ASCEND & WANDER

Bryce Canyon is high elevation (above 8000 feet) so you can expect a consistent deep snowpack during the Winter. Immediately after storms the roads would be inaccessible but with a decent weather window, the main national park road should be open all the way to Rainbow Point (17 miles). Shuttles were not running this time of year.  I went in December 2019 and their most recent snow event was 9 days prior. The trails had several feet of snow which required snowshoes but the more common routes were hard packed and I got by just fine with nano spikes. The usually busy national park had few visitors and many were locals from the nearby big cities like Salt Lake City. The maple leaf sewed on my backpack initiated lots of conversations with other Canadians who were taking advantage of the cheap flights to Las Vegas this time of year. Ponderosa Canyon Trudging through the deep snowpack along the Bristlecone Loop from Rainbow Point. You see the black scared trees f...

Kolob Canyons trailhead. 14 miles out and back following La Verkin Creek.  If you have the option to shuttle or hitchhike, I explained a better day trip option below.  The trail winding through the valley below Shuntavi Butte and Timbertop Mountain La Verkin Creek runs through the Kolob Canyons and connects this northern section of the park with the rest of Zion. This trailhead around Lee Pass is less busy than traveling through Springdale.  Campsite #5 (the best one).  Sun, soft sand, open space, and sheltered by a large rock wall behind.   The junction with Lee Pass, Kolob Arch, and Hop Valley.  A great 'one way' option would be starting at Lee Pass then following the route through Langston Canyon which intersects with Kolob Terrace road. One would need to hitchhike or find a way back to the trailhead. Shuttles were not running this time of year. Kolob Terrace Road was also closed and gated due to snow at 2050 feet elevation wher...

In the heat of summer, this hike would be full of people.  Perks of the off-season is only encounter a few people in one of the busiest parks.  Viewpoint after the switchbacks Chain assists on the scramble up Angel's Landing West Rim Junction Snow lingering in the shade of the canyon  The ascent to Cabin Spring Campsite  My highest point on the West Rim Trail. Snow was making very slow moving