From the red canyon of the Paria to Red Ledges Inn

A peaceful, beautiful morning gazing in awe at the formations of the upper Paria River canyon. Watching water flow from rocks and little minnows swim into tiny caves. Slot canyon sirens and white towering cliffs with Ponderosa and Douglas-fir. Petroglyphs. Signs of PNW outdoor enthusiasts in registers. Road walking. BLM visitors center in Cannonville with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic steward of the region (Jean Hall). Very scenic, awesome shoulder hoofing it into Tropic, Utah. Outed as Haydukers by fellow Hayduker, Firewood and Trekker Bob in the restaurant next to our motel. Showers. Laundry. More to come. But it is bed time.

Day 30: 23.6 miles; 465.3 miles total. Paria River halfway between Snake Creek and Deer Creek to Best Value Inn in Tropic, Utah.

GPS: not needed; people sighted: Runaway, three tents (one being John Morrow’s?), and many people driving; roads: yes, including a national scenic byway.

6:50 am is a fine time to start wading into the Paria.

First signs of canyonglow.

We stopped at watched this hummingbird forage in the prince’s plume. The canyon is often a zip whistle buzz with hummers that we rarely see.

Alcove in upper wall of the canyon.

The sunlight peeked through the clouds.

Walking up canyon. This was one of my favorite mornings.

Here, water comes from rocks. In the Pacific Northwest, soil falls from the sky. Gabriel is pointing to the fish.

The fish! TBI.

Desert varnish.

Sandstone beehives. We have hiked up canyon enough that red rock is transitioning to a new layer.

Cowboy records. I wonder if his relatives still live around here.

Hiking up Sheep Creek, looking at white cliffs and Ponderosa.

Near the entrance of Bull Valley Gorge. So tempting. But rather than do all the things, we will save this slot canyon for a return day trip to the area.

Nice crack. Gabriel and I wonder, would Ian or Steph like to climb this?

Douglas-fir! I’ve seen your cones in many a wash the last few days. But this is the first sighting.

Alcove of Sheep Creek.

Raven on wall. Throughout each day, we watch them soar a top the canyons and land on the walls.

Big horn sheep petroglyph by Willis Creek.

Sheep Creek canyon bends.

Familiar names from the message boards of Northwest Hikers.

Hello again Silvery Townsendia.

The surrounding terrain of a wondrous network of canyons. You’d never know that these highlands are on the edge of 800-foot cliffs and slot canyons.

Road walking with a view of the upper edge of the Grand Staircase.

I love the GSENM!

Kinda blustery while walking the scenic byway.

The sign says Tropic, but town proper is about 1.5 miles away. Such a distance is more noticeable when you walk into town, rather than drive into town.