March 18, 2023

Diane spent some time this morning searching for a trail that we could take Buddy with us. Most trails in Zion and Bryce Canyon do not allow pets. What she found was a pet friendly trail called Water Canyon Trailhead in the Canaan Mountains. It was a 40 minute drive, part of which were dirt roads 😅😅😅😅😅. It was just outside a small mountain community of Hildale, Utah. 

It was about 40 degrees and windy and I had second thoughts about doing the walk after we got out of the car, but Diane convinced me and away we went. At first the trail was easy as we walked along the river. However, it did not take long to turn into the hill climb over large rocks and boulders. And up the side of the mountain for most of the walk. 





 Going uphill took its toll on me as I had to stop a number of time to catch my breath. Holding Buddy back with the leash also did not help as he wanted to move along faster than we were moving.  We thought the trail wasn't going to end as it was longer than we expected. There were many younger kids on the trail that we politely let go by us. 



 We did make it to the waterfall at the trailhead, beautiful area. Because of the temperature there was ice on the sides of the canyon walls making it impossible for us to pass and get up close to the falls. (Those young folks didn't have the same problem, lol) Nevertheless it was worth while making the hike. 


 

The return trip always goes easier but you have to watch your step as you go over the rocks, there is always loose stones on the trail that can cause you to slip or twist your ankle. We put on 4 miles taking 2.5 hours. We got our steps in for the day. Once back at the Jeep it was time for lunch, good thing we made sandwiches to take along and we always have plenty of water in the Jeep. We learned a long time ago to have water and a full tank of fuel on our adventures.


 


On the way home we decided to take a dirt road to Gooseberry Mesa. The road was well maintained for the first 6 miles but once we turned toward the Mesa it got a little rough. With the rain we had last week there were some deep ruts but the ground was dry. 


 



At the tip of the Mesa there were several Yurts that you could rent. There are a few campgrounds around Zion that only have Yurts or large tents. Also some with covered wagon, one campground is set up with all Air-stream campers.

The view from the Mesa was stunning. It was like looking into a small Grand Canyon. We were at over  5000 feet at the top of the Mesa. It was well worth the side trip to see this. (I felt safer laying down at the edge, so I could take a picture)


 

 


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