Kolob Canyon in Zion
It snowed a few inches during the night around Bryce Canyon National Park. The breakfast buffet at the Best Western had a wide selection of different foods. I ate way too much. The coffee was also decent.
We hit the road early again, intent on stopping in Bryce Canyon National Park to see the snow cover, and then beating traffic on our way to Kolob Canyon on the west side of Zion National Park.
Bryce Canyon
We drove back to Bryce Canyon near Sunrise Point and found parking. There weren’t many people in the park. It was early and most people we saw had a camera and tripod in hand to capture the morning sunrise. We missed it by about 45 minutes. It was nice to just stand and take in the amazing beauty.
Duck Creek
We stopped in the town of Duck Creek on our way to Kolob Cayon. It’s a small town located near the entrance to Bryce Canyon. It’s situated in the scenic mountains of the Dixie National Forest and offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors to Duck Creek can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping. At this time of year, more people are snowmobiling.
The town also features several quaint shops and restaurants, as well as easy access to nearby attractions like Cedar Breaks National Monument and Zion National Park. When we visited, there was still a lot of snow around the town. They must have been inundated with snow this season. Many of the buildings were completely covered with snow.
With its picturesque setting and laid-back vibe, Duck Creek is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of southern Utah.
On our way back to Hurricane
Kolob Canyon / Taylor Creek
The Taylor Creek Trail is a scenic hiking trail located in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park.
The trail follows Taylor Creek, a picturesque stream that winds through a narrow canyon flanked by towering sandstone cliffs. Hikers will encounter two historic homestead cabins dating back to the 1930s.
The trail is approximately 5 miles round-trip and is considered a moderately easy hike, with some rocky terrain and stream crossings along the way. We counted 50 stream crossings. There are many rocks placed in the stream in order to cross it. It was spring time and the water was higher than during the summer hiking season. At this time of year, I don’t think it is possible to do this hike without stepping in the stream a few times.
The trailhead is located at the end of the Kolob Canyons Road, which is close to Rt 15. The Kolob Canyon Visitors Center is located nearby.
At the end of the canyon is the massive Double Arch Alcove, a natural amphitheater formed by two large arches carved into the sandstone cliffs. The alcove is a great spot for photos and provides a peaceful setting to rest and take in the beautiful surroundings.
