Not sure what to expect at the National Parks due to the government shutdown but I do know that Utah is paying the bill to provide more services at Zion, Bryce and Arches.
But no time to worry about that now. I'm heading to Snow Canyon first!
I've been to that state park several times; it's a great little place with amazing red and white rock (Navajo Sandstone) formations and lots of black lava rocks from prior volcanic activity.
I leave around 6:30am. The full moon is shining bright through a few high clouds. It's bright enough that I can see the silhouettes of the Wasatch Mts (and the snowy patches). It's really pretty!
As dawn arrives, I'm well south of Provo and in ranch country. The snowy mountains are gone; lots of varying shades of brown. I'm passing tons of cows, a few horses and sheep.
At one point I see shiny white forms in the light brown grasses ahead and to my right. They're Pronghorn!! At least 30 of them! Awesome!
I arrive at Snow Canyon State Park just after 11 am. It's sunny, near 50 degrees with lots of blue skies.
I head directly to the White Rock Amphitheater trail head which is just outside the park on the north side. I love this short hike to a very large white rock bowl.
There's only a couple other cars parked so I'll have some company.
I start up the trail through the desert plants - sagebrush, cactus, etc - heading to a large white formation.
The views to the south are filled with red rock formations to the south. Beautiful!
Soon I arrive at the large white rock formation. Time to walk up the rock
enjoying to the surrounding views behind me (look no snow in the mountains - not good)
until I reach the amphitheater - awesome!
(There's one family in the bowl when I arrive.)
I head to the very back of the bowl and walk up the rocks as high as I can. Absolutely love this!!
Even though the sun is shining, the theater is partially in the shade; sun just doesn't get high enough this time of year. But it's still awesome!
Time to move on and over to the red Petrified Dunes -- always a wonderful stop. Up I go on these wavy red rocks.
The next and final last stop, the ~2 miles walk to White Rocks. Yes, I'm heading to the same rock formation I was earlier in the day but just not going "inside".
The White Rock trail passes thru a section filled with lava tubes (a popular destination of many people). I'm looking for critters, perhaps flowers but not holding my breathe because it's December!
The trail initially heads west toward the red rock cliffs. Lots of black lava rock on the ground and my destination to the north. Soon I start passing the lava tubes. Some are small holes and other are a decent size.
I make it through the lava tube section and reach a small canyon (i.e., drop-off). Great views up
and down canyon.
Now the trail heads north toward the white rocks.
At one point I see something small flutter in front of me. I immediately think butterfly but it's December. I do find the flutter-er; it's a grasshopper!
The only one I see today.
As I near the rock formation, I enter a sandy section. In the sand, I find many little animal tracks.
One I'm pretty sure is that of a Chukkar -- I see these bird tracks at Antelope Island.
Around the corner is a bench and the White Rock destination.
But the trail and I continue; the trail in about 1/4 or 1/2 mile connects with the Amphitheater trail. The trail goes uphill and reaches a small white rock bowl.
As I arrive, surprise, there's actually a blooming flower!!! Fantastic!
I find a great spot for a break and just enjoy the views!
Before I leave, I climb out of the bowl (just for grins) and find more of that white flower!
Time to head back. It's clouded up now so it's time to call it a day.
Great day!
