May 7, 2009, 8:03 pm  Zion Canyon Still feeling the effects of our long 14 mile hike to Kolob Arch yesterday, we decided to kick back and take it easy. After breakfast at the motel we drove to Springdale and had a leisurely cup of coffee on the roof patio of the coffee house. Following this, we began a leisurely bike ride into Zion canyon (notice that everything was leisurely). Even though this was a repeat of what we had done a couple of days ago, we really enjoyed it. Such magnificent scenery.
We stopped along the way and scrambled down the bank of the Virgin River for a snack. Folks often wade in the river, and in fact hike in it through the Narrows, but not today. Snow melt made for a very fast, rushing stream that I called muddy and Karen poetically called emerald. The cottonwood trees were doing there thing, so the breeze was often blowing little cottony tufts through the air. We stopped at an unnamed little waterfall not far from the Narrows trailhead and appreciated the bright yellow Columbine. After finishing our ride, we strolled through some of the shops in Springdale, especially liking some kinetic garden sculpture and the David J. West Gallery.
On the way back to the motel, we detoured and took a drive up Kolob Terrace road as far as the cinder cones (the road continues on to a small lake). There was lots of green grass and the temperature was noticeably cooler because of the higher elevation (over 8,000 feet). This could be a nice bike ride (although it is a continuous climb) and there are some interesting trailheads (including the famous subway—a slot canyon).
Links
—Biking Zion 2009 photo gallery
May 6, 2009, 9:53 pm The Kolob Canyons area of Zion is in the northwest corner of the park, quite some distance from the Springdale main entrance. I think it’s a lovely part of the park, and it gets far fewer visitors. Of course, to see any of its wonders requires a bit of hiking. One of the popular, but long, hikes begins at Lee Pass, descends down Timber Creek to La Verkin Creek, and then upstream to a side canyon for a view of Kolob Arch.
I think we hit this area at near optimal time—the grass was green, flowers were blooming, seasonal Timber Creek was still running (La Verkin runs year round and was running muddy and high with snow melt). The temperature was just fine, although it felt too warm on our afternoon climb up out of the canyon.
 Descending Timber Creek The first part of the hike is a gentle descent down Timber Creek, through grassy banks, cottonwoods, junipers, and pines, with magnificent views of high cliffs and narrow canyons off to our left.
 Beaver's handiwork After a few miles, we came to La Verkin Creek and began our trek upstream, hiking in mostly sand. We found a spot where beaver had been active in the past, but there was no sign of them now.
 Kolob Arch After 7 miles we finally came to our destination—Kolob Arch. Because of the way the light struck it and the cliff wall behind it, we had a difficult time distinguishing the arch from the background with our bare eyes. It took me a couple of minutes, and Karen never did see it as an arch. The photo makes it clear that there is a huge arch up there, about 300 ft across.
We didn’t stay long before we began the return trip. We were both already feeling tired, so we knew the 7 miles back were going to be a real challenge. As we started the climb back up hill to Lee Pass, Karen informed me that she was never going to do a 14 mile hike again.
Links
—Kolob Arch hike photo gallery
May 5, 2009, 10:01 pm We drove from the motel towards Springdale, looking for a place to park in order to start our bike ride. We pulled in to a farm store that was really quite nice, situated in an orchard with a green lawn surrounding the store and several tables and chairs scattered around. I asked if we could park the truck there for the day—sure, no problem, just be out of the parking lot before 7 pm.
 On the bike path in Zion Canyon We rode about 3 miles into Springdale with light traffic (there weren’t very many visitors in Zion at this time of the year). Immediately after going through the park entrance station we got on a bike/walking trail that bypassed the heaviest traveled portion of park road. The rest of the road has very light traffic—cars are excluded (except those going to the lodge) and the shuttle buses come by only every 7 or 8 minutes.
Riding into the canyon is, of course, slightly uphill. Coming back out was downhill, but we had a slight headwind. It was a great ride, filled with spectacular views. I almost got a kink in my neck looking up at the cliffs.
We intended to change into our street clothes and find a place to eat in Springdale, but our bag of clothes was nowhere to be found. I distinctly remembered bringing it out of our room, so how did I lose it? We managed to find different shirts and our street shoes, so we ate dinner on the patio at the Pizza and Noodle restaurant. Can’t beat the view.
 From the deck of the restaurant Back at the motel, someone had turned in our bag which I had left in the parking lot. I had put it down beside the truck, and then just driven away. Talk about a senior moment!
Links
—Biking Zion Canyon photo gallery
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