Candy Cliffs and Hoodoos

It was Utah Education Association school break last weekend, and we learned the hard way back in 2014 that the schools are closed on Thursday and Friday and many families go camping and hiking.  On Friday Chris suggested a lesser known hike to an area called the Candy Cliffs in Dixie National Forest near Leeds that might avoid the crowds, which turned out to be a great idea. There were maybe 7-8 vehicles at the trailhead, but once we walked the sandy trail for over a mile and got out on the rocks, we were able to head off to where we had the place to ourselves.

After a big climb up to a high point it was time for a break.

Not a bad lunch view.

We decided to try and make a loop instead of having to retrace our steps.

There were several places we could not descend due to the steepness. Well, maybe Mark could, but I sure wouldn’t even try.

We did find an easy way down to some strange looking rock castles.

Then we had to get back up, then down, then up and down again.

Lots of colorful sandstone formations.

Luckily we managed to find a way back to the main trail without having to go back the way we came, since my knees were really not looking forward to that. If you find yourself in the St. George/Hurricane, UT area, this is a fun place to do some off-trail exploring in a beautiful location without the crowds of Zion.

On Saturday Jim, Chris and I took a late afternoon drive up to the Kolob Terrace section of Zion to play around in Hoodoo City, just past the Hop Valley trailhead. We were happy to see the small parking area empty. From there it’s an easy half mile hike to the hoodoos where you can pick your path up the slickrock to get to them.

Climbing up the formations gives great views of Hop Valley below.

We found several arches in the rocks.

See the turtle on top? At least that’s what it looked like to us. This is a fun place for an easy, scenic hike.

On the way home we came across this cow and her cute little calf on the wrong side of the fence.

We’ve had thunderstorms and rain the past couple mornings but it cleared up yesterday afternoon so we drove into Zion after the weekend crowds left and took a walk on the paved Pa’Rus trail, which can be accessed from the visitor center parking lot.  We always walk this trail at least once when we come here and never tire of it.

Last night’s calm before the early morning storms.