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| Hiking | 14.45 Miles |
1,750 AEG |
| | Hiking | 14.45 Miles | | | |
| 1,750 ft AEG | | | | |
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[ show ]
| partners | | And now for the main purpose of our trip to Zion, a beginners backpacking trip. At Watchman Campground we got up early and began packing up our gear to drive a little over an hour to the Ranger Station for our parking permits and then headed up the road 3.8 miles to the Lee Pass TH. It was very windy and cold at the Ranger Station so we were immediately thinking layers. At the TH it was still windy but at least the sun was out and of course, once we got down a mile or so, we were all shedding pretty quickly.
The fall colors had begun so it was an extra special treat as we followed the lineage of Timber Creek. Soon we would even come upon some maple color  ! The hike down has some UPs stuck in there but nothing too dramatic. I just assumed it was a gradual downhill all the way but that's not quite the case. We did cross over the mostly dry creek several times and of course, that's where a lot of the little Ups and Downs are.
There were nine of us and we were headed to Camp Spot #9. Clyde, our trip leader, put one of the more experienced hikers in the lead and he kept us going at a pleasant pace with some stops here and there to take pics. I love our group shot where we are all sitting in a downed tree. Eventually we would come up from the creek and cross a couple hills with the pretty junipers and Zion walls in view. The trail is very nice thru this area as well.
At the intersection that goes down to La Verkin Creek (1000 feet lower than the TH), we decided it was break time. While some of us wanted to lunch by the creek, it was decided a snack would do. For Bruce, since I know he is quite concerned about my dietary intake ;) : I got to eat most of my leftover pizza. I'm glad I did because most of the rest of the hike involved some pretty deep sand and it was getting warm.
I strongly suggest you stop here if you do this hike as it's always fun to hang out a creek on bedrock and take in the sights  . Besides, I think for us we only had another mile and 1/2 to go. We ran into the folks who had stayed at our campsite the nite before and they told us we would have to take our shoes off to cross the water to get to the site and that it had been cold.... neither which turned out to be true in our case.
Finally we arrived at #9, yep you gotta cross the creek but with careful footing, it's doable. We set up camp, rested for a few moments and then headed out to Kolob Arch. So we had to cross the creek again, carefully (I have it on film; Part 2 of Day 1). And then it was off to the Arch up Icebox Canyon (Waterfalls Canyon). Clyde had done the route before and tho we missed a zig, it was no problem. You basically follow the Creek to an area where you can view the Arch above. We also did the scramble climb to the better view point. It was a nice little hike to and from the Arch as we got to enjoy the creek and some nice fall colors.
A few folks had brot some libations so we tried to stay in the sun by the creek for awhile and enjoy the environment and chat. After dinner as we sat around drinking a little bit of the decaf coffee/butterscotch schnapps  we found the change in the air currents from warm to cold and back fascinating. It seemed to do that until we retired. It was nice to sleep by the creek and I think I slept well. I thot the rise and shine time was 6:30AM so I woke up and prepared accordingly but apparently they meant 6:30AM AZ time so I had to kick back in my tent on my deflated mattress for 1/2 hr or more  .
The trip leader split the group into 3 groups of 3 so that people could hike based on their pace. This seemed to work well. Believe it or not, I was with the second fastest group so I think I've finally graduated to a novice backpacker. I am not a speed demon by any means; especially with my camera in hand but still . The morning was quite pleasant and we were in the shadow of the canyon as it started to slowly wake up. This made for some very picturesque moments.
We kept what I call a pretty good pace back to the TH with only a few rest stops. That climb out is longer than it appears but since the trail is so nice, it's not problematic. The fall colors were aglow along the hike and into the canyons. As I started to top out and look east, I saw lots more maples so that was totally cool :FG: .
One of our group struck out ahead when the other member let him go and she kept an eye on me for the rest of the journey (about 3 1/4 miles). She said she stayed with me because of the story I told her regarding how much beginning backpackers/hikers appreciate that someone is always looking out for them. I thot that was so nice. So :thanx: Toni, it wasn't necessary in this case but it was sure considerate of you.
Clyde got to the TH about 15 minutes ahead of us so I made the 6.5 miles in 3 hr 20 min. Shockingly, I am pretty content to avg 2 MPH when going uphill and with a heavy pack. This time I carried my tent inside the pack instead of tieing it to the outside. I liked this arrangement so it will be a matter of figuring out how to fit additional clothes and food to make it work for my upcoming 3 nite/ 4 day backpack.
Clyde had a beer and snacks waiting for us so we gladly imbibed . The second group arrived shortly thereafter and then we drove down to the Ranger Station to freshen up and just about the time we got back, the last threesome came trudging up the hill. It is a great backpack trip with lots to offer. This was my first backpack trip without Ambika or Wendy and I think I did okay.
- Part 1 from TH along Timber Creek to LaVerkin Creek intersection: [ youtube video ]
Part 2 from LaVerkin Creek to Campspot #9 in Kolob Canyon: [ youtube video ]
Hike to Kolob Arch and back: [ youtube video ]
and to see the best video of the lot due to the morning hike and vibrant fall colors :FG: , THIS is the video to watch: [ youtube video ]
Here is the link to the set of photos coming in on the La Verkin Trail to Camp Spot#9:
[ photoset ]
Here is the link to the set of photos going to and from Kolob Arch: [ photoset ]
Next: Hermit Bright Angel Loop |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
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For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled. |
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