Willis Creek Canyon

Cannonville/Bryce Canyon KOA
Cannonville, UT
September 4, 2016

With it being a holiday week-end Joe and I thought we should try a hike outside the national park.  Without discussion,  Willis Creek was the choice.  

It's a 4.8 mile in/out hike about 9 miles from the RV park here in Cannonville.  We did this hike in May 2013 with Dover and Wrecks.  




They had a blast running through the slot canyons and playing in the stream.  

It's a quick and easy descent into the narrows located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.  




The beautiful striated rocks that form the canyon walls and the pebble stream bed path make for a pleasant hike.

 After the first slot, the narrows open up...



 ...and then close in again making the second slot.  It is not as narrow as the first slot, but the walls are stunning.

 There is one more widening of the walls... 










and then they close in for the third time forming the most narrow slot with the tallest walls.

 From here, the wide creek bed takes you to the confluence of Willis Creek and Sheep Creek.



When you reach the end, turn right and climb a small hill to see some petroglyphs.  

It was an emotional day for Joe and I...such fond memories of our sweet Wrecks...as well as peaceful and beautiful. 

Until next time, happy trails !

    

The Queen's Garden Trail

Cannonville/Bryce Canyon KOA
Cannonville, UT
September 2, 2016

The trailhead for Queen's Garden is located at Sunrise Point.  It is another steep, short hike we wanted to get under our belt.  This is one of the most popular trails in the park so an early start is a must.  

 The highlight of this trail is the hoodoos...an up close and personal experience with these magnificent rock formations that have been formed over millions of years.  The shapes, the colors and the sizes of them are otherworldly.  

It's amazing to me that just 90 million years ago,  this area was an ocean...







...and today, this is what we see.

The trail twists and spirals downward through man-made tunnels.  Around every turn there is a humongous, magical
backdrop...so strong and yet so fragile.  

Looking out as far as you can see...


 ...looking down...

 ...looking straight ahead...

 ...and looking up !

This is the Queen's Garden.  The Queen Victoria hoodoo was named for a statue  of the Queen in London.

I can't believe it is already Labor Day week-end...the beginning of fall.  Sure hope everyone has a grand time.  

Until next time, happy trails !