Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Hunter Canyon Hike

Portal RV Resort
Moab, UT
May, 13, 2016

With temps nearing 90 last Friday, Joe and I decided on a canyon hike and hoped for shade.  We were not disappointed.  We got an early start and were at the trailhead  by 8:45. 

Our choice was Hunter Canyon located on Kane Creek Road about 7.5 miles west of its intersection with Hwy 191 (the light where McDonalds is).  Parking is on the left which is also the sign-in for tent camping spaces.  We passed several filled sites with early morning campfires and even the smell of bacon as we headed into the canyon.




This meander along the creek is a 5.5 to 6 mile in and out trail that is easy and fun. 






The cotton trees were magnificent.  







It was not easy to spot the Hunter Canyon Arch.  It is in the center of the photo on the left.  Directions said it was located about 1/2 mile from the trailhead on the right.    





It was cool and damp along the cliff walls.  I love the way these gardens just grow right out of the rock. 









In and out hikes always take us longer on the in part.  Lots to take in and lots of photos to take along the way.  


With all the junipers, cottonwoods, and oaks we heard lots of birds.  We did see a pair of Western Tanagers.  What a handsome fellow he is with his bright red/orange head.  Unfortunately, he was hiding in a juniper and I didn't get a good picture.  We were fortunate we did not surprise this Spotted Towhee.   

















The creek was flowing, albeit a gentle trickle, but none the less provided a restful sound as we zigzagged beside it and crossed over it. 





Prickly pear blooms glowed in the sunshine.

Utah Daisies

These leaves remind me of a holly tree but I couldn't find it's name.  I love berries...

Thistle

Yellow Beeplant

Tamarisk
  



What an awesome hike and great way to spend a few hours. 




Until next time, happy days and...  

 HAPPY TRAILS !

17 comments:

  1. What a wonder day and amazing photos as usual.

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  2. Hunter Canyon was such a nice quiet hike so we could enjoy the flowing water. I see there is still plenty of water. Love all the flowers:) Smart to get out early with the high temps.

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    1. It was so quiet Pam. We never saw anyone until we were on the way out. Hope to repeat this hike in the fall. With all the trees, the leaf colors should be pretty.

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    2. Fall should be just gorgeous back there. I am looking forward to spending a fall in Moab real soon.

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  3. A nice way to spend a hot day. Beautiful scenery as always.

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    1. Everywhere you go it's beautiful here Gayle...

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  4. What a sweet frog! Looks like a truly lovely day on the trail...looks like you picked the perfect place to spend a hot day.

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    1. It was a great hike Lisa and shady most of the way. The frog caught Joe's eye. He was so tiny...hardly an inch long!

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  5. Love the trickling water, it looks so gentle and serene. Great flower photos - I was trying to remember Tamarisk just the other day!! That little frog really blends in - so cute :-)

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    1. I actually just learned Tamarisk as a result of this hike Jodee. It is everywhere we go and so feathery.

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  6. Looks and sounds like the perfect hike. Love spring with all her wildflowers.

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    1. Me too Ingrid. We have had lots of rain and the flowers are so bountiful and colorful...

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  7. I believe your holly tree is called Mahonia

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  8. You always seem to find so many great items to photograph on your hikes. Love the flowers.

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