Zion National Park - La Verkin Creek

I did this as a three day back pack in October of 2003. 

Day 1:  I got off to a late start, partly because I had to drive around from the Valley to the North Entrance.  But mostly because I had to leave the magnificent Desert Pearl Inn behind.  I heartily recommend this place if you want to treat yourself while exploring Zion.  It is right downtown, and the best term I can think of to  describe the rooms is "Rustic Modern".  I know, "Rustic" always sounds a little suspect to me too, but they really are very nice rooms.

The jumping off point for this hike is "Lee Pass", in an area known as The Finger Canyons of the Kolob.  This is spot 1 on the topo map.  You head south for 3.3 miles, following a dry creek bed.  Along the way you have beautiful views of the red rock canyons.

Another couple of miles brought me to Camp 8, and my first night (spot #2 on the topo).  Just as I was starting dinner, the sun set.  I think the fires that were raging in Southern California were responsible, but I just raced around trying to get some photographs before it faded.

5.1 miles, +180 feet, -1150 feet.

Day 2:  The "big name" attraction of this area is the Kolob Arch.  At 330 feet in width, it is one of the largest natural arches in the world.  The arch is found at the end of a short but tricky spur trail, and was my first destination (topo point 3).  You'll rarely see a good picture of the arch, because it's bloody hard to get to the position you want to shoot from.  But a little scrambling will get you close enough for a good look.

After returning to the main trail, I headed off to camp 20 - the last possible campsite on this trip.  It's a good kilometer beyond camp 19, and as the canyon walls close in you really get a feeling of isolation.  This stretch of the hike crosses the creek many times.  I eventually gave up and just hiked in my Tevas.  It's really much more relaxing to just slosh through the water than to try to balance on the rocks and logs.  And the dirt was soft enough that my feet didn't get banged up. 

Camp 20  is right at the entrance to Bear Trap Canyon.  A short hike up this canyon brings you to a grotto with a 12 foot waterfall.  The temperature of October water limited my shower to something less than a second. 

4.1 miles, + 1150 feet, - 500 feet.

Day 3:  I had originally planned to spend a third night out at camp 4.  This is right where the trail changes from north-south to east-west, and has a good view of the valley.  But it is a dry camp, and I got there pretty early so I motored on home.

8 miles, + 1480 feet, - 1160 feet.

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