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 !

Amphitheater Loop Hike

Portal RV Resort
Moab, UT
May 11, 2016

Waking up to an absolutely gorgeous day set the mood for an outdoor adventure.  The desert was calling and we answered by choosing the Amphitheater Loop Hike.  

The trail head and parking for this quiet 3 mile hike is at Hittle Bottom Campground about 22 miles east on Hwy 128.  
The trail actually begins across the street.

The loop is an excursion into the heart of Richardson Amphitheater.  The trail follows a wash with interesting rock formations  before ascending a steep, rocky gully to the top of the ridge. 


We were first greeted by Evening-primrose also enjoying the warm sunshine before the heat of the day.  Since they depend on moths for pollination, they usually wither during the day.  

The trail is narrow and easy to follow with the help of cairns. The first section follows formations in the Moenkopi sandstone layers dating back 225.5 million years.   

 Joe has a good eye for spotting things like the ladybug on the Harriman's Yucca. 

I couldn't find the name of this beauty.  Do you know it?   Don't you love it when your pictures have surprises like a beetle tucked away in the bloom below?

These purple blooms are from the Showy Four O'Clock plant which enjoy the shade in juniper and piñon pine communities.  These must have been a little confused because they usually bloom late in the day and it was mid morning when we spotted these.

And these pale lavender blooms called Utah Daisys appear early thoughout the southwest in April and May.   

The desert was full of Scarlet Globemallow. They literally glowed in the sunlight.  

 Climbing up the gully was a bit of a challenge for short legs...

Next...

 ...but so worth it.  I love walking a ridge line !

Everything I see makes me photo happy !

 Until next time...

 HAPPY TRAILS !