October 2020 COVID-19 Adventure Part Six

We finish up our time in Panguitch, Utah, with two more easy hikes: Arches Trail in Dixie National Forest near Red Canyon State Park and the Kodachrome Nature Trail in Kodachrome Basin State Park.

Blue sky and hikers standing near pine trees
Trailhead for Arches and Other Red Canyon Trails

Hikers can access the Arches Trail two miles east of SR 12 off US 89. Look on the north side for a gravel road and sign that says Lossee/Casto and follow it to the Lossee Canyon parking area.

Rocks and tree limbs form a cache
A cache of some sort, for food perhaps? Too small for a person.
Pine trees, rock formations, and blue sky
One of those rock formations looks like a Hershey’s Kiss.
Rock formations, rock arch, and dead looking tree
An okay sign?

The arches trail is north of the parking lot. I was determined to capture every one of the 15 arches along the three-quarter-mile loop trail when I started out.

Red rock formations, arch, and blue sky
Kissing rocks
Red rock formations and landscape view in the background
View from the top
Red rock formations, blue sky, and wispy clouds
A far view

I soon lost count and missed a few on the way, so ended up with only a handful. Well, let’s make that a handful and a half.

Red rock formations, blue sky, and wispy clouds
A close view
Red rock formations, hole in the rock, blue skies, wispy clouds
Why did the formation erode in the middle of the wall?
Bulbous red rock formations
Totems at play

I spared you the boredom of viewing all the photos I took. You’re welcome.

Landscape view through arch in rock formation, a person hidden in the shadows
Hiding in the shadows
Red rock formations, trail, pine trees, and landscape view in background
The return trail

The nature trail at Kodachrome State Park gives hikers a chance to learn about the park in less than 1/2 mile. Informational signs explain the various points of interest that include trees, bushes, soil, monoliths, and other features seen along the trail.

Trail, red rock and tan and white rock formations, and shrubs
Nature Trail at Kodachrome State Park
Monolithic chimneys that look like Terracotta Army sculptures
The park is filled with monolithic spires and chimneys. These remind me of Terracotta Army sculptures.
Dried Fourwing Saltbrush
Native Americans grounded Fourwing Saltbush seeds to make flour for bread. Birds and rodents also eat the seeds.
Dead Bristlecone pine tree against red rock formation and blue sky
A dead Bristlecone pine tree provides a home for animals and birds, a food source for insects and fungi, a lookout for raptors, a hiding place for rodents, and nutrients for the soil.

This trail is a good place to slow down, take in the sights, and imagine what it must have been for explorers as they encountered the area for the first time.

Mormon Tea
Mormon Tea is used as a beverage or medicine. It may quench thirst, boost energy, or ease stomach ailments.
Red rock formations against back drop of tan and white formations.
The rock mound only looks smooth. It was coarse enough to skin a knee to a bloody mess.
Kodachrome spires and chimneys and rock formations against blue sky
One last look of the chimneys and spires.

To learn more about Kodachrome Basin State Park, visit our post dated November 9, 2017, here.

As our time in Panguitch came to an end, the virus began its worse infection and death surge across the nation. As county after county and state after state slammed their doors shut on visitors, we started our trek home.

Next up, we make a few stops on our way home.

Stay Safe

4 thoughts on “October 2020 COVID-19 Adventure Part Six

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