Load Off

Following a tiring hike into the canyon, I gave my feet and boots a rest while giving my eyes some entertainment.

From The Ashes

From this lower canyon views, these red stone giants seem to just erupt from the forest line.

Time To Climb?

The temptation to scramble up there is real.

Contrasted Nature

The tough stone and the free flowing trees.Living in perfect harmony.

Rojo Tetons

Forshadowing to the Grand Tetons along my route's future course.

Surrounded By Color

I don't think I could ever forget the drastic colors of these canyon walls and the scattered shrubbery.

The Side Trail

I wonder where these leads to...? Not to water, I'll tell you that much.

Tree Stands Alone

Well really nothing is alone here. If I had to be permanently stuck in the ground, this wouldn't be such a bad landing.

Nature's Sun Screen

Thank God for these trees. Protecting all who lay under them from the harsh rays of the Utah sun.

Golden Grass Surprise

Well the path sure didn't lead to any water spring but it did surprise me with this highly golden forest of grass.

Going Beyond

I've long come to realize that its often the trails you don't plan to take that end up being the great surprise adventure. Lets follow this one.

Along the Trib

The tributary that is. The soft red soil meets the gentle flowing side creek leading deep into a red side canyon.

Low Canyon, High Rise

With every occasional turn, my eyes would be drawn upward. Is that high crest where I was headed?

On the Flipside

Following a scramble and leap of faith, I followed the rest of the trail on the other side of this creek.

Time to Go Up

And thus begins my ascent.

The Kolob Arch

There she is. The terminus of this trek. From the wrong angle, you may never even know there was an arch. Still, mark this as the first Utah arch I've seen.

From Below

I wonder what this arch looks like from on top. Can you cross it like a bridge? I want to try!

Wider Than Expected

See the big tree just below the arch? I guess that helps to give a sense of scale. I think this arch is bigger than it appears from this distance.

Wall Markings

Well natural ones. Perhaps caused by the change in geology following the calving. Man these trees really to give me a surprised sense of scale.

Life Springs

Among the sea of red, springs a patch of life giving green.

Arch Corner

In one fell swoop...boom....land bridge.

From My Perch

See, from my perspective it appears smaller than it really is.

Down there is where I need to meet the trail again. How did I get up here again?