We found a cheap motel in town in lieu of camping (Old Prospector) and set up shop for the next few days. The next morning, after breakfast burritos at Ranch Dog Kitchen we took it easy and did a shorter hike out to Zebra Canyon. It was uneventful as when we got out to the canyon, it was knee deep in water and we had not brought our water shoes. I guess it went on for quarter mile, but we only went in about 200 feet.
The following day we were excited to drive further down the Hole in the Rock Road to tackle Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Slot canyons. These were supposed to be pretty tight and a lot of fun. At the trail head a guy and his daughter flagged us down to head down this 4x4 trail to jump their dead battery. It seemed like a pretty good plan to lure some city folks down a remote trail, rob them and leave them for dead, but we survived.
We hiked a couple miles from TH to the canyons and found an interesting site at the mouth of the slot canyon. Back at the car I saw a foreign couple loading up to try the trail. I said to Amy, “They are not going to make this work.” And sure enough, when we got to the entrance they were stuck trying to get up the incline. I had to throw their bags up and basically shove the wife up the ledge.
Not pictured is where I had my hand up her ass.
Peek-A-Boo slot is the primer. If you cant make it through there then you should not attempt Spooky Canyon. The beginning of Peek can be a challenge of scrambles but then just becomes fitting through tight spaces.
At the trail head they have a gate that shows you how thin you have to be to even attempt Spooky Canyon. A couple years ago a guy got stuck in there for 7 hours before being airlifted out. I imagine a helicopter carrying a cow in some sci-fi movie trying to beckon T-Rex away from the population.
There was not too much climbing, one section with a rope decent, but it definitely was tight and if you have freak out moment it could be bad as you have no where to go for ¼ mile
By the time we hiked back around to see the beginning of Peek-A-Boo it was a madhouse of people. We were fortunate to hit it early as I would hate to be stuck behind these groups
Another night of pizza and beer!
We had plans of driving all the way down Hole in the Rock road to hike in and out of Coyote Gulch, but that meant another cold overnight for Amy and we had duplicated most of the experience when we hiked down the Sand Creek on day 2 of our last overnight.
That next morning after breakfast at local mercantile, we packed up and headed West for Bryce Canyon.
Bryce is a lot higher in elevation, meaning snow and cold temperatures. We did an 8 mile trail called Fairyland Loop, taking in the highlights of the park. It is the same trail I did 15 years ago last time I was here.
I had booked a hotel near the entrance to the park for convenience, but instantly regretted it upon arrival as it was the epicenter of all things I despise. It felt like a cruise ship had docked nearby and dropped off the dregs of society. I was excited about using the pool, but it was full of 50 kids and I made a hasty retreat to the room. At breakfast the next morning we waited in a 100yd line to get to the complimentary meal.
Our next stop was Zion National Park. We stopped along Hwy 9 and did about 7 miles into Observation Point.
We drove by the main entrance to the park, but it was a madhouse. A lot has changed in the town of Springdale that leads into the park. Instead of spending the night there we headed back to Vegas and got a room at Mandalay Bay. It allowed us a day at their beach before our redeye back to Detroit
It was a good trip, getting me in better shape for some more serious hikes coming up. It was also fun to show Amy my favorite parks. Always nice to be a witness to people’s first reaction to this area and all its changing wonders.
Until Next Time,
Darren
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