It seems like most every year we celebrate our anniversary with a hike . . . this year (our 33rd) was no different. We decided to travel to Bryce Canyon, enjoy a concert and in the morning hike the relatively unknown Canaan Peak. Although not visited by many, this is none-the-less a very enjoyable hike that provides spectacular views of the southern portion of GSENM (Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument). We invited Tom and Lola to join us and surprisingly (it's a two hour drive from their home) they said, "Where and what time do we meet you?" Their company, along with a great trail and wonderful views, made for a most enjoyable day!
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Lola has her pack on, she's ready to go!
(Several people have said they couldn't find the start of this trail . . .
It begins directly behind this sign and heads west before grabbing a ridge and turning south) |
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We were so happy to see a well maintained trail!
Travel this path for several miles until it joins an old logging (ATV) road . . .
Follow the road for several hundred yards and it will lead you to the base of Canaan Peak |
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Powell Point, off to our west, was visible for much of the hike
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| There wasn't much left of this old snag |
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The trail/old road took us below the colorful and spectacular south end of Canaan Peak
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After passing under Canaan Peak, we made the short but steep ascent from the east side
(Total ascent was about 300 feet)
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Halfway there....
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Just a walk in the park now!
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On a clear day you could see for miles and miles . . .
For us, visibility was somewhat hampered by the haze . . .
None-the-less, we plan to come back and enjoy this view again!
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We kept Lola with us while Tom precariously searched for the
Bench and Reference markers
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He found them in the craziest location . . . near the edge!
He'll document them on National Geodetic Survey website
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Canaan Peak Benchmark
It hasn't been updated in the data base since 1959 . . .
That's about to change thanks to Tom |
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Starting back down the west side . . .
This side certainly wasn't as steep and showed a little evidence of a social trail |
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We stopped to view the Claron formations on our descent
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Tom wanted to "bag" the GSENM highpoint . . .
So while he and Lola hiked a couple of extra miles, we waited and enjoyed the day
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This was Tom's view of Canaan Peak (9,293) on his way to the GSENM highpoint
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This little guy was busy singing while we waited
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Almost back to the trailhead . . .
Round trip for the Canaan Peak hike was about 5.5 miles |
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Kent spotted these Shaggy Mane mushrooms growing in a dry stream bed
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After saying good-bye to Tom and Lola, we drove up FR 148 (Stump Springs) . . .
This road takes you to the base of Powell Point . . .
It is here that "Under the Point Trail" begins |
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It's obvious that this trail only gets light to medium use . . .
Many sections (in the draws) are washed out, but can be easily traversed . . .
unless you're hiking in stilettos! |
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Can you see the little window?
Time for us to call it a day and gets some dinner in Tropic before heading home |
It was a great day of exploration and capped off another great anniversary hike! For more detailed information and directions to Canaan Peak, please see Tom's peakbagger entry by clicking
here.
