One of my most difficult challenges during the cold winter months is getting enough real and meaningful exercise to make a difference. It becomes very easy to follow the path of least resistance finding a soft chair and slouching down in front of the TV. But no, I'm not going to let that happen! During the summer months long backpacking treks have been a lot of fun and great for the body and the soul. Thankfully, my brother who is also my friend shares similar interests. With the help of Google Earth and Topozone he found a forty mile circuit just south of St George, UT off I-15 that makes a suitable winter hiking circuit. This is public land under the jurisdiction of the BLM. We left the car at the Western Gypsum Mine a couple of miles south of the Black Rock Exit and hiked around and over Wolf Hole Mountain (see image). The hiking elevations range between 3000 and 6200 feet. It took us three days to make the full circuit at a relaxed pace. Water is a major concern on a trek in the desert. There are some springs and water
tanks (for cattle) along the route (see maps at Topozone for locations). We found the spring water to be strong with minerals but drinkable. At the higher elevations we were able to melt snow which was much more palatable. However, one can't always count on snow. We have made the trek twice this winter (Dec & Jan) and both times snow was available. The roads vary between well maintained gravel roads to jeep tracks. The road along Quail Canyon has a considerable amount of traffic but the rest of the circuit is little traveled. This route is relaxing and soothing to the soul. The views are breath taking whether it be desert gulches or cedar/pinion pine forests. Sleeping under the stars if the weather permits is another unexpected
delight. Caution: as the morning sun thaws out the frozen ground at the higher elevation it may become a little muddy. Our meals were simple which usually meant hot cereal for breakfast , snacks during the day and Top Ramen Noodles for dinner. After this bland diet for three days a Whopper and fries at Burger King tasted mighty good. Would we do it again? You bet! There is more to life than watching TV.
tanks (for cattle) along the route (see maps at Topozone for locations). We found the spring water to be strong with minerals but drinkable. At the higher elevations we were able to melt snow which was much more palatable. However, one can't always count on snow. We have made the trek twice this winter (Dec & Jan) and both times snow was available. The roads vary between well maintained gravel roads to jeep tracks. The road along Quail Canyon has a considerable amount of traffic but the rest of the circuit is little traveled. This route is relaxing and soothing to the soul. The views are breath taking whether it be desert gulches or cedar/pinion pine forests. Sleeping under the stars if the weather permits is another unexpected
delight. Caution: as the morning sun thaws out the frozen ground at the higher elevation it may become a little muddy. Our meals were simple which usually meant hot cereal for breakfast , snacks during the day and Top Ramen Noodles for dinner. After this bland diet for three days a Whopper and fries at Burger King tasted mighty good. Would we do it again? You bet! There is more to life than watching TV.
