Snow Canyon State Park, Utah
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Johnson Canyon Snow Canyon State Park, Utah |
October 9, 2017
Two years ago, Gary and I could not do this hike, because the area was
closed at this time of year except for ranger-guided tours.
Today, the park brochure still reads the same; but the attendant at the
entrance station says to go ahead and do it anyway. This is great.
⇔
This trail actually lies just outside the southern park border, but who's counting?
Getting started
Today's wildlife entry
I had best not hazard a climb up there
On the other side of those rocks are the hustle and bustle of St. George
Around the corner is Johnson Canyon
For some reason, I fail to appreciate the significance of this fence
The canyon isn't very long...
...but it is quite colorful
There is supposed to be a 200-foot long arch on this trail, but I do not see it anywhere.
End of the line, but no arch
A signpost admonishes me not to hike any farther, yet I must venture a few yards in order to find out why:
Nowhere to go
Great stuff
A portrait of Mr. Johnson himself?
Heading for Las Vegas
Disappointed, I start back.
Whoa there! What's that huge thing up on the cliff to the left, in plain sight of Brigham Young and everyone? It's Johnson Arch!
This is why I go hiking
I guess that the reason I missed it earlier was that I was too busy watching a couple of other hikers at that wooden railing.
It remains visible even from a distance
Although many movies have been filmed here, including Jeremiah Johnson, that name is just a coincidence. Some other pioneers have left their marks here on the opposite canyon wall, painted with axle grease.
That lettering is two feet high
§: Despite my seemingly diminishing powers of observation,
I did accomplish the mission. This easy walk took but a long hour overall.
| Scenery |  |
| Difficulty |  |
| Solitude |  |
Immediately next to the trailhead is the upscale community of Ivins. In the center of a big roundabout are these amazing sculptures:
