Thursday, April 8, 2010

Scout Cave Hike

Scout Cave Hike was a really great hike that began just outside of Snow Canyon and uses the same trailhead as Johnson's Arch, which is now closed for the summer. The hike meanders through the lava fields that were left by a close lava dome from thousands of years ago. The trail drops down into a wash then has a steep climb through some amazing desert flora and fauna. During the hike we even saw our very first Desert Tortoise...very cool

The cave itself was pretty spectacular. It went into the mountain about 150 feet or so and was maybe 60 feet wide. It was very open and well lit. When we go to the back of the cave there was a opening all the way out that let the sun in. It was beautiful. We enjoyed lunch up there and even listened to Conference. As we headed home we actually got lost by missing our turn off to get back on the main trail. We were never really lost, lost, but we did have to hike almost 3 miles out of our way to get back to our car....sheesh....we walked a total of almost 7 miles that day. My little lady is a real trooper and is really becoming a professional hiker. We love doing these hikes together. They are a great way to get some serious exercise as well as see God's beautiful creations.

We will be moving our hike farther up North in the weeks and months to come as the area begins to heat up...but don't despair, the adventures of Grizz (Ray), Mountain Bunny (Sue), and Koshari (Kachina Boy) will live on...enjoy the ride!

Enjoy all of this hike's photos on my Facebook page.....Happy Trails!




Moth cocoons. Lot so larvae inside

Beautiful desert flora

It's amazing what grows out of basically nothing

Koshari still getting a lift....that's Scout's Cave in the background...not too far away now

Sue wanted me to take this photo especially for Talon and Will...yes...she's becoming a little risk taker....bad girl :)

Koshari wasn't too hungry, but he did love General Conference....good Kachina

Mom and Koshari enjoying a break, some lunch, and just listening to conference.

Your truly at the mouth of the cave


Koshari, what are you doing up there...and HOW did you get there....bad Kachina... bad

Koshari, get your butt down from there...right now!

Sue showing us her rock climbing skills

He was a pretty good size Tortoise
Our first glimpse of the Tortoise
Koshari took one look at the Tortoise and hid behind a bush. Tortoise are herbivores you and he didn't want to become lunch :)



yes that is a very steep step area...doesn't Sue look like a great hiker? She just looks great too :)

Koshari got tired and need to hitch a ride in my backpack...he's got such short legs you know, it's hard for him to keep up :)

Far away view of Scout Cave with steep stairs


Larry the lizard

5 comments:

Annie said...

Its cool that there are actual stairs there. I can't believe you saw a tortoise! Sweet! I like how you can see the tortoise behind Koshari while he's hiding :)

Dana Kelvington said...

A Tortoise!!! I am so jealous! Keep the good times rolling or should I say . . . a slow crawl!

felipe said...

those pretty wildflowers are called indian paintbrush. I remember learning that in college. it must be a western wildflower, it grew in the desserts of idaho too!

felipe said...

(this is tina by the way)

Sue said...

Pictures turne3d out great, honey. Thanks for keeping up with ball of this.

Sue & Ray's Zion Paradise

Sue & Ray's Zion Paradise