Zion National Park, Utah
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South Fork Taylor Creek Zion National Park, Utah |
October 11, 2017
Day-3 of the Fall Bucket List Tour is underway. When I hiked the
Middle Fork of Taylor Creek to Double Arch Alcove two years ago with my pal Gary,
the late-afternoon view up the nearby canyon compelled me to return to
the Kolob Terrace. The sun hasn't yet shown its face this morning as I set
out upon an unofficial but easily followed trail.
Paria Point on the left, Beatty Point on the right
The pre-dawn lighting is pretty nice
The route clearly is more popular than had been anticipated
After 500 feet, the climbing is nearly finished
This is why I go hiking
Yes, it appears that the going will be relatively level from here.
Fall color abounds
Excitement mounts as I reach the high, sheer cliff.
The sand is pink before sunrise
Entering the sanctuary
It gets better
After brightening up the camera view a bit:
The easy going is over. The canyon walls are closing in.
Obstacle ahead
End of the line
Walking in the other direction provides new perspectives on many things.
Being here is a pleasure and a joy
Wow!
A mini-arch
Looking back
Apparently, the Small Palaflox can grow anywhere
The moon makes an appearance
Hand-held at 11× zoom
The sand still is pink
The only obstruction on today's route
Splendor in the maples
The big sky reappears
Maple leaves adorn the trail
An arch in the making
The trail is below
Just before the finish line, I meet a backpacking couple and their young daughter coming in. I tell them to have a nice, short walk, but the woman says something about "going higher". I believe that they are on the wrong trail, and that the one they want is half a mile down the road; but who am I to tell them? They'll find out soon enough.
It's over too soon
§: Wow! This one was a real eye-opener.
I must make a point of doing more walking in the early morning
shade, for there never was any sunlight in the canyon during this
hike. The upshot of that was perhaps my most colorful outing
ever, at least in terms of photographs. Whenever I look at them,
I get the urge to drive back there and do it again.
I am confident, however, that this little-known gem of a trail would be great at any time of day. I would like to try it sometime in later afternoon for a largely different experience.
After a hike around here, one always must continue up to the end of Kolob Terrace Road, which is but five miles long. The views always are worth the effort. While the crowds mill about down in Zion Canyon, many of the most colorful spots in the park await one here in The Kolob.
Packers preparing for the Lee Canyon Trail
A final look at my South Fork venue
Just outside the park entrance
