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From DestinationSpaVacations Red Mountain Spa This hike begins in Water Canyon on a tributary of Short Creek. The trail takes you through a riparian wash green in the summer with wild blackberries and knee-high fern, below a natural sandstone arch on the skyline high above the trail, and into a narrow slot canyon with no apparent exit. But you do get out, by climbing up switchbacks cut into the canyon wall, into stands of Gambel Oak and Ponderosa Pine, and eventually down into wavy sandstone gullies dotted with mini-pools before the last slick rock climb to the summit of Canaan plateau. The descent turns out to be great fun also, down a long, slick rock face topped by odd, sandstone beehive formations and into Squirrel Canyon. It's steep enough and challenging, with scree choked trails in spots, but downhill all the way to our van. The riparian meadows near the bottom are home to Fremont Cottonwoods and cool shades, and here is where two of our guides surprised a mountain lion lolling by the stream. This is real backcountry hiking, endless sky and silent, open country running away in every direction. Gateway, offers a feeling of freedom, as though all the primitive sandstone slopes and hills have never been walked on. The excitement grows because of the way the mountain conceals its route in places, demanding a hiker's attention. If you like the high, lonesome feel of backcountry, its wild, stunning views, its challenge and profound quiet, with perhaps the sight of an eagle rising from a pine tree snag, then our Gateway Adventure hike will become your favorite hike. Gateway is available weekly during the cooler Spring and Fall months. Contact the Outdoor Recreation Adventure Concierge (435) 652-5712 to sign up for this hike. © Copyright 2008 |
