The trail switchbacks through massive hoodoos along a fairly steep trail. The angle of the sun dropping into the western sky it setting the red rock on fire and I am in awe of this stunning ridgeline.
Read MoreRed Canyon Trail - Castro Canyon, UT quad
I don't think people realize how rare it is to find a good hiking location. It isn't, as most people believe, just walking down a trail. It is of course, but it is also so much more than that. I'm drawn back to Red Canyon once again due to all the "other" reasons for hiking here. A trail exists to be sure, but it is a minor point.
Read MoreNorthgate Peaks East - The Guardian Angels, UT quad
Friends in from out of town, family looking for a fun, cooler (as in temperature) hike in the Zion area. Always one of my favorites. I don't think there is another peak, in Zion as easy to climb, that offers the same rewarding views as Northgate Peaks East summit.
Read MoreWillis Creek, Bull Valley Gorge and Mossy Cave Trail
Willis Creek is a non-technical slot canyon, which provides a person the amazing experience of hiking through the narrow confines of a true slot canyon without having to do any downclimbing or rappelling. Willis Creek is simply a stroll, available to horses, mules and children alike (we saw each during our time here).
Read MoreLosee Canyon - Casto Canyon, UT quad
Red Canyon is the stunning canyon on the way to Bryce Canyon. It is iconic in its own right, having many pictures taken of the two small tunnels that exist in the canyon. It is often overlooked and disregarded as travelers make their way further down the road to Bryce. Turns out Red Canyon is a hikers dream.
Read MoreBlew by Peak - Temple of Sinawava, UT quad
For those interested in both peakbagging and canyoneering, Flagpole Mountain is that rare double treat. Bag the peak, rappel into Mystery Canyon and finish the day by hiking out the Zion Narrows.
Read MoreNorthgate Peaks East - The Guardian Angels, UT quad
Default to beauty. Okay the hashtag is really Default to action, but in this case I'll stay with beauty.
Read MoreEast Cinder Knoll - Hurricane, UT quad
The cinder cone is unremarkable in many respects. A slippery slope of small cinders make hiking up the steeper sections of slope a "one step forward, two steps back" kind of effort.
Read MoreMollies Nipple - Hurricane, UT quad
Growing up in the Southern Utah area, with many family members living in and around Hurricane; the term "Mollies Nipple" required a young pre-teen to hold back giggles in a car full of adults, and this task was especially hard to contain around my 4 cousins of the same age.
Read MoreObservation Point Trail - Zion National Park
With bad weather all week and more expected the next few days, Linda and I took a chance on hiking Observation Point in Zion National Park. We figured if we got caught in a downpour it would be better to be on a maintained trail rather than the backcountry.
Read More