We have traveled Parowan Canyon many times over the years enroute to several of our adventures. Often times we have noticed cars at a pullout about halfway up the canyon and wondered, “What’s the big attraction?” After doing some research we learned that this area is known as Hidden Haven and that there is a nice waterfall located nearby on Benson Creek. Even with knowing all this we never took the time to pull over and check the area out! Today was to be different . . . we were going to be one of those cars in the pullout and we were going to find out “what all the hype” was about.
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| The Hidden Haven Trail will lead us to Benson Creek Falls . . . The entire trail was well marked with these signs . . . if you have the time, consider doing the entire loop |
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| Benson Creek begins flowing from below the Thunder Ridge Scout Camp about 3 1/2 miles from here |
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| There was a variety of mushrooms sprouting up in the shaded sections of the forest |
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| This colorful American Dagger Moth Caterpillar was easy to spot . . . Look, but don't touch! Toxins stored inside the hairs can cause a stinging sensation |
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| One of many mini waterfalls enroute to the main fall . . . Much of this portion of the trail involves walking up the streambed |
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| Water was seeping out of the sandstone walls . . . It resembled a smaller version of Zions Weeping Rock |
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| We have arrived! Benson Falls cascades about 43 ft to the canyon floor . . . Many canyoneers like to rappel the upper narrows and use the Falls as their exit |
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| We met a nice couple from Parowan Thank you Barry & Charlene for taking our picture! |
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| Okay, Kent is a little guy . . . but this is a big tree! Too bad recent flash floods have eroded it's root base and caused it to fall over |
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| There were a few obstacles to maneuver over, both in and out of the final segment |
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| On the hike out we took the loop trail that lead us up to the Mineral Ridge viewpoint |
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| The view from Mineral Ridge looking back toward Parowan . . . We think the "nipply" knob, in the center, is Valentine Peak . . . another good hike! |
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| Heading back for the main trail . . . It was a perfect day for a hike |
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| Colorful Fleabane |
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| A Sickener Mushroom |
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| If you have the need for an amphitheater, there's a good chance you'll have this one all to yourself! |
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| There are two bridges along the trail . . . this one crosses Parowan Creek |
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| The Hidden Haven Trail is easy to follow . . . There are some portions along the creek that have been damaged by flash floods . . . These floods were the result of recent forest fires in the Brian Head area |
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| The Autumnal Equinox is just one week away, but these Mountain Maples are already starting to change |
This hike is only about two miles round-trip. Don't let that deter you from bypassing (like we did) this short trek along some babbling brooks to a hidden waterfall. Consider taking a couple of hours out of your day to relax and get outdoors . . . we think you'll enjoy it as much as we did!
