The Wave

It's kind of like winning the lottery, in fact that's exactly what it is . . . winning a lottery!  You won't get rich as far as, money goes, but you will indeed feel like royalty.  Obtaining a hiking permit for Coyote Buttes North is one of the most sought after pieces of paper around, because it's the only way you can experience The Wave.  Last year 160,000 people applied for 7,300 permits . . . only 20 people a day win the lottery!    

Bruce holding our coveted hiking permit for Coyote Buttes North 

The Wire Pass Trailhead is located half-way between Page, AZ and Kanab, UT

We started out in the Coyote Wash

We stopped here to check the map, there is no trail;
just landmarks like buttes, gaps and a crack in the ridge to lead the way

Anticipation builds as we get closer to The Wave!

We hiked through sand and over slickrock the entire 7 miles coming and going 

Our first glimpse of color

So many different colors, shapes and textures of sandstone

Kent and Chipper enjoying The Wave

Top Rock Arch overlooks The Wave

Colorful designs in the curves of a Slot

We passed through this sandy Slot

What a privilege to experience this place

20 people a day is just about right; 
at times like this we had The Wave all to ourselves

Amazing!

We found a comfortable spot for lunch with the best view ever!
 Even Chipper seemed to enjoy it.

Bruce, John, Kent and Chipper in The Wave

Here we are in The Wave!

We headed to the west toward the Second Wave in search of more formations

Such vibrant colors in the sandstone, it almost looks like fabric

It's impossible to see it all in one day

Sand Cove

John and I working our way north to meet up with Kent and Bruce

Heading back to the Trailhead

We made it!  What an amazing hike!

Holiday Hikes

What better way to relax during the holidays . . . take a hike or two. We have so many great trails near our hometown. The Confluence Trail System is located between Hurricane and La Verkin with 4 different trail heads. To the west of Hurricane, Quail Creek State Park offers many recreational opportunities in a very scenic location; here we enjoyed a New Years Eve hike.  There are several trails for hiking and mountain biking. Swimming, camping, boating, and fishing are available for a fee. With our mild winter weather it's a great time to get out and explore.

The Confluence is where the Virgin River, Ash Creek and La Verkin Creek merge



Nice brickwork on the old Power Plant building

It was very peaceful listening to the river as we hiked along

There are some very large Cottonwood trees in the canyon

Chipper enjoys exploring with us, he is 11 months old 

The trails are marked well

Virgin River

Large basalt cliffs tower over the canyon

Chipper checking out the scenery as we head out of the Confluence

On New Years Eve we spotted this Red-tailed hawk at Quail Creek

Quail Creek  Reservoir with the Pine Valley Mountains in the background

Yellow Man

It was a beautiful day for a hike.  We had heard about Yellow Man, a pictograph east of Apple Valley, Utah, but didn't know exactly where it was.  After a little research we set out to explore the area.  A 4-wheel drive vehicle isn't necessary unless you want to drive to the end of the road where Yellow Man is located.   

If you pass by this windmill you are on the right road

Apparently someone lived here at one time

Christmas is just around the corner, if only we had a star

The alcove where Yellow Man pictograph and some petroglyphs can be found

Yellow Man

I

It's late November and these leaves are still hanging in there

Looking back towards Yellow Man

Taking a much deserved break, Chipper had a blast exploring the area with us

Our view to the south

Great views of Zion National Park,
 as we continued on the Smithsonian Butte Back Country Byway

The Rockville Bridge is a one lane bridge

The Virgin River flows under the bridge on its way to Nevada and Arizona

Taylor Creek Hike

If you've never driven through the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, you should.  Even if you don't plan to hike, the 5 mile scenic drive offers great views of the Kolob Canyons, also known as Kolob Fingers.  Saturday we enjoyed a hike up the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek, it's an easy 5 mile hike.  Highlights include two historical cabins built in the 1930's and the Double Arch Alcove.  Be prepared to cross the creek a few times! 

Taylor Creek is a family friendly hike

 Kolob Canyons offers a unique experience 

We crossed Taylor Creek at least 60 times each way!

 Tucupit Point towers over the trail  

Larson Cabin built in 1930

Bigtooth Maple

Taylor Creek 

Changing of the seasons

Fife Cabin built in 1930 

Sign in the Fife cabin

Double Arch Alcove . . . this is where we turned around