Day: May 15, 2017

Pic: Beatty Point, Nagunt Mesa, and Timber Top Mountain. Kolob Canyons, Zion NP, UT. (Much) larger image

I wrapped up the afternoon on quick-and-easy Timber Creek Overlook Trail to, as Joe’s Guide puts it, watch “the Finger Canyons get the last direct sunlight of the day.” On the way up, I passed a mom who gathered her brood of young children to let me pass (thanks!). A little boy, maybe four, walked ahead of the group. “What’s up, little man?” I said as I passed.

The kid didn’t even look at me, but ran back to his mom yelling excitedly: “He talked to me!”

As the shadows lengthened in the canyon, I drove back to I-15 then around to Springdale for dinner at Wild Willie’s. I wanted the french dip or pulled pork but they stopped serving “sandwiches” at 1800 (wtf), so I had a $13 bacon cheeseburger instead. I devoured every scrap plus every french fry plus the pickle.

Pic: Tucupit Point from Middle Fork Taylor Creek, Zion NP, UT

INT. KOLOB CANYONS VISITOR CENTER – DAY

Tyler approaches the information desk:

TYLER

Hi, do you know why Lava Point Campground is closed?

RANGER

[without hestitation] Snow.

TYLER

… Let me show you a picture…

***

I took Taylor Creek Trail up to Double Arch Alcove. It was cool — cathedral ceilings dripping with moisture — but busy and loud. I continued up the middle fork of Taylor Creek, met a guy on his way out who pointed me to a cute mini slot canyon with a dribble of a waterfall, and finally discovered my own private amphitheater where I enjoyed lunch sheltered from the afternoon sun and with a view of sheer orange cliffs. On the way back down, I encountered a trio of women in their 50s headed up the creek bed.

“Are you a mountain man?” is how they greeted me.

“Well these are mountains and I am a man so… sure?”

They wanted to know what lay ahead. I told them about the cute mini slot canyon and my lunch spot and wished them good luck.