We visited Kolob Canyons, the far northwest corner of Zion National Park, in April 2017. We had warm temperatures, lots of flowers, lovely bright green Gambel oaks and evergreens. Now, six years later, it is a very different early spring due to very different weather issues. Strong storms raging from the Pacific Ocean across California and hitting the Western states as well as moving across the country. Feet of snow where they usually get none, 30 and 40 degree temps when it should be in the 60s/low 70s, cloudy after cloudy day. Wow! It could be some time before the warm spring sunshine we love prevails. Regardless, snow on enormous red rocks is worth another visit. We are high on the western edge of the Colorado Plateau and taking a 5-mile drive to views that will take your breath away!
Remember the red roads that were dearly loved and being reinstalled on our last visit? Well, no idea what happened, but red roads are gone. The views are still glorious—and red.
Before we get to the main canyons, the road’s walls are tilted, the result of faults, folds, and erosion over millions of years. Erosion never ends until there is nothing left to erode. In the meantime we have stunning geologic formations to enjoy.
Parking along a sharp u-turn, we see Paria Point at left, Beatty Point at right leading to a canyon between the two. This is the first of many “finger” canyons seen along the road and along various hikes. Extending like fingers between the massive rocks they are not always easy to see and involve quite long hikes to enjoy up close.
Can you make out the canyon behind the tallest evergreen? No, me neither, but it is there.
After the u-turn, the road climbs steeply but the wall of Beatty Point makes its own u-turn.
Frozen waterfalls add drama to the mountains.
You can’t help but notice the formation below, looks like an arrowhead opening with evergreens growing inside. Let’s get a closer look.
What an huge opening and I wish we could get closer (this is a cropped picture). Apparently you can’t. The established trail does not get that close, but here you can explore off trail. Presumably, however, the sandstone edges/walls you see just above the tree line are very high, higher than they look, and crumbles in places. From the road it always looks like an exciting adventure. Often you can’t get close and if you can you’re looking straight up with no possible access. Zion is always amazing.
View from Timber Creek Overlook which is the end of the road.
At the end of the road is the trail we walked in 2017 offering gorgeous views. Today the trail is ice and snow so we’ll enjoy the view from here. Besides, we need to get to our overnight in northwest Las Vegas still a few hours away. Tomorrow we head to Death Valley, hoping for spring weather since it is spring there, so stay tuned.
We can’t quite see from this vantage point, but off to the right, about 80 away miles, is the Grand Canyon. On a clear day, and up the trail, you can see forever!
Hope you find special places to visit in early spring in your neck of the woods. Until next time . . .
