The Other Zions

20 miles north of St. George is Kolob Canyon. It is part of Zions National Park but even when the main part of the park is crowded, Kolob is not. It is very beautiful with giant red canyon walls and green foliage. There are beautiful vistas and hiking trails. Kolob has a small visitor center. The best time to visit Kolob is in the evening when the sun shines on the red rocks or in the morning for an early hike.

Because Kolob Canyon is at the higher elevation, it is much cooler than the main park, even in summer. Any trip to Zions or St. George should include a side trip to Kolob Canyon.

Parowan Gap

The Parowan Gap from a distance looks like a giant cut in the road. But in reality it is a natural gap in the mountains made by a dried up stream and wind.

Located about 10 miles west of the town of Parowan on the Parowan Gap road. Once inside of the gap hundreds of ancient Indian petroglyphs line the rock walls.It is an amazing place. Originally form by mountain up lift, stream erosion and wind. As the climate dried the stream quit leaving just the cut in the rock where the wind whistled through.

For several centuries Indians passed through the gap leaving designs pecked on the rocks

The Parowan Gap is a protected sight and should be view with care. Picture taking is welcome but make sure nothing is damaged. The Gap is a must see of anyone traveling I-15

Farmington Bay

Farmington Bay located in West Farmington can't be beat for birding. Thousands of birds live or fly through every year. We have seen everything from tiny swallows to golden eagles, turtles to deer in this small gem in northern Utah. Take the first exit off I-15, travel north to State street. Turn west to 650 west and south to Grover lane. One more right turn and just follow the signs. The full bay is open through the fall and winter but spring and summer is for nesting birds. I love to go there on a spring or summer morning to see the best variety of wild life.

zions in winter

Now is the time to go to Zions in Southern Utah. During the summer it is way crowded and hot. In the winter there are few people and it is quite and so peaceful. The best time is January through March . I highly recommend it.

Peter Sink

Often on the weather report, they talk about Peter Sink. It holds the record for the coldest spot in Utah and the second coldest spot in the U.S.(-69) To say Peter Sink is not on the beaten path is an understatement. Located off a rocky dirt road that can only be navigated by a high 4-wheel drive or horse back. It is best just to be content to know the general location. Peter Sink is located of Highway 89 at the top of Logan canyon on the way to Bear Lake. An unmanned weather station was placed there in 1985. What makes it sooo cold? The sink (there are several in the area) are small valleys with no outlet. In other words the cold air gets trapped in the bottom and can't get out. Peter Sink is so cold that trees die in the bottom. Sounds like a great place to visit maybe in August.

Antelope Island

If you want to look a Buffalo in the eye, Antelope Island is the place.

Antelope island is one of my favorite places. It is a great place to visit all year round. It seems that every time we go there we see something different. Turning west off I-15 onto Antelope drive in Layton then over the causeway. There is camping, a small restaurant, and a working farm. The farm is great with all the old buildings and corrals. They bring the buffalo in to check them every fall. They also have a hot air balloon festival in the summer.

Hardware Ranch

I suppose most people have heard of Hardware Ranch and it is on their list of things to do. It is located up highway 101 east of Hyrum. I thought it was great fun. It only costs $5 to ride in the sleigh and go right up the the side of the elk. The guide was very informative and answered all our questions plus let us take as many pictures as we wanted and even waited until we were finished. . The ranch was purchased in 1945 by the state of Utah to feed the elk in the winter so that they would not eat the farmers hay. They actually grow all the hay on the ranch to feed the elk. So it is a win-win situation. Besides the elk, there are other wild life near by. Fishing is good year round.

The sleigh is pulled by some beautiful Clydesdale horses that a gentle enough to pet.