I admit, the whole Stump Springs Trailhead sign threw me; I am heading to hike the Under the Point trail, and I guess in my reading and research, it failed to indicate the path started at Stump Springs Trailhead. As far as I can tell, Stump Springs (the actual water spring) is already a good mile behind me, and there is not a Stump Springs Trail at the trailhead. No matter, I guess, but these things should be more accessible.

What I do know is I love the ATV ride to the trailhead. Road #148 and now Road #519 are the best backcountry roads I have traveled on. Gravel based, graded, with only the occasional washed out section. The path twists and turns through a well-maintained forest free of deadwood and underbrush. It's not a golf course, but I've had that impression more than once as I travel this beautiful route.

I stop to summit a minor peak along the route. South Rim peak is a short 15 min up and back hike. Like most knolls in the area, it has trees that block the view from the summit. However, Powell Point, with its pink, yellow, and white monoliths, rises above even the tallest trees.

This fantastic road ends in a small meadow groomed, graveled, signed, and posted as a staging area predominately to accommodate horses. Under the Point, trail lists hikers, horses, and mountain bikes as its use cases, and I'm surprised no other vehicles are present on this beautiful Friday afternoon.

For all its beauty, Under the Point trail has some significant issues. First, it is a point to point hike, thus requiring a shuttle system for pick up after the walk is over. Second, to set up the shuttle, one has to backtrack to Bryce Canyon and approach through Henderson Canyon. Third, a shorter loop through the lower end of Henderson Canyon could be possible, but even that appears to be a long-distance hike.

A short out and back trek along Under the Point trail is probably the best way to experience the track, given the elevation gains and losses. Horseback is perhaps the best option.

By the time I arrive at the first ravine, I have given up on horses, perhaps being the best option as the trail is missing. Washed away by flooding, the evidence of reinforced course and bridge scatter below me in the ravine. I scramble through the debris to arrive at the other side.

The air is thin as I stop to catch my breath. Afternoon clouds and the setting sun create amazing views of Powell Point above the trees.

I wander around three ravine points and into another destroyed ravine trail—such a beautiful path and so extremely difficult to maintain given the limited destinations. My guess is they have reduced maintenance on the track and focused on higher use areas. Or COVID-19 has shut it all down. Under the Point trail would be fun to come back and hike if I can figure out a good shuttle system strategy.

CalTopo map and information on Powell Point and Canaan Peak can be found here.