We ventured into the park for a hike today. It was a great trail. We worked our way up the cliff faces on switchbacks too numerous to count. Along the way we walked through a slot canyon where the walls are covered with swirling erosion patterns and hanging gardens where plants find footholds in even the smallest of spaces. From Observation Point, about 2100 feet above the trailhead, we had a great panoramic view of the canyon. All this beauty was created by the little Virgin River, it is barely a stream right now. It must be absolutely amazing when it is running full.
Our side trip to Hidden Canyon (another slot canyon) involved narrow trail with chain hand holds. Very cool.
It is raining this afternoon….probably an end to the slot canyon exploration and their inherent flood risk. We will probably go for a more open trail tomorrow.