Ashdown Gorge

Over the years we'd often peer into Ashdown Gorge while driving on HWY 14 and wondered exactly where was Flanigan Arch; then we read about it and knew we needed to plan a hike.  First of all, I want to say this is a great hike for just about anyone.  Yes, it requires getting wet and walking on rocks, lots of rocks . . . so be prepared with good sturdy water shoes and some trekking poles.  The next day you might feel some effects from the rocks, just remember how refreshing the water was and how the beauty of Ashdown Gorge made you feel.  As Kent would say, 'Feel the pain, love the pain!' and smile!  

            

We parked the car . . . made our way down to Coal Creek . . . followed a path that bypassed this concrete spillway . . . and began our trek into the impressive Ashdown Gorge. 

It didn't take long to 'wet our feet,' or shall I say get our feet wet!

We knew Flanigan Arch was about a mile into the hike.  Many people said it was easy to miss and so we began to keep our eyes peeled.  Then we came across this clever sign!

There it is 550 ft above us! One of the highlights of the hike

Kent and Andrew were dwarfed by this canyon wall

I smelled this Nootka Rose before I came upon it; it was quite fragrant

At times, the creek was fast flowing . . . but never got more than knee-deep

At about two and half miles into the hike Tom's Head appears . . . it is 
here that you want to head north (turn left) and follow Rattlesnake Creek
for a half mile to Lake Creek Falls and Rattlesnake Creek Falls.

This is Little Rattlesnake Creek Falls . . . the water was so clear 

Looks like a feather from a Northern Flicker

Great place to be on a hot summer day

At the junction of Lake Creek and Rattlesnake Creek set your packs down
and take a break . . . you're almost there!  
Each fall is just a short jaunt up these side canyons.

Lake Creek Falls

Here we are!

Andrew, Allison and Kent

Now it's time to go find Rattlesnake Creek Falls

Not a good place to be if it was raining . . . beware of flash floods

Rattlesnake Creek Falls, no snakes . . .  just a beautiful waterfall

The rushing creek was so refreshing

The creek was our trail

Don't suppose Kent was trying to keep his feet dry!

Colorful Crimson Columbine

This is a seven mile out and back hike . . . 
it allows you to enjoy the scenery twice!   

 Just follow the canyon and creek as they twist and turn . . . 
it's amazing how slow time passes as you marvel at the beauty of Rattlesnake Canyon

This high alcove was very impressive!

Different shapes, colors and textures

I haven't seen the "Game of Thrones," but that's what I would call this pointy peak.
For us it meant our hike was coming to an end . . . an amazing experience it was!

Be forewarned . . . flip-flops are not proper footwear for this hike!
  Trekking poles are highly recommended, as well as sturdy water shoes!
Plan on spending about six hours to complete the hike.

Click here for an interactive guide map showing our route and other possible hikes.  Click here for printable maps of the different routes.  Both the guide map and printable maps are courtesy of the Dye Clan.

Andy Nelson Peak (and Oodles of Wildflowers)

I would describe this hike as our wildflower hike; the snow has finally melted and the flowers were amazing!  Last week while hiking on the Lodge Loop, Kent decided we needed to hike up to the top of Andy Nelson Peak . . . just because, you know, it's not only a peak we can climb, but it's the highest peak in Kane County and it's right in front of us!

It's kind of a cloudy morning, we hope it doesn't rain as we start out on the Te-ah Trail

 Aspen Pea Vine  

These white Columbine really stood out along the trail

Broadleaf Arnica were just screaming "Hello summer!"

Looking south towards Zion National Park

Bushwhacking up Andy Nelson Peak . . . the vegetation was thick and lush

Up on top of Andy Nelson Peak (10,027) . . . it's the highest peak in Kane County and
is quite flat, unlike any peak we have ever climbed.
We always carry plenty of water for Chipper and for ourselves, too!

Heading back down . . . 
Navajo Peak (behind the dead pines) is only 57 ft lower than Andy Nelson Peak

We could do this every week and never get tired of it

Indian Paintbrush

Rock Clematis

Blue Columbine are one of Allison's favorite flowers 

Picturesque Navajo Lake from the west end as we are coming back down to the trailhead

Just about back to where we started . . . Chipper was pretty tired . . .  
Translation:  He's ready to jump in the car!

The peak on the far right is Andy Nelson Peak.
A storm moved in just as we were leaving the Navajo Lake viewpoint on HWY 14

On the road again . . . Chipper loves car rides and he also loves A/C !

Navajo, Spruces & Lodge Trail Loops

Chipper seems to know when it's Saturday, the first thing he does is smell our shoes!  Are we doing yard work or going hiking?!  If he smells hiking shoes he follows us around the house until it's time to go, as if we might leave him behind!  The Virgin River Rim Trail has been a great respite from the summer heat, and the lack of people on the trails has amazed us.  Despite the many dead falls, these connecting loop trails have provided us with easy access to "knock out" portions of the 32-mile Virgin River Rim Trail.  In this post, we spent two days hiking the Navajo, Spruces and Lodge Trail loops . . . we still have a few more sections to go!          

Starting out on the trail . . . we stepped over this little snow tunnel

The sunny sections of the trail were dry 

Then again, there was still quite a bit of snow for late June & early July

We had nice views of Navajo Lake along the way

There was a lot of dead fall along the trail . . . we got a workout!

We saw a lot of fungi growing on the pine trees

Our heavy winter was hard on these signs

Chipper is afraid of bikes . . .
He couldn't wait for this guy to get on down the trail

Creeping phlox was in bloom in the higher elevations

Great views looking towards Cascade Falls and Strawberry Point

Creeping Oregon Grape added a nice pop of yellow 

Obviously deer like this trail, too!

Hard to get lost on these trails, the signs are great!

Chipper loved munching on the snow

Another peek at Navajo Lake on our way down . . . 
The lake is really full this year

And the race is on . . .  I think it was a tie!

Just a beautiful trail!
And all to ourselves in the middle of summer!

First time we've seen a Canada Violet on a hike . . .
 our Canadian friends would say, eh? 

Chipper was a little camera shy . . . We are at the base of Andy Nelson Peak . . .
also known as, a hike for another day! 

We came upon this corral decorated for the 4th of July, a pretty neat sight!