2020 Winter Camping Trip Day20, Kolob Arch

2020 Winter Camping Trip Day20, 2020/12/15

This day we again went to Kolob canyon area. Surprisingly it was still closed even though it was not snowing. It seemed like the rangers there were lazy: if they don't open they work less. 

While we were looking at a map, we noticed that there is a way to go to Kolob Arch which is in the Kolob canyon via Hop Valley not from a trailhead in the Kolob Canyon. The lazy ranger didn't even tell us that. 

Kolob Arch is the second largest arch in the U.S. The biggest one is Landscape Arch in Arches National Park. It is not very well known that second biggest arch is in Zion. So, why not? 

Hop Valley

The two ways to go to the Kolob Arch is both 15 miles/24 km. Via Verkin Creek trail from Kolob Canyon area is more popular. Due to the closure we did the route via Hop Valley. Hop Valley route is interesting: some portion is used for grazing even it is inside the National Park. It is common in BLM, but it was my first time a part of National Park is used for cow grazing. According to the internet, the area was used for grazing long before Zion National Park was established. Probably because of that it is still used for grazing (otherwise it is not allowed in National Park). The view is very nice, rather open space scenery at first, then more Zion-ish canyon comes as hike proceeds. Since the trail is not popular, a lot of portion of the path are faint. Sometimes we needed to cross frozen river, and half-frozen river. In summer it would be a wet hike due to stream crossing, but in winter you can cross on the frozen water, it is actually a dry hike. On the day we hiked, maybe cows were in the different section and we didn't see a single one, although we saw their poops. 

Impressive rocks

From some walk in the valley, the trail go deep into the canyon. The entire canyon we saw no people. Can you imagine you are the only person for the entire 10 hour hike in Zion National Park? It is priceless. It is wonderful to wander in the canyon. I love Utah's massive impressive rocks. Then after short spur trail, Kolob canyon appears in front of us. 

Yes. It is BIG. It is amazing and I loved it. With picture I don't need to describe furthermore. 

Some people actually are disappointed with Kolob Arch, because you can't go just under the Arch. I personally think it is still absolutely worth seeing it in person even if you can't go right under it.

Kolob Arch

Sunset

Because the hike was long, and the start was a little late, we finished the hike at the sunset. At dusk there are chances to see wild animals. We saw around 20 deer in the desert. Cute. Precious time to see those wild animals. The sunset was beautiful and pleasantly we completed the big hike.