Johnson Canyon

This is listed as "2 miles round trip. Easy. Level with some rocky slopes and steps. Leads to a sheltered canyon of willow and cottonwood, winding through lava flows and red rock to an arch spanning 200 feet.
Closed annually from March 15 - October 31."

After reading this information we headed out this morning at 10:30 AM for a hike into parts of Snow Canyon that is not within the State Park or at least before the Fee Station. As we parked in the small lot just outside the entrance to the Park it was already full of cars. We met hikers in family groups, teenages, runners, folks more mature than us, mothers chasing boys, fathers carrying babies. All as one lady said; "In Gods church."

We crossed the road and started along the path as shown in the map. We read the warning about the loose rocks and staying on the path. The level part was only partly true. The few pictures below can not do justice to the beauty within this canyon.

Looking across the road at the trail head toward the red rocks we are headed for about a mile away.

This trail is closed part of the year. We are looking for reason why

Beginning of trail gives false impression!

As you get about a block up the trail you cross over into the lava beds.

Trail is pick route and choose you steps carefully.

Then you round the bend and look down into a valley wash.

Another view from about 25 yards back down trail.

This rock spoke to me, first as ET then coming down I saw a Manatee head.

As you turn away from the wash you see where the rock came from.

The green growth is 200 feet up the cliff.

This talks about the 2005 flood that changed this canyon.

Mary walking up hill to the end of the trail.

Just enough seepage to sustain growth in the bottoms.

This is a puddle left from the December 2010 rains at trails end. 

Looking away from the puddle to sunny side of canyon.

About 50 yards before end of trail, off to side is small spring.

The old and older as we started back out of canyon.

Looking back as we walked out of Johnson Canyon after two hours.

We did find the arch on the way back out because the sun had changed angles and we were looking around more. It is hard here to see but the arch is in the foreground and rocks behind are a good 300 yards away. Sun was just not at correct angle to put a shaft of light between the two. Maybe next trip will be later in the day.