Skyline National Recreation Trail

Sometimes life gets in the way.  It has been 5 months since our last real adventure, because that's exactly what has happened.  We are excited to get back out there!  It's been a hot summer with fires all over the western states, Utah included.  We took our chances and headed north to the Tushar Mountains east of Beaver hoping to escape the smoke.  A year ago we hiked up Mt. Holly and discovered the Skyline National Recreational Trail; here we are 1 year later to hike a section of the trail.   

We met up at the Skyline Lodge at Eagle Point Ski Area near Beaver. 
 We left a car here and shuttled to the Big Flat Trailhead, so we didn't have to back track.

Views of the grassy meadow at the Big Flat Trailhead at 10,000 ft. elevation

The trail begins just beyond the trees

Despite the drought, recent rains bring forth mushrooms 

After walking through the thick forest this is our first viewpoint
 looking towards North Fork of City Creek, it's a little smoky from the fires. 

Though poisonous, Toadstools are always fun to come across on in the forest

Doesn't this look refreshing?   

There are several trails that intersect the Skyline Trail, be sure to take a map

Taking a scenery break; that's Mt. Holly with Lake Peak in the foreground

We had to check the map often just to make sure we were on the right trail

Now we know we are on the right trail

We are approaching a nice meadow near the base of Mt. Holly

I spotted these White Marsh Marigold growing in the lush grass near Lake Stream

Lake Stream flows into Puffer Lake

Chipper had a great time on this hike 

Here we are . . . Mary, John, Kent and Allison

Heading back down the trail. Notice the smoke in the distance, we are above the smoke!

That's Lake Peak . . .  a hike for another day.
 If Kent has his way, it will be sooner than later! 

An old boardwalk in need of repair keeps our feet dry from the seeping hillside

 John & Mary work their way out of this "trench" that is going
to be used for a snowmaking system at Eagle Point Ski Resort.
 All in all, we hiked about 7 miles from Big Flat one-way back to the Skyline Lodge.
Climbing out of this "trench" reminds me
of what we've overcome "when life gets in the way."     

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