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- Apr 20, 2013
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I was going to just add photos to @scatman report, but let's make this its own thread.
I also finally cleared all the things on my list-before-writing-a- trip- report- procrastination. Things like: clearing the yard for winter, washing the kitchen doors and walls, cleaning the garage and putting the rabbits in for the winter, cleaning out the cat litter, scrubbing between my toes, and various kids' events
You have the more true version if you read @scatman , but here are some additional details and some photos that may or may not entirely be in order.
After confirming that there really was water in the desert, and we were not going to lick potholes, or dig holes in the wet sand until we hit mud, @scatman agreed to join what ended up being the group of "people related in some way to Ugly" + Scatman. I had some friends cancel when they heard that I was still going. They made excuses like "my back hurts" or "my wife does not want to go" or "I cannot miss school" or "I am going to Vegas that weekend" or "I have to work". Only one came out and said the truth, "I do not want to go on an adventure with you."
Fine then.
I know there is a lifetime of less regulated wilderness and desert, but I think that Kolob, especially in fall, is quite extraordinary.
The rumors of sightings like the below are now more prevalent. Unlike those testifying before congress, there is actual proof of this oddity.
I admit, I did not read the fine print, which said all wilderness passes have to be picked up in the zoo of the main canyon, we ended up going into the main canyon for a side adventure.
We got lucky with the line at the gate, and even at the wilderness permit desk. We had left nice and early, and started from Hop Valley, we were on trail sometime around noon.
As mentioned, it was still warm/hot weather. The colors had only just begun to change. I had been into here a few times before, during the same time in October. I have seen prime leaves, past-prime leaves and now pre-prime leaves.
Of mention is that I believe, except for his toe, Scatman kept his feet dry the whole trip.
Even early on in Hop Valley, I was consigned to what I thought was inevitable, but by magic powers and keen route finding, Scatman's feet stayed dry.
I think the boys threw this log into the creek with knowledge that they were part of the task of keeping boots dry.
Firepit Knoll is visible from Hop Valley and from over on the Kolob overlook side. It is nice to look at.
Firepit Knoll from the Finger Canyons Overlook.
A little fall foliage.
Hop Valley is a sand slog. Although the lower part is cowed out, there is still some sublime beauty. There are some corners and views through here that I really like.
Before cattle, if there really was green grass down here, maybe white rice grass and such... it probably was even more incredible.
My son and nephew tested the distance to make sure feet would stay dry for those following behind.
One of those tachinid flies. There were lots of yellow flowers, and flies galore. Nice.
Getting there...
Some time as we were going through Hop Valley, a recurring thought came to me. The boys especially are not going to love this trip if they have to go back through Hop Valley.
I started to contemplate a plan of me hiking out and everyone else going back over Lee's Pass. They would get a change in scenery, and an easier hike out- no climb out of La Verkin Creek, no slog through Hop Valley, and no climb and then slog back to the car in the sand.
The boys climbed and waited for us in a few places. This one was nice and scenic, just before the drop into La Verkin. The pass over into La Verkin was longer than I remembered.
We took some photos with Gregory Butte behind. It's a really nice place.
I do not think anywhere in the wilderness is really out of his element. Scatman almost blends in, like he is wearing camouflage.
well, maybe except for the camp shoes and that yelllow plyfold.
The trip was pretty mellow all around. It was peaceful, good weather, pretty easy mileage, and the campsite was shaded.
I believe this is one of the most beautiful corners of Zion, and the price paid in hiking in is just enough to keep the pressure much lower than elsewhere in the park.
That night, I wandered into the meadow to visit the sailor's room, and there were two eyes reflecting my green headlamp 50-60' away. They just watched me back, not moving. So eventually I turned on the white light, and there was a coyote, just chilling, catching me with my pants half-down. It sauntered off when the people in the campsite across the creek spooked it. On the way out, there was some "loose" poorly formed scat just off the trail. I wonder if it was the coyote.
The weather was warm, but mild at night. We had missed out on the Aurora the night before, and the comet was blocked by Gregory's big old Butte. The stars however were great, especially at 2-3am, when I woke for a half hour and just enjoyed the silence. I only had to partially tuck my shoulders into the sleeping bag at about 5am, and I missed sunrise because I slept so nice.
I took my "new"-ish sleeping pad on this trip. It is from kilos-gear. I have the large and wide... and it really was nice to sleep on. I used it once before this trip, and a few times since. It might not work in some 2-man tents, since it is 26" wide, but in my palatial tipi/mid and my one man, it is cushy. I was going to let my cousin take a night on it, since he has no gear and was looking at what to buy, but he said he slept great on my old xlite. So since he was not asking, there was no way I was volunteering going back to my regular 22" wide xlite that is slightly too short for me and has a slow leak! hahahaha
We went on up Icebox to see the arch first thing that morning.
I really like this view. I mean, this view is the lock screen on my phone right now... so like maybe is too weak a word.
The creek also has some beautiful sections.
We grabbed our lunch and some water, and headed on up the creek.
The canyon glow is intense in several of the bends farther up. Almost unbelievable in places.
One thing about the canyons in Zion are the hanging gardens, full of ponderosa, douglas and spruce. Really nice everywhere.
Some canyon glow and yellow leaves near the falls, getting photo-bombed by my cousin for scale.
Scatman got this nice candid photo, that I like a lot.
There were still flowers.
And some autumn colors.
I told my son this was the waterfall... He was not pleased.
And reflections
We had lunch in the last campsite before the falls. We had tuna and crackers, which is my son's favorite.
As we finished up, we saw the only two people I remember until we got back downcanyon. They were arriving to stay the night at the campsite. That campsite might be nice in summer, but in October. I am not sure it sees any sun, and the cold air downcanyon.... brrrr
Scatman took this great one during lunch, "What do I have in my bag?"
My son is not amused.
And coming back downcanyon, there were tons of views like this:
I lost my kid and nephew for a little bit. They went down to trail along the creek after missing the actual trail at a crossing. I ran into a couple and asked them if they had seen any teenagers, and she said "Was one of them in a Nirvana shirt?"
Found them.
Some nice grasses.
After the hike it was almost dinner time. I took a few minutes and sat in the creek, since my knee keeps bothering me some. I am not sure if that was ill-advised.
We had a dinner of the Peak Refuel Sweet Pork, made into bowls. Because, well, I forgot a few things on this trip... hahaha
(Tortillas, a second pair of underwear, my line for my bear bag)
I did remember circus peanuts, and some chocolonely... and I had the essentials.... phew! I did not totally lose my mind.
We also had lots of food. Going with my cousin and nephew, plus a picky son who sometimes eats a lot, and sometimes eats nothing, was a bit hard to get right.
The next morning was clear and beautiful. We agreed on the plan of my returning alone to the car, so I roused the boys, and then took off a little early.
It was nice and cool, with the climb out still in the shade.
I made good time and within a half hour, I was looking back down on La Verkin
I had some downhill ahead of me, so I made good time. I stopped a few places because the views and shadows were so nice.
I did a fair portion of Hop Valley in the shade. I also took a line where I crossed the creek only a few times, and I kept my feet dry, knowing the sand slog ahead did not need any more sand sticking to me.
When I got to where the branch of the creek comes in, I sat down, took off my pack. Ate some breakfast and enjoyed this view. The side canyon I believe is private property. It is quite scenic.
I also watched dozens of butterflies, landing and chasing each other around the gopher hills and grass.
Then it was the climb out on the old road, and the sand slog.
I started seeing people. Dayhikers, slogging the sand.
Eventually, I arrived at the car, cleaned up. Took a few long drinks, and then was on my way.
It was about an hour back to Kolob, and as I came up to Lee's trailhead, my son, nephew and cousin were all just barely hitting the pavement. There was a parking spot right in front of where @scatman was sitting. Almost perfect.
It was hard to drive all the way up to Beaver before eating, but it was worth it.
It was a great trip!
I also finally cleared all the things on my list-before-writing-a- trip- report- procrastination. Things like: clearing the yard for winter, washing the kitchen doors and walls, cleaning the garage and putting the rabbits in for the winter, cleaning out the cat litter, scrubbing between my toes, and various kids' events
You have the more true version if you read @scatman , but here are some additional details and some photos that may or may not entirely be in order.
After confirming that there really was water in the desert, and we were not going to lick potholes, or dig holes in the wet sand until we hit mud, @scatman agreed to join what ended up being the group of "people related in some way to Ugly" + Scatman. I had some friends cancel when they heard that I was still going. They made excuses like "my back hurts" or "my wife does not want to go" or "I cannot miss school" or "I am going to Vegas that weekend" or "I have to work". Only one came out and said the truth, "I do not want to go on an adventure with you."
Fine then.
I know there is a lifetime of less regulated wilderness and desert, but I think that Kolob, especially in fall, is quite extraordinary.
The rumors of sightings like the below are now more prevalent. Unlike those testifying before congress, there is actual proof of this oddity.
I admit, I did not read the fine print, which said all wilderness passes have to be picked up in the zoo of the main canyon, we ended up going into the main canyon for a side adventure.
We got lucky with the line at the gate, and even at the wilderness permit desk. We had left nice and early, and started from Hop Valley, we were on trail sometime around noon.
As mentioned, it was still warm/hot weather. The colors had only just begun to change. I had been into here a few times before, during the same time in October. I have seen prime leaves, past-prime leaves and now pre-prime leaves.
Of mention is that I believe, except for his toe, Scatman kept his feet dry the whole trip.
Even early on in Hop Valley, I was consigned to what I thought was inevitable, but by magic powers and keen route finding, Scatman's feet stayed dry.
I think the boys threw this log into the creek with knowledge that they were part of the task of keeping boots dry.
Firepit Knoll is visible from Hop Valley and from over on the Kolob overlook side. It is nice to look at.
Firepit Knoll from the Finger Canyons Overlook.
A little fall foliage.
Hop Valley is a sand slog. Although the lower part is cowed out, there is still some sublime beauty. There are some corners and views through here that I really like.
Before cattle, if there really was green grass down here, maybe white rice grass and such... it probably was even more incredible.
My son and nephew tested the distance to make sure feet would stay dry for those following behind.
One of those tachinid flies. There were lots of yellow flowers, and flies galore. Nice.
Getting there...
Some time as we were going through Hop Valley, a recurring thought came to me. The boys especially are not going to love this trip if they have to go back through Hop Valley.
I started to contemplate a plan of me hiking out and everyone else going back over Lee's Pass. They would get a change in scenery, and an easier hike out- no climb out of La Verkin Creek, no slog through Hop Valley, and no climb and then slog back to the car in the sand.
The boys climbed and waited for us in a few places. This one was nice and scenic, just before the drop into La Verkin. The pass over into La Verkin was longer than I remembered.
We took some photos with Gregory Butte behind. It's a really nice place.
I do not think anywhere in the wilderness is really out of his element. Scatman almost blends in, like he is wearing camouflage.
well, maybe except for the camp shoes and that yelllow plyfold.
The trip was pretty mellow all around. It was peaceful, good weather, pretty easy mileage, and the campsite was shaded.
I believe this is one of the most beautiful corners of Zion, and the price paid in hiking in is just enough to keep the pressure much lower than elsewhere in the park.
That night, I wandered into the meadow to visit the sailor's room, and there were two eyes reflecting my green headlamp 50-60' away. They just watched me back, not moving. So eventually I turned on the white light, and there was a coyote, just chilling, catching me with my pants half-down. It sauntered off when the people in the campsite across the creek spooked it. On the way out, there was some "loose" poorly formed scat just off the trail. I wonder if it was the coyote.
The weather was warm, but mild at night. We had missed out on the Aurora the night before, and the comet was blocked by Gregory's big old Butte. The stars however were great, especially at 2-3am, when I woke for a half hour and just enjoyed the silence. I only had to partially tuck my shoulders into the sleeping bag at about 5am, and I missed sunrise because I slept so nice.
I took my "new"-ish sleeping pad on this trip. It is from kilos-gear. I have the large and wide... and it really was nice to sleep on. I used it once before this trip, and a few times since. It might not work in some 2-man tents, since it is 26" wide, but in my palatial tipi/mid and my one man, it is cushy. I was going to let my cousin take a night on it, since he has no gear and was looking at what to buy, but he said he slept great on my old xlite. So since he was not asking, there was no way I was volunteering going back to my regular 22" wide xlite that is slightly too short for me and has a slow leak! hahahaha
We went on up Icebox to see the arch first thing that morning.
I really like this view. I mean, this view is the lock screen on my phone right now... so like maybe is too weak a word.
The creek also has some beautiful sections.
We grabbed our lunch and some water, and headed on up the creek.
The canyon glow is intense in several of the bends farther up. Almost unbelievable in places.
One thing about the canyons in Zion are the hanging gardens, full of ponderosa, douglas and spruce. Really nice everywhere.
Some canyon glow and yellow leaves near the falls, getting photo-bombed by my cousin for scale.
Scatman got this nice candid photo, that I like a lot.
There were still flowers.
And some autumn colors.
I told my son this was the waterfall... He was not pleased.
And reflections
We had lunch in the last campsite before the falls. We had tuna and crackers, which is my son's favorite.
As we finished up, we saw the only two people I remember until we got back downcanyon. They were arriving to stay the night at the campsite. That campsite might be nice in summer, but in October. I am not sure it sees any sun, and the cold air downcanyon.... brrrr
Scatman took this great one during lunch, "What do I have in my bag?"
My son is not amused.
And coming back downcanyon, there were tons of views like this:
I lost my kid and nephew for a little bit. They went down to trail along the creek after missing the actual trail at a crossing. I ran into a couple and asked them if they had seen any teenagers, and she said "Was one of them in a Nirvana shirt?"
Found them.
Some nice grasses.
After the hike it was almost dinner time. I took a few minutes and sat in the creek, since my knee keeps bothering me some. I am not sure if that was ill-advised.
We had a dinner of the Peak Refuel Sweet Pork, made into bowls. Because, well, I forgot a few things on this trip... hahaha
(Tortillas, a second pair of underwear, my line for my bear bag)
I did remember circus peanuts, and some chocolonely... and I had the essentials.... phew! I did not totally lose my mind.
We also had lots of food. Going with my cousin and nephew, plus a picky son who sometimes eats a lot, and sometimes eats nothing, was a bit hard to get right.
The next morning was clear and beautiful. We agreed on the plan of my returning alone to the car, so I roused the boys, and then took off a little early.
It was nice and cool, with the climb out still in the shade.
I made good time and within a half hour, I was looking back down on La Verkin
I had some downhill ahead of me, so I made good time. I stopped a few places because the views and shadows were so nice.
I did a fair portion of Hop Valley in the shade. I also took a line where I crossed the creek only a few times, and I kept my feet dry, knowing the sand slog ahead did not need any more sand sticking to me.
When I got to where the branch of the creek comes in, I sat down, took off my pack. Ate some breakfast and enjoyed this view. The side canyon I believe is private property. It is quite scenic.
I also watched dozens of butterflies, landing and chasing each other around the gopher hills and grass.
Then it was the climb out on the old road, and the sand slog.
I started seeing people. Dayhikers, slogging the sand.
Eventually, I arrived at the car, cleaned up. Took a few long drinks, and then was on my way.
It was about an hour back to Kolob, and as I came up to Lee's trailhead, my son, nephew and cousin were all just barely hitting the pavement. There was a parking spot right in front of where @scatman was sitting. Almost perfect.
It was hard to drive all the way up to Beaver before eating, but it was worth it.
It was a great trip!