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| Backpack | 13.80 Miles |
1,750 AEG |
| | Backpack | 13.80 Miles | 2 Days | | |
| 1,750 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | This trip was my 12-year-old niece's second time backpacking. Last year, we went to Horseshoe Mesa at Grand Canyon, but this year she said "more water" - she does live in Oregon after all  . So, she selected to go to Zion, and really wanted to do the Narrows. However, due to unseasonably high flows in the Virgin River, the Narrows was closed, but we had this alternate trip lined up.
In the morning, we had to drive up to the trail head from one of the campgrounds in the main canyon, since there is no place to camp nearer the Finger Canyons - too bad. This resulted in a bit of a late start, but nothing terrible. The trail begins by heading perpendicular to the Finger Canyons, giving us great views, especially before dropping down to Timber Creek. We then followed Timber Creek for several miles, full of a gentle flow of nice cool water. Normally, Timber Creek would be dry this time of year, so we were lucky. My niece wanted me to point out that we crossed the flow in Timber Creek 19 separate times on the hike in. The creek was also lined with cottonwoods, providing great shade for much of the trail.
After reluctantly leaving Timber Creek, we followed the trail along a sweeping route over a dry bench of pinon and juniper. The later start plus slower pace (my sister was constantly stopping for picture breaks) combined to stick us in this dry, hot area for lunch. Soon after lunch, however, we dropped down into the La Verkin Creek drainage, and were able to enjoy periodic shade and very cold water. The rest of the trail to our campsite followed La Verkin Creek, often through soft sand. The sand was sometimes tiresome, but the creek provided a welcome respite and the canyon walls were quite lovely.
Our campsite (lucky #13) was on a ponderosa pine-covered bench directly across La Verkin Creek from the side trail to Kolob Arch. With flows much higher than normal for June, fording the creek to reach our campsite was rather adventurous (aka, fun). After ditching everything but some water, we headed over to Kolob Arch, where we hung out for awhile. By this time, we were all ready for some food and star gazing before bed.
The trail out seemed shorter somehow, like it often does. Except for the last long climb up out of the Timber Creek drainage in mostly direct sun. Not the best end for the hike, but we found a nicely shaded bench near the trail head to enjoy our lunch before heading out. |
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| "Let it ride / Let it roll / Let it go" |
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