The recent snowstorms along the Wasatch in the second week of December had provided some decent quantities, but in the southern portion of the state, the totals were impressive. The high plateaus such as the Markagunt, where Brian Head is situated received several feet, and even the lowland deserts saw significant accumulations. The Virgin River Gorge south of St. George was closed for several hours due to extremely inhospitable driving conditions. Close to a foot was recorded in some of the desert locations.

Althought it melts fast, there was still several spots well covered in snow a week later, and I found myself in the area for some business, and found a few hours on a Wednesday to go for a walk in Snow Canyon State Park. The beautiful state park was virtually empty, with only 3 or 4 of the several trailhead having no more than one vehicle. I figured the Lava Flow trail would make for some impressive winter scenery, and would loop several shorter trails together for a nice 2 hour stroll.

The white snow on the red rock is always impressive, and quite rare in this corner of the desert. The temperature was pushing into the upper 40’s, and the mix was of snow packed trails. dry rock, and mud down in the canyon.

Not bad for a mid-December hike.