Category: **States We Explored

Kolob Canyons, Zion’s Northwest Corner

Posted on by Joy
Thanks to NPS/Daren Reehl for this picture

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!

Come on along!

SNAP*Shots–Garden of the Gods On A 5-Degree Day

Posted on by Joy

The last few days we’ve experienced arctic weather. Snow, below freezing temperatures overnight into the morning, single digits all day long. Brrrrr . . . OK, OK, I lived in Montana for seven years so should be fine with frigid. No, OVER IT, and enjoy the shorter winter season at this latitude too. One thing though? You can’t beat the beauty of ice- and snow-covered landscapes! Come on along as we drive the roads and visit the pull outs in Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs gorgeous city park.

Bundle up and let’s go . . .

Ride~About: Silver Thread Scenic Byway (CO-149)

Posted on by Joy

Part 3: Last Leg of the Byway

When we drove into Lake City yesterday, we crossed a bridge over Henson Creek. A short distance from the bridge, the creek feeds into the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. The Lake Fork begins high in the mountains southwest of Lake San Cristobal, flows through the lake, and ends its 64.7 mile-long journey north to its confluence with the Gunninson River in Blue Mesa Reservoir.

Yes, this river runs south to north. Am I the only one who thought all rivers run north to south–south is downhill after all, right? Actually it is all about gravity. A river will always take the path of least resistance and flow downhill as quickly as possible. That downhill path can be in any direction including north, south, east, west, and every direction in between. The most famous and longest river in the world runs north through 11 countries–The Nile.

This last section of CO-149 is about rock formations, ranches, and Lake Fork’s canyons. Over the road’s remaining 45 miles we will travel down about 1,140 feet. Let’s go!

MORE BEAUTY AHEAD . . .