A short drive to Kolob Canyon

Kolob Canyon is part of the Zion National Park system, but is located off Interstate 15 at exit 40, about an hour's drive from the main section of Zion. There is a small visitor center at the entrance, after which you follow a 5-mile paved road which dead-ends at an overlook. There is a picnic area just about 50 yards up the 1-mile trail just off the parking area which is the only "authorized" picnic area. There are several pull-offs along the roadway for picture taking opportunities and there are three main hiking trails; the one mile, a five mile and a fourteen mile trail. The fourteen mile hike is a recommended two day trek, especially in the heat of summer and early fall. Apparently it is quite beautiful back along the 14 mile trail, but there are dangers to the park also.

I think the best time to visit Kolob would be early morning or dusk, as the sunlight at either period would bring out the color and texture of the red cliffs. The noon-time sun created too much glare today for great pictures, but I've included a couple below. Denny and I actually spent about an hour talking to another couple at the overlook, Debbie and her husband, Chuck. Debbie and Chuck are from San Antonio, TX (or TAY-ek-sus, as Debbie says) and Debbie was fascinated by our Rving lifestyle, asking a lot of questions and we did our best to answer them, ranging from the size of our rig, where we go, how we travel, what areas do we like best, where are we going next, and more. We finally exchanged e-mail addresses so they could continue their sightseeing, as they had flown into Salt Lake City and rented a car and were planning on seeing Zion, Bryce Canyon and possibly even the Grand Canyon. We gave them other ideas on places to go in Arizona at a future date and Debbie was very excited about the idea of exploring the Lost Dutchman's Mine area of Apache Junction. We love telling people about our lifestyle and how we got started with it and always hope to create a convert or two to the lifestyle.

We stopped at Molly's Restaurant in Leeds (don't blink or you'll miss the town at exit 22 NB or 23SB) for a great Philly cheesesteak and a BBQ bacon cheeseburger (there are benefits to the Atkins lifestyle!). Another one of those beautiful days in the neighborhoood!