of Gunlock State Park is the reservoir itself. The reservoir is a great place to cool off during hot summer days, and visitors can swim, boat, and fish in its crystal-clear waters. There are also several picnic areas and a boat ramp for those who want to spend a day on the water.
The reservoir spill water creates the famous waterfalls in the park. People mostly came to see and experience the falls. I was stunned watching two young adults actually jumping off the top of the falls into a small pool 50 feet below. The first person I saw go off was a guy who did a backward flip. The second person was a woman who seemed timid and very reluctant to go off. A group of 50 students was urging her on with chants of “Jump”.
This is a beautiful and unique destination that offers something for everyone.
Veyo Pie Shop
The Veyo Pie Shop is a popular bakery located just north of Gunlock State Park. The shop is famous for its delicious homemade pies, which have been enjoyed by visitors and locals alike for over 30 years.
The Pie Shop got its start in 1986, when the owners, Jeff and Julie Anderson, began baking pies in their home kitchen. They quickly gained a reputation for their delicious pies, and within a few years, they had opened a small shop in the town of Veyo.
Today, the Veyo Pie Shop is a beloved institution in the area, known for its wide variety of pies made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Some of the most popular pies include the classic apple, cherry, and peach pies, as well as more unique flavors like chocolate cream, pumpkin, and key lime. The shop also offers sugar-free and gluten-free pies for those with dietary restrictions.
The Veyo Pie Shop's popularity has only grown over the years, with visitors coming from all over the country and world to sample the pies. The shop has been featured in several national publications, including Sunset Magazine and USA Today, and has won numerous awards. I would be making numerous visits to this shop on any pretext.
On the way home I had to stop to take photos of the scenery.
