February 4, 2021 – Zion National Park

My winter escape from the grey skies of Michigan again began at the Las Vegas airport, where I rented a car and quickly left the bright lights in the rear view mirror as I headed east into the slighly less cold but (too) blue skies of Southern Utah. The first priority was securing a campsite as I had not accounted for the time change in making my travel plans, and so I arrived an hour after the first come sites were ready to be occupied. Fortunate for me, I secured a spot at the Watchman Campground as hoped and set-up camp as evening approached. Not a bad view for my next four nights:

Those too blue skies made the classic sunset shoot at the Canyon Junction Bridge a yawner, but the clear skies did allow a bit of playing around with star photography.

February 5, 2021 – Zion National Park

I hid in my tent as long as my bladder would allow, and finally woke up to a 25 degree morning. I quickly decided that a car with heat and a winter coat would do just fine, and made my way over to the Human History Museum to shoot a glorious sunrise over the Temples and Towers of the Virgin. Except those pesky clear blue skies were back and so there was no glory to be found. Still beat a winter morning in Michigan though.

Next up was a hike up the West Rim Trail past Walters Wiggles to the base of the Angels Landing final trail, and to Scout Lookout.

With the hard work for the day complete, I took a scenic drive before returning to camp to enjoy another night tucked firmly in my sleeping bag.

February 6, 2021 – Zion National Park

My morning hike today found me on the Emerald Pools Trail across from the Zion Lodge. It was winter, and so there were not really any emerald pools, but it was a rigorous morning hike with some nice views.

The heart of Zion is well worth the time and effort to explore. It is not my favorite part of Zion, as that designation goes to the Kolob Canyons part of the park. This unit, located up I-15 a ways, has 80% of the beauty, and 3% of the people. The views are amazing and the solitude is sublime. I have had the main viewpoint to myself for 45 minutes on multiple trips. My kind of place!

First up in this unit was a hike up the Taylor Creek Trail, upon which I hiked past Larson Cabin and part way toward Fife Cabin, before the snow and ice got too sketchy for my trail shoes.

It was then time to take in sunset at the Viewpoint at the end of the road. Nice to relax by myself for a good bit.

February 7, 2021 – Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce deserves its own post, so please check back soon for a link to that post. It was a winter wonderland, and I am glad I made the choice to camp at Zion and make it just a day trip!

February 8, 2021 – Zion National Park – Kolob Terrace

After a day at Bryce and a night back at my Zion campsite, I took my leave of Zion. On my way out, I took a scenic drive up the Kolob Terrace section of the park

February 8-9 – Snow Canyon State Park

My trip ended at the surprise of the trip – the very beautiful Snow Canyon State Park, just north of St. George. Snow Canyon also deserves its own post – coming soon. Overall, Utah proved to be very worthy location to spend a winter’s week. I still got my sun therapy, but without the heat. Will 100% do again!