Utah Vacation-Around Kanab-East

Today started early once again. Andrew and I returned to Jacob Hamblin Park for a sunrise drone flight. Andrew launched the drone at the Squaw trailhead and flew it up the vermillion cliffs. He continued to fly up until the drone was higher than the radio towers at the top. The crazy thing was that the drone was over 750 feet above us, but still only 200 feet above ground level, which is within FAA legal limits. From this vantage point, the drone could see the sunrise and the entire town of Kanab. As the sun rose, the west facing cliffs slowly became illuminated.

Drone shot of vermillion cliffs at sunrise in Kanab

After breakfast, we headed east to the Lower Hackberry Canyon. The route included 14 miles of dirt road through a desert landscape. The brochure suggested that we put on water shoes upon reaching the trailhead, but it was clear that there was no water to be found. At the trailhead, we followed a dry river bed for about a quarter mile, at which point we came upon a couple heading the opposite direction. We asked about the slot canyon and they told us it was not in that direction. Andrew opened Google Maps and turned on the terrain layer and realized that the canyon was in the opposite direction.

In search of the slot canyon entrance

The slot canyon was the most amazing thing I’ve seen on this trip so far. The walls of the canyon closed in to within 20 feet and rose to several hundred feet on each side. There was a new, incredible sight around each turn in the river bed. Walking in the dry, sandy river bed was a challenge, so we sought out any rocky areas we could find. We walked about two miles in before deciding to turn back. The walk back, although slightly down hill, was no easier and it took a lot of effort to complete. We were very hot and tired when we reached the car.

Andrew enjoying the view inside the slot canyon

After a short rest and some air conditioned cooling, we were thinking about what to do next. It was still early, so we headed further east, towards Page. On our way, the speed limit dropped to 25 miles per hour as we approached Glen Canyon. We rounded a corner and noticed that the Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center parking lot was full of cars. We continued past and crossed a high arch bridge with a clear and dramatic view of the Glen Canyon Dam. Wow, what a contrast to what we didn’t see earlier in the trip.

We continued up the road into Page while making plans to come back to the bridge on our way home. In Page, we found a park with lush green grass and lots of shade. We stopped and spread out our blanket under a tree and had lunch. Even though the temperature was nearly 100 degrees, we were quite comfortable on our blanket in the shade.

After lunch, we continued to Horseshoe Bend. This is a very popular spot to visit, as it provides a grand view of the Colorado River bending more than 180 degrees through the canyon. When we arrived, the parking lot was full and there was a fee, so we turned around and thought, “Maybe later.”

Heading back towards Page, we stopped at a Glen Canyon Dam viewing area. It was hidden away behind a shopping center and several motels. From here, we could see the entire dam and the canyon below. The Glen Canyon Dam is nearly as big as the Hoover Dam, and much more user friendly. I highly recommend it.

Glen Canyon Dam

With our fill of the dam met, we started back towards Kanab. On our way, we made two more stops to see Lake Powell. Lake Powell is the lake created by the Glen Canyon Dam. We decided the walk the bridge on our next visit.

Back in Kanab, we went to the condo and dropped off Andrew. We needed more food, so Susan and I went back to Glazier’s Market. And that wrapped up a busy Sunday.

Click the photo below to see the Photo Gallery.