The Grand Parashant National Monument has been a favorite of mine for awhile. Despite the “gnats” (ATVs) there are destinations in the NM that offer solitude, scenic views and hikes. A weather window opened up in May after a storm front had passed along with it being the middle of the week.
First stop is the old Mt Trumbull Schoolhouse which is a fun stop to read about the history. Was still in use until the late 1960s.
Heading east from Mt Trumbull is a climb up to a mesa and into a forest. I had planned to climb Mt Trumbull but it was late in the day and had heard that it isn’t too exciting. We opted to take the road to the south and drive to the top of Mt Logan. Well worth the effort and it offered a fun hike to the top and an overview of the area and Hell’s Hole. Good place to camp too!
On to Toroweap. NPS requires a reservation to visit. Hate to agree but it certainly made the experience better since the “gnats” stay away and it limits the number of visitors. The ranger volunteer and I had a good chinwag. He said mid week is obviously the best time to visit. Also mentioned the day prior that they head a heck of a hailstorm.
I’m not a fan of heights and had to shimmy out on my belly to look over into the canyon. My wife walked right up to the edge. I lost some “man points.”
Apparently the outhouse has been voted one of the most scenic the NPS system. Something to add to my bucket list.
The road to Toroweap from the ranger station is easy until the last couple of miles. Nothing technical; just lots of rocking due to large flat rocks. We walked the last mile to the point from the campground turnoff.
Hack Canyon has been on my list. It is located 30 miles north of Toroweap. I started to drive in and decided to turn around since we were solo the trip. After the wet winter I decided to save it for the future.
Time came to head home. We decided to head through Zion. I’m not a big fan due to the crowds however since it was mid week we took a chance. I had read about Observation Pt which is accessed from the east side of the park. Good hike and outstanding views. Not too many people too.
Good trip.
I like the update to the website! Easy to post.
First stop is the old Mt Trumbull Schoolhouse which is a fun stop to read about the history. Was still in use until the late 1960s.
Heading east from Mt Trumbull is a climb up to a mesa and into a forest. I had planned to climb Mt Trumbull but it was late in the day and had heard that it isn’t too exciting. We opted to take the road to the south and drive to the top of Mt Logan. Well worth the effort and it offered a fun hike to the top and an overview of the area and Hell’s Hole. Good place to camp too!
On to Toroweap. NPS requires a reservation to visit. Hate to agree but it certainly made the experience better since the “gnats” stay away and it limits the number of visitors. The ranger volunteer and I had a good chinwag. He said mid week is obviously the best time to visit. Also mentioned the day prior that they head a heck of a hailstorm.
I’m not a fan of heights and had to shimmy out on my belly to look over into the canyon. My wife walked right up to the edge. I lost some “man points.”
Apparently the outhouse has been voted one of the most scenic the NPS system. Something to add to my bucket list.
The road to Toroweap from the ranger station is easy until the last couple of miles. Nothing technical; just lots of rocking due to large flat rocks. We walked the last mile to the point from the campground turnoff.
Hack Canyon has been on my list. It is located 30 miles north of Toroweap. I started to drive in and decided to turn around since we were solo the trip. After the wet winter I decided to save it for the future.
Time came to head home. We decided to head through Zion. I’m not a big fan due to the crowds however since it was mid week we took a chance. I had read about Observation Pt which is accessed from the east side of the park. Good hike and outstanding views. Not too many people too.
Good trip.
I like the update to the website! Easy to post.
Last edited:
