I will be in Zion in a couple of weeks (yes - I am aware that it might be a tad bit warm) and have a few questions for this now all inclusive, united RMNP group.
Any help with these items is appreciated.
- Hiking up the narrows. Does anyone have pictures that they can show me from "Big Springs"? Appx how far miles/time is it to get there? Any confusing turns in the river etc? I have been up the narrows before but never as far as "Big Springs".
- Suggestions of first light/last light locations in the park or surrondings?
- Advice on Subway hike. Where to get permits? Hike length? Any advice?
- Any other gotta do's hikes (I have hiked Angels's Landing a few times and am ready for some new stuff.
- I am hoping to shoot lots of "hanging gardens" "flowing water with great vegetation" kinds of stuff? Suggestions on locations etc?
- Where might I be able to find those really cool "emerald pools" of water?
Any advice or suggestions is appreciated.
If anybody else will be around there in the around July 4th timeframe shoot me an email and we'll hook up.
Richie, the entrance to the Kolobs is from I-15 so you will need to drive out of the main unit, west from Springdale and north on I-15 towards Cedar City. I believe it's a 30-45 minute drive.
3 things? easy - the 3 forks of Taylor Creek. If you only do one, make it the hike into Double Arch Alcove (middle fork).
The Subway (lower) is 4.4 miles each way, with the following slow-downs: (1) a 450' steep decent (and consequent ascent on the return trip) down/up a "wash" in the canyon, (2) a lot of climbing to get around chokes and dryfalls in the canyon, and (3) sometimes slippery walks in the river itself. Time to hike depends very much on your mountain goat-like tendencies. Start early, and watch the weather forecast.
If you show up at IIRC ~6:30 the morning before you plan your Subway hike, you might be able to get walk-in permits. Again, go early, go often and you can probably pick one up before you have to leave.
Kolob is definitely on my list of "last light" locations in the park, and similarly, the Zion Plateau (eastern section of the park near Checkerboard Mesa) is great for "first light" shots; it's not much for hiking unless you have a guide or good navigational skills, though - not many actual trails...
I don't know if Phil Noll is still checking these sites anymore, but I know he knows a great deal about the area and went on an extensive trip last fall.
Posted by Momo Vuyisich on June 15, 2006 at 10:46 PM
- Big Springs are about 3 hrs hiking from Temple of Sinawawa parking lot (my estimate). I remember having to swim at least 2 times in that section.
- My first light favorite location is Canyon overlook (hike from the east end of the tunnel). I also like the view behind the old visitor center. For the last light, I love the view from the bridge (looking south, down the river), right before the junction leading into the canyon. Kolob canyon also lights very nicely at sunset.
- You already have all the info about the Subway hike. One thing I would add: when you get down to the river from the parking lot, remember that area very well. On your way back, you might miss the sign to go back up, especially if it's dark.
- I like the hike to the Observation point the best. The view from there is much better than from Angel's landing, and the hike itself is very interesting.
Have fun and please post pictures when you get back.
Discussion
8 repliesAny help with these items is appreciated.
- Hiking up the narrows. Does anyone have pictures that they can show me from "Big Springs"? Appx how far miles/time is it to get there? Any confusing turns in the river etc? I have been up the narrows before but never as far as "Big Springs".
- Suggestions of first light/last light locations in the park or surrondings?
- Advice on Subway hike. Where to get permits? Hike length? Any advice?
- Any other gotta do's hikes (I have hiked Angels's Landing a few times and am ready for some new stuff.
- I am hoping to shoot lots of "hanging gardens" "flowing water with great vegetation" kinds of stuff? Suggestions on locations etc?
- Where might I be able to find those really cool "emerald pools" of water?
Any advice or suggestions is appreciated.
If anybody else will be around there in the around July 4th timeframe shoot me an email and we'll hook up.
Thanks.
RichieV
https://zionpermits.nps.gov/backcountry.cfm?TripTypeID=3
The on-line permits are gone. You need to get the walk-in permits the day before.
* Locations: all I will say is - plan to spend some time in the Kolobs (and I don't mean just the road)
* Emerald Pools trailhead is right across the road from the Zion lodge.
Guy
I have been looking at Kolobs and have never been there.
Questions:
How far from Sprigdale?
If you were to rank 3 things to see/do in Kolobs how would you do it?
RichieV
-
3 things? easy - the 3 forks of Taylor Creek. If you only do one, make it the hike into Double Arch Alcove (middle fork).
Guy
If you show up at IIRC ~6:30 the morning before you plan your Subway hike, you might be able to get walk-in permits. Again, go early, go often and you can probably pick one up before you have to leave.
Kolob is definitely on my list of "last light" locations in the park, and similarly, the Zion Plateau (eastern section of the park near Checkerboard Mesa) is great for "first light" shots; it's not much for hiking unless you have a guide or good navigational skills, though - not many actual trails...
The hike (one-way) down Orderville Canyon to the Virgin River is superb.
It requires a shuttle & dry bag for your camera gear.
See: http://www.dankat.com/swhikes/orderv.htm
The Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offered hiking shuttles:
http://www.zionponderosa.com/index.htm
- My first light favorite location is Canyon overlook (hike from the east end of the tunnel). I also like the view behind the old visitor center. For the last light, I love the view from the bridge (looking south, down the river), right before the junction leading into the canyon. Kolob canyon also lights very nicely at sunset.
- You already have all the info about the Subway hike. One thing I would add: when you get down to the river from the parking lot, remember that area very well. On your way back, you might miss the sign to go back up, especially if it's dark.
- I like the hike to the Observation point the best. The view from there is much better than from Angel's landing, and the hike itself is very interesting.
Have fun and please post pictures when you get back.