Our Annual Winter Trip to Zion

Back in January 2018, our family stayed at the Springhill Suites in Springdale, Utah for the first time.

  

Newly constructed, we were attracted by its location just outside of Zion National Park. We had such a great time on this winter visit that we've made it an annual tradition. In 2018, we hiked Observation Point as a family, in 2019 we explored the snowy East Rim trail with NomiAnn, and in 2020 we hiked Angel's Landing with Alesia.  This year we biked.

Arriving in town Friday evening, we stopped off at Kolob Canyon on the way down to enjoy a bit of Zion's beauty before the sun slipped below the horizon.  For those who are unfamiliar, Kolob Canyon is on the northwest side of Zion National Park.  Less well-known, it's a great place to go when you want to avoid the crowds.

Such a cute brace face.

Tree time is way better than screen time.

Arriving at the hotel, we were glad to discover a spacious closet that fit most of our bikes.

Also, there was plenty of bedding for our stuffed lion.

On Saturday morning, I slipped out of the hotel for a short run into the park.  It's fun to see the parking lots empty.

Venturing out onto the Watchman trail and some fun tree art on the way back.

Back at the hotel, Jason and Annika were busy shooting some pool.  Just for the record, she dressed herself.

After a wardrobe change, we headed into the park for some hiking.  For a January weekend, it was CRAZY busy! Between Covid, the beautiful weather, and the three day weekend, all sorts of people were visiting Zion as well.  Eager to bypass the hordes we headed to our "secret spot."  We were surprised to discover another family, but they were on their way out, so we mostly had the place to ourselves.

We brought our jackets but soon found ourselves stripping layers in the bright sun.  Some stripped more than others.

Back in the shade.

Nature makes the most amazing patterns.

Jason in his happy place.

Or maybe this is his happy spot.  Nice work, Spidey.  Naturally Annika immediately tried to follow him up the rock face.

She may not listen well at times, but she watches everything he does.

On the way back, we discovered an intriguing echo spot.  The echoes were so clear that at first Jason thought someone was following us!

We are both grateful for these amazing kids.

Later that afternoon we decided to take a bike ride out to Grafton, our favorite ghost town. It wasn't until we were setting up all the bikes that we discovered we had forgotten one of the wheels to the bike trailer. Oops!

Since daylight was running out, the bigger kids and I decided to start biking while Jason went back into town with Annika to rent a trailer.  After a section of very gravelly road (that my road bike did not appreciate), we made it to the Grafton cemetery.

We actually have some distant relatives buried here: two little Andrus babies--grandchildren of Milo Andrus through Abigail Jane Daley, his first wife.  

My favorite tombstone was that of Cedar Pete, a Paiute Indian.

Grafton at sunset.

Despite being here for a few previous races (Butch Cassidy 2011 and 2012), this was my first time going inside any of the buildings.

It's fun to think of the pioneers looking out these same windows.

Annika was most intrigued by the livestock.

Hungry from the day's adventures, we would have LOVED to eat at Oscars.  Unfortunately, most of the restaurants in Springdale were closed for the season, leaving a serious dearth of dining options.  Jason and the kids took off in search of pizza while I stayed back in the hotel to get some homework done.  After an hour and a half, they finally came back with some Little Caesars that they'd managed to scrounge up in Hurricane.  Hey, at least it was food.

The next morning dawned beautiful once more.  Jason held all of his pre-church meetings remotely from the hotel room while I headed out for a walk.  Stunning as always.

After church, we hopped on our bikes and headed up the Pa'rus trail to Zion's scenic drive.  I can't think of a lovelier way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The Court of the Patriarchs.

Since the shuttles were not running, much of the canyon was open to vehicular traffic, but after a point it closed off again and we had the road to ourselves.  Joy!

Pulling up to the Temple of Sinawava.  I guess that's the only temple we've been to in a while!

Wheelers on wheels.

Back to the hotel for naps and a virtual fireside for the youth, then out again for some late night playground fun.  "The Ground is Lava" is way more exciting in the dark.

Come Monday morning, it was time to pack up and head out.  We decided to head back to the North side of Kolob canyon for a bit more hiking on the way home.  Little did we know it would be freezing!

We had a definite case of whiny kids on our hands.

All except for Annika.  Her imaginary pony had decided to gallup, and it was all we could do to just keep up.

Jason, Annika, and I would have loved to hike further, but we stopped about a mile and half in for fear of mutiny.  Talia and Eli's faces say it all.  Plus I'd forgotten the snacks.

Some smiles after all.

In the end, it was another lovely winter trip to Zion.  I hope we make it back again!