Snow on San Jacinto

Back in California, we headed for Palm Springs to prepare for re-entry into real life.  We took the tram going from 2,643' to 8,516' in 10 minutes.  We were surprised to find some big patches of snow and glad we had gloves and jackets, even though it was 80 degrees and sunny in the valley.  We could see the clouds, from top of Wellman's Divide where we hiked, that have been bringing premature cold weather to S. Cal.  This might be the last wilderness hike we have on this trip so we savored every single moment.

From Fall to Winter in a 40 minute drive

After leaving Zion we spent the night in St. George, UT then stopped into Kolab Canyon, the north entrance to Zion with very little tourist traffic.  We hiked Taylor Creek to a double arch and were treated to a full array of fall colors and mild autumn breezes.  Then on to Brian Head, through Cedar Breaks National Monument at 10,400 ft. of elevation - what a temperature change.  Snow everywhere.


So many colors

Observing Zion from above - Hike

We spent the day (8 miles- 2200 ft. elevation gain) hiking to the top of Observation Point.  Whew!  Bring on the Advil.

Zion - Disneyland Wilderness

We arrived in Zion on a 4 day Utah school holiday.  Bad timing.  Every family had Grandma/pa, Mom/Dad, and their kids and a couple of aunts/uncles - so family units looked more like brigades. ANYWAY - we got on the shuttle buses, (so crowded, cars aren't allowed in the park) and got off at our desired trailhead.  Strange to be in the free transportation with multi-day backpackers, day hikers like ourselves, and just plain sightseers.  It's a great system since the scenery is fabulous and almost unbelievable and everyone gets a chance to experience it without traffic jams.  Our first day here, we decided to hike The Narrows - a slow slog up the Virgin River in a slot canyon.  Fun for the first 2 hours then, not so fun hiking out after slipping and falling in the icy water.

Who Knew! Hoodoos?

We had no idea Bryce would be so weird . . . 

Playing (in) the slots

Another Escalante adventure:  Went on a guided expedition to Big Horn Slot Canyon.  This slot was completely full of sand only three weeks ago.  With a big rainstorm a few weeks ago, the sand which had been deposited four years ago was washed away and we were able to explore it.  We were finished early, so drove 10 miles out of town on a 4X4 road in the Subaru - noticed we were loosing air in a tire - got back to town by using our bicycle pump every few miles to keep the tire inflated.  Whew!


Shawn Miller (our guide) and Ron - into the slot

Slickrock Scramble - on steroids

By on steroids we mean, clambering up sheer rock faces, defying gravity and even death...but not really. Exploring these canyons and arches is just amazing and it really helps to have a guide, at least in this case.  Nick of  http://utahcanyons.com/ took us to some great spots.


Walking into canyon