Mini Utah Vacay Day 3: June 23, 2024

Sunday morning we woke up at 5am Arizona time (shhhh....don't tell the boys!!!), loaded up the car, and drove 45 minutes to the Kolob Canyon area of Zion National Park.  This is the northern part of Zion which is at higher elevation, generally cooler, and much less crowded than the main part of the park. We visited Zion Kolob Canyon in spring break of March 2023.  We wanted to hike the Taylor Creek Trail, but at the time we were limited by time and weather (snow and rain back then!).  Sunday morning we had perfect weather for the 5 mile round-trip hike which took us over many very shallow creek crossings to an amazing double arch amphitheater.  The colors were just outstanding!  

The initial scenery on the hike reminded us of Sedona. It was very humid and cool as we started our hike by the creek.  The sun was blocked by the high escarpments, and there was lots of shade per the foliage.  

The Kolob Canyon features were majestic! 

The hike terminated at the double arch cave/amphitheater which had very awesome acoustics.  We were surrounded on three sides by towering walls of color.  As we approached the cave, Zach spotted two skunks by the side of the trail!  Never a dull moments in the wilderness!  Constant vigilance! 
 

We were very glad that we started out hike early.  Soon after we reached the amphitheater after over an hour of hiking, the sun cleared the canyon walls and light shot down the canyon creek bed.  What was initially shaded and cool in the 60s became wonderfully lit up and the temperature shot up too into the mid-80s! We felt bad for those just starting the hike as we were hiking out.  But it really pays to do your homework and understand the trail and conditions before you set out! 

After out hike, we said goodbye to Utah and headed home.  We stopped at the Jacob's Lake picnic area (near the north rim of the Grand Canyon) for lunch - and got rained on as we left!  

We ended up arriving home late afternoon on Sunday.  We unpacked, cleaned up (stinky after hiking!) and then headed out to pick up Curie and have a pizza dinner with the Grandparents to update them on our adventures! Thank you Utah and Northern Arizona! We will be back!