| | -
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
-
-
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 1.66 Miles |
163 AEG |
| | Hiking | 1.66 Miles | 1 Hour 29 Mns | | 1.12 mph |
| 163 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | Report written 5-3-2025, not sure stats are accurate as it was from my Samsung Health Workout tracker. This was Day Two of our Zion zaga with my cousins last December. We drove from La Verkin and would be heading to the east side of the park. The nice thing about this trip is we could stop at all the places one would probably just pass by. So we stopped and took the little trail up to view the Patriarchs. It was pretty steep but paved and short. Of course, the views were indeed worth it. We were still in the shade of the morning but the sun was shining brightly on the west part of the Canyon walls and mountains including The Sentinel.
After the appropriate amount of picture taking and gawking, it was back in the truck for our drive to the east side. We stopped at one of the switchbacks to check out the tunnel and signage below the East Temple. We were still in the shade but the Temple was in the sun. We drove through the tunnel. It really is interesting how they built it.
We stopped at the parking area of the ranger station area and walked around checking out the map and mileage to other areas. Afterward we had to stop at Checkerboard Mesa. It really is such a marvel. It was covered in shade but the colors, layers and stripes still shown through. Jaelyn ran part way up and looked like a bug from where I was standing and filming. We admired the area some more and then took off again.
And now to head back to do the Canyon Overlook, but wait, what was that I just saw. Yep, you guessed it, Big Horns  . We found an area to pullover and walk back to watch them. There were around 1/2 dozen or so chowing down on the brush. We hung out for about 15 minutes watching them until they went over the hill. Well that was fun, but not the end.
We were lucky to get a parking spot near the Canyon Overlook Trailhead and headed on up the stairs. There were more people than I thought we would see as this is not the easiest trail. You do have lots of great geology around you so there's really not a boring moment. The alcove is pretty impressive, mostly due to its short ceiling. We would get another bonus this day. Yep, you guessed it again. Big Horns . There was a rather large family grazing not too far from the trail. We stopped to enjoy the moment and, of course, film and photos ensued.
The trail goes up and around and across somewhat rugged terrain until you finally get to the end point. It certainly is worth it. From here we wandered around both sides of the Overlook. We also had a snack with a great view as well. On our way back, we got our one last look at the Big Horn family. They were mostly laying down but with a little zoom, I was able to capture the nonaction.
We finished off the hike, the girls were like horses to the barn, but they would wait for me on occasion to make sure I was still coming. There were still people coming up as the shade was coming upon the trailhead. So far, a great day and still more to come as we drove to our next trek of the day.
Two videos of the first part of the day:
Part 1 drive, Patriarchs, tunnel, Checkerboard and Big Horns [ youtube video ]
Part 2 Canyon Overlook hike, including Big Horns [ youtube video ]
PS back in 2012, I also saw Big Horns in the area. I did read that the Park is concerned a bit about overpopulation. |
| _____________________
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. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
