Snow Canyon St Pk, Sun-Tues 9/11-9/13

Last night we looked at a map to see what was the best way to get to the Grand Canyon North Rim. Cedar Breaks, Utah popped into view, but our eyes trained in on Snow Canyon St Pk, and it looked like a place we’d enjoy. We’d give it a try. The drive was relatively short from Caliente NV, and as we neared the state park, we were awe-struck by the wonderful rock formations. Hoping they’d have a site for us, we walked into the park entrance. Yes, Site 17, a perfect fit, all by itself on a knoll, and with electricity … a necessity in this heat (think A/C).

Morning coffee before the sun peeks over the mountain. 💓

Silvery-green Sand Sagebrush in the foreground.

It’s hot here at roughly 3500’, and the sun feels brutal, maybe more so because we just left the cool Sierras. This is a 7,400-acre scenic park tucked around lava flows and soaring Navajo (red and white) sandstone cliffs. It is strikingly colorful (below). Boasting more than 38 miles of hiking trails (and a three-mile paved, accessible walking/biking trail), the park is a boon for outdoor people. And it’s close to St George, in case of necessity, as in an ice cream cone.

The morning sun strikes the far peaks and lights them afire. 

Mornings would be the best hiking time, and on Tuesday we got an early start on the Petrified Dunes trail. I could hardly wait to begin clambering over the fantastically shaped dunes. This is also a great place for a person who likes patterns and shapes and geometric lines, crosshatching and brush strokes, etc; it was way too easy to take a million photos. 

Looking down on a "beehive."

Two unknown hikers set out on these wacky dunes.

A completely crazy patchwork quilt?

We boulder-hopped and stepped up/down the petrified dunes.

Me and my sweetie.

A ranger lady we spoke to says she loves the geology of this park in SW Utah because it's inverted.  Lava-capped ridges were once canyon bottoms.  We fell in love with it, too.  It's fascinating to see.  I climbed up high to topple this lava cap, but it wouldn't budge.

Using binocs, we spied Tergel at the campground (red arrow).

What a view we have!

Jimmy's turn to topple a chunk o' lava.  No soap! 

I was pleased to see a few wildflowers, as well as several variety of cacti.  Clockwise from top left Cholla, Rubber Rabbitbrush with buzzy bee, Englemann's Prickly Pear, Desert Windmills, Desert Marigold.

That big slab of lava I'm pointing to?

It's held up by the small anvil-looking sandstone.

This is Part One of our hike.  I'll finish up tomorrow.

This is a grand park.  We highly recommend.