Snow on San Jacinto
Back in California, we headed for Palm Springs to prepare for re-entry into real life. We took the tram going from 2,643' to 8,516' in 10 minutes. We were surprised to find some big patches of snow and glad we had gloves and jackets, even though it was 80 degrees and sunny in the valley. We could see the clouds, from top of Wellman's Divide where we hiked, that have been bringing premature cold weather to S. Cal. This might be the last wilderness hike we have on this trip so we savored every single moment.
Click for more pictures >From Fall T0 Winter in a 40 Minute Drive
After leaving Zion we spent the night in St. George, UT then stopped into Kolab Canyon, the north entrance to Zion with very little tourist traffic. We hiked Taylor Creek to a double arch and were treated to a full array of fall colors and mild autumn breezes. Then on to Brian Head, through Cedar Breaks National Monument at 10,400 ft. of elevation - what a temperature change. Snow everywhere.
Click for more pictures >Observing Zion from Above
We spent the day (8 miles- 2200 ft. elevation gain) hiking to the top of Observation Point. Whew! Bring on the Advil.
Click for more pictures >Zion: Disneyland Wilderness
We arrived in Zion on a 4 day Utah school holiday. Bad timing. Every family had Grandma/pa, Mom/Dad, and their kids and a couple of aunts/uncles - so family units looked more like brigades. ANYWAY - we got on the shuttle buses, (so crowded, cars aren't allowed in the park) and got off at our desired trailhead. Strange to be in the free transportation with multi-day backpackers, day hikers like ourselves, and just plain sightseers. It's a great system since the scenery is fabulous and almost unbelievable and everyone gets a chance to experience it without traffic jams. Our first day here, we decided to hike The Narrows - a slow slog up the Virgin River in a slot canyon. Fun for the first 2 hours then, not so fun hiking out after slipping and falling in the icy water
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