Red Canyon

We love National Parks.  The one consistent thing that we do not love about National Parks is the fact that they do not allow dogs on most trails.  When I say most, I mean most.    I understand the basic logic behind the rule but the rule should be a bit more flexible.  There are some trails that are not appropriate for dogs.  Some trails are too wild and some are too hot.  Having said that, some trails are absolutely fine for dogs.  It just seems to us that the folks that run the NPS just find it easier to say "no dogs."

Since Penny and Annie are not allowed on trails at Bryce Canyon,  Rob and I got Penny ready and drove a few miles to Dixie National Forest and the Red Canyon trailhead.

Red Canyon is often referred to as “Little Bryce”, with brilliantly colored red rocks called hoodoo’s and large Ponderosa pines, bristle cone pines, and limber pines throughout. This area is known as a place to get away from the crowds in Bryce Canyon National Park and provides multiple trail and recreation opportunities with spectacular scenery.

We decided to start at Red Canyon trailhead and combine several trails to make a large loop.

GMAN MAN AND HIS DOG

THE CHIPPIES ARE VERY HEALTHY

The trail is fairly strenuous but it is worth the work.  It takes hikers to several beautiful points that overlook the amazing rock formations that the area has to offer.  While not as amazing as Bryce, it is lovely and we did not see one single hiker.

We had just finished our lunch and we were probably as high as the trail could go when we heard thunder. I had checked our weather forecast several times to avoid this but the weather is the weather. We were not fully exposed but we were in the middle of lots of lightening rods (aka trees).  We picked up our pace and started working our way down.  We do not like to be hiking on mountain tops when it is stormy.  We never want to be one of those Weather Channel stories.

With our faster pace, we made it back fairly fast.  The thunder and lightening did not go away but it spared us.

We got back to Lewis and watched storm clouds roll in.

VERY COOL MAMMATUS CLOUDS

The wind blew and the temperature dropped quite a bit but it did not rain.

We enjoyed some outside time with the girls and then Rob cooked fish on the grill.  We had an excellent dinner and spent the evening in relax mode.

Another great day in this thing we call life.