There are many things that I like about living where I live – its proximity to national parks, balmy sun belt winter weather and dry desert climate, as well as near endless opportunities for outdoor fun. One of the nicest things in particular about life in St. George, Utah is its small–city bike trails. Although nowhere near completed, this system of trails has got to be one of the most scenic in the world.
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| St. George city bike trail along the Virgin River |
March weather in southern Utah can be iffy. We might have perfect clear blue skies and temperatures in the 70’s, but we are just as likely have snow flurries in town with a foot of new powder in the mountains.
Last week it snowed.
Today the weather was, well, perfect.
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| Cruising the Parkway south of town |
If you happen to be anywhere near the vicinity of southwest Utah next St. Patrick’s Day, you may or may not want to find your way to the tiny burg of Springdale at the entrance to Zion National Park.
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| Springdale Jello Queens head up the parade |
Mystery question of the day: What is this crumbly white rock scattered all over the red sand, and what do you think it’s doing along the Gila Trail?
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| What is all this white rock doing in this red sand? |
The hike was called “Little Creek to a .” And although I quickly learned we were on Little Creek Mountain, it never was clear to me what exactly a had to do with anything.
I looked for that in six miles of dirt road.
I looked for that in eight miles of trail.
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| Edge of the trail |
When an early March forecast calls for sunshine and 60°F temperatures, it is fairly easy to find any excuse to be out of doors. Add to that forecast a vivid desert landscape with panoramic views of tilted red rock mesas stair–stepping their way towards snow–capped mountain peaks, and it would be a crime to stay indoors.
As the lucky inhabitants of southwestern Utah often say, it’s just another day in paradise.
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| Red Mountain with Pine Valley Mountains in distance |
“The West of which I speak is but another name for the Wild; and what I have been preparing to say is, that in Wildness is the preservation of the World.”(from Walking, by Henry David Thoreau)
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| View from Mt. Washburn of bighorn sheep and the Absaroka Range |
