Virgin River Rim Trail - Deer Haven to Webster Flat

This year winter and spring brought an abundance of snow and rain to the state of Utah . . . it was badly needed after years of drought.  We really can't complain, but it has put a kink in our summer hiking plans . . . there is so much snow in the mountains many of the roads are still closed.  You know the saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks",  well these old dogs are learning a few and it's been good!  The past two weekends we have driven up Cedar Canyon and the Virgin River Rim Trail has piqued our interest.  The trail is 32 miles long, but can be broken up into more manageable sections.  For this section we did a short four-mile out and back.  We plan to hike the trail in its entirety, just not all at once . . . so check back and see where we've been.     

Heading up Cedar Canyon in June you don't expect to see snow!

The closer we came to Cedar Breaks the higher the snow banks became! 

Wow!  This is crazy!

We thought maybe we would fish Mammoth Creek . . . wrong!

Enough of the snow and high water . . . 
We headed down to Webster Flat road and Deer Haven campground . . . no snow here,
just wildflowers, like this Star Lily  

Chipper waited patiently while we enjoyed a picnic lunch . . .
don't worry . . . he had a snack later!

Spring Beauty, should have bloomed in the spring, not in June! 

Deer Haven is such a pretty spot

That's Brian Head Peak (11,306) in the distance

We met these 3 ladies from Cedar City who were out on a trail ride 
They rode off into the sunset . . . actually they were headed back to Woods Lake

This trail is 32 miles long and can be done in sections

Today we are hiking the Deer Haven to Webster Flat road section
 Aspen Bluebells were growing along the trail

We had the trail to ourselves

We came across this sign (Lundell Troughs) hidden in the aspens

The troughs were empty even though the spring was running

Chipper enjoyed a nice cold drink from the spring

Remnants from the past 

 July 6, 1942 . . .
Could have been a sheepherder or someone who built the troughs?

There's something about walking through the forest, the air is fresh and it's so quiet 

Subalpine Larkspur

Looking to the south we could see Zion National Park

Well, we're just about back to where we started . . .
we'll finish other sections on another day . . . 
stay tuned!

Crystal Geyser

If you are passing through Green River, Utah and need a break from Interstate 70, then a short diversion to Crystal Geyser just might be for you.  Located on the Green River, and just five miles south of town, this interesting side trip will allow you to view one of the rare cold water geysers in the world.  The geyser was created in 1935 when a drilling firm was exploring an ancient spring deposit looking for oil. They tapped into water at 50 feet and then at a lower layer carbon dioxide.  It is interesting that John Wesley Powell noted the old spring deposits in his journals during his 1869 exploration of the Green River.  Full eruptions of up to 60 feet are rare and can occur anywhere from once a day to once every eight hours.  Are you feeling lucky?  If so click here for directions to this unique roadside attraction.

Crystal Geyser is located on the banks of the Green River

The geyser gurgled and burbled about every 15 seconds
We eagerly anticipated a major eruption . . . but no such luck!

My suggestion . . . put on a pair of flip flops and enjoy the cool water while you wait

At times, it kind of looks like a soda fountain

Just a couple of tourists doing what they do best . . . taking a selfie!

Below the geyser, and right before it drops into the Green River, are some interesting mineral flowstones

An hour later we were still waiting for the big one . . . 
guess we'll have to come back another day!

Chesler Park Loop & The Joint Trail

Wow!  To be honest we weren't sure we were ready to hike 11.2 miles in one day, but once we started there was no turning back; the scenery was so amazing it left us wanting to see more.  Hiking through and around the Needle and Graben formations was unlike anything we've ever done before.  We scaled an "Elephant" two times as we hiked down into and out of Elephant Canyon each way . . . really it wasn't so bad!

We got an early start at the Elephant Hill Trailhead

The scenery was amazing from the get-go

Passing through a narrow fracture

Desert Indian Paintbrush added an extra pop of color along the trail

Occasionally, we had a trail . . . most of the time we followed rock cairns over slickrock.

There were great views of the snow covered La Sal Mountains . . .
It's hard to imagine we've hiked four of those peaks!

Looking back to where we came from . . . Wow! 
 The colorful Needles tower over Elephant Canyon

After our lunch break at Chesler Park, we had the option to take different trails that would lead us back to where we began . . . 

Mary returned via the way we came, John circled over to Elephant Canyon & Druid Arch trail, while Kent & I continued on the Chesler Park Loop 

Cedar Mesa Sandstone formations

Kent is enjoying the view of Elephant Canyon and beyond

Walking through Chesler Park was like being on another planet

We pretty much had the place all to ourselves . . . !

We passed through The Joint, a narrow fracture, for about 300 yards

The Joint had several passages that entered from the side

Do you see Kent? 

We've just exited The Joint . . . now we are at the halfway point on the trail

Easter Daisy growing in the sand

Taking a little break . . . ahh

We passed by this pretty Claret Cup Cactus in bloom

Heading back towards Chesler Park

Off in the distance we get a glimpse of Chesler Park . . .
 just beyond are the Grabens rock formations

With about 3 miles to go, Kent's knee started to bother him . . .
On went the knee brace and out came the trekking poles! 

Notice this well worn tree limb . . . it has helped many hikers through a tight spot

Almost back to the trailhead . . . !

What a great hike! 
The storm clouds were threatening at times, but the sun prevailed. 
It took us about 8 hours to complete the hike, it was awesome even with a bum knee!