Hurricane was settled in 1896, an extension of the Mormon "Cotton Mission" to develop an agricultural region in extreme southern Utah. Along with St George and other towns in Washington County, rapid growth in recent years has blurred township lines to the point that the entire county is one metropolitan area. With about 15,000 people within its borders, Hurricane is located just outside the very popular Zion National Park, thereby getting the benefit of tourism, though not everyone considers it a benefit. The town long ago lost its quiet, rural character, traded for hotels and restaurants. Still, there is natural beauty here, with two state parks centered around man-made lakes amid beautiful red rock formations. Mother Nature outdid herself here, breaking up the earth's crust in many places and standing the pieces on edge.
I like to drive up to Kolob Terrace because it's much less crowded than Zion Canyon and you still get to see many of the park's colorful formations. In addition, there are formations not visible within the park. The road goes many miles onto Cedar Mountain, past a reservoir and a place where California Condors like to roost, but I didn't go that far this time.
There are a few ranches along this road, one that I've long admired sits down in a canyon made beautiful by the owner's hard work, in concert with nature. Notice the volcanic rock on the canyon wall.
The road weaves in and out of the park, passing impressive formations along the way.
There was a little fall color as I climbed higher onto the plateau.
With rain starting, I turned around and started down the mountain. Wanting to go across Smith Mesa, I took a chance that there would be some time before rain would arrive here. I ignored the sign warning that the road is impassable when wet, but didn't waste time crossing the mesa.
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| West Temple, Zion N P |
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| Distant view of Zion N P |
A few small pictographs can be found on a cliff as the road begins its descent.
Looking back at Smith Mesa, I felt lucky to have missed the rain headed that way.
That part of the country is so beautiful in its ruggedness
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