Petroglyph Point Trail, Mesa Verde National Park 2023

 June 29, 2023

Although the Spruce Tree house has been unfortunately closed since 2015, the Petroglyph Point Trail is a great way to see the tree house from a far and also hike close to some smaller structures. Along the way the trail also takes you to some really neat petroglyphs. The trail which starts at the Spruce Treehouse Overlook near the Chapin Mesa Museum, is a loop trail that is about 2.4 miles long. It is listed as strenuous on the official website, but I was able to hike it easily in late June with my 16, 14, and 9 year-olds. The trail is well marked and easy to follow and starts by winding its way just below the rim of the canyon and returns to where it started by ascending to the rim of the canyon and leisurely making its way back to the trailhead There is only one spot that might be difficult for the elderly or people with conditions that limit mobility and that was just past the petroglyphs which requires a 4 foot climb to start the ascent back to the rim of the canyon. Here's a look at the hike in pictures:

This is near the Museum where the Spruce Tree House overlook is and where the Petroglyph Point Trail and Spruce Canyon Trails Start at the same place.

Here's a map of the area.

A look across the canyon at the Spruce Treehouse.

My daughter, Judi, and son, Trey, on the trail.

Here's where the Petroglyphs Point and Spruce Canyon Trails split. Up to this point from the trailhead, they are the same trail. We took the left to the petroglyphs.

A look at the trail not long after the trail split. It is easy to follow, but at times it isn't on level ground.

One of the few grotto's the trail passes through on the hike.

Here's a look at one of the ruins that the Petroglyph Point Trail takes you to.

An optional, difficult climb off of the left side of the trail will take you to what is left of another old ruin.

Judi also had fun exploring the natural caves along the trail.

We took a rest at the petroglyphs to have some snacks and enjoy the beauty of the area.

Just past the petroglyphs, the trail starts climbing toward the rim of the canyon. Here's a look at my 9 year old, Judi, using the foot holds that have been carved into the rock to help her climb up to get to the trail (where my son is in the background).

Once up the 4 foot climb, the trail continues ascending over uneven ground.

Once back to the rim, there are some amazing views...

...and the trail flattens back out.

I was originally planning on doing the Spruce Canyon hike, but when I saw the sign for the petroglyphs, I decided to go check them out, not realizing that it was the Petroglyph Point Trail. The 2.4 mile hike took us about one hour and 20 minutes to finish. 

Hovenweep Castle Hike, Hovenweep National Monument

June 28, 2023 

We decided to take a family trip to 4-corners monument, Hovenweep National Monument, and Mesa Verde National Park. After stopping at 4-corners, Hovenweep was our next stop and we decided to take a quick hike to see some of the ruins. We stopped at the Visitor Center to have our passports stamped but it was closed. The trail we wanted to take, the Hovenweep Castle Trail, was also located just behind the Visitor Center so we found it and headed on our way. The hike takes to past several old ruins from a Unit-Type structure to a structure built across the gully under an eroding boulder, and finally to the Hovenweep Castle. The trail is very well maintained and easy to follow and should pose little to no difficulty to even the most novice hikers. It is really more like a walk on a dirt trail. There is very minimal elevation gain and loss and even at the end of June in the 90 degree heat, it wasn't a problem for myself, my 16 year old, 14 year old, or my 9 year old. When we got back to the Visitor Center, we got a drink from the drinking fountain. The hike was a little under a mile long and took us about an hour at our leisurely pace.

Here are some pictures of the hike, ruins, and the trail:

Here's a look at one of the first ruins you come to - the Eroded Boulder Houe. It is across the gully.

A very short distance away is the Unit Type House which is closer on the same side of the gully, but roped off so you can't go in it.

Here's a look at the trail just past the Unit Type House on the way to the Hovenweep Castle. As you can see there is no shade so if attempting this hike in the summer and the heat bothers you, wear a hat, long sleeves, and bring plenty of water. 

A look at Hovenweep Castle...

Here's another look at the Hovenweep Castle with another ruin just off to the right. We didn't hike to this one, but it was a very short hike to get over to it.

The trail does a loop and comes back to a sign that points out many of the ruins along the Canyon.

Back at the Visitor Center after the hike was finished.

Gunlock Reservoir Waterfalls March 2023

 With an unusual amount of rainfall the past few weeks, the Gunlock Reservoir was completely full and with another storm upon us, we decided to drive to the reservoir and check out the beautiful waterfalls that are made when water flows over the south end of the dam. 

It is about a 1 hour drive from my home in Hurricane, Utah. From the St. George area, you take old highway 91 to Gunlock Road. Once on Gunlock road, it's about 6.4 miles to get to the parking area. You can't see the reservoir from the parking area, which is south of the reservoir, but you can see the waterfalls. (Remember, there will only be waterfalls after the reservoir is full and overflowing which doesn't happen very often). 

Here's a look at the parking area on the west side of Gunlock Road.

From the parking area, find a break in the wood fence and make your way down the slightly steep dirt trail which leads to the falls. 

This is where the trail starts down from the parking area past the wooden fence.

The hike is only around a quarter of a mile and if you enjoy outdoor activities, it isn't difficult at all. But be aware that if you're visiting to see the waterfalls, most likely the ground is wet and much of the hike is through dirt, which becomes muddy, and over slickrock which can be a little slippery. Still, if you enjoy exploring and don't have any major physical limitations, it is an easy, enjoyable hike.

There are a few use trails but for the most part, you just chose your own path to see the amazing waterfalls. You can also walk to the top of the falls where you can see the reservoir and the water that is pouring over the south end.

We were luck enough to time the hike perfectly when the rain had just started letting up and right before it started coming down hard again. Here's a look at the hike with pictures:

Frog Hollow - Hurricane, Utah

 Frog Hollow is the canyon immediately to the north of Molli's Nipple, one of Hurricane, Utah's best known landmarks. To get to the beginning of the hike, follow 700 West as far south as you can. That will take you to the Rainbow Canyon subdivision. There is currently a lot of construction going on in the area with new houses being built, but if you head as far south and east (toward the cliffs) you will see a gate off to the side of the road (it is currently located near the corner of 675 W 2500 S). 

The gate is the start of the hike. 

Here's a look at the gate which is currently (in 2020) off a dirt road.

Frog hollow is a canyon with 2 dry water falls (unless it is raining) which are impassible. You can explore the lower canyon up to the first dry waterfall which is about a half mile round trip up a dry river bed through brush with one small climbing obstacle near the beginning of the hike. To do this, once you go through the gate, head down into the wash and head into the canyon. This is a fun hike for families and smaller children.

Here's a look down into the first canyon from above as it ends at the first dry waterfall.

The middle canyon to the second dry waterfall requires you to cross the wash and begin hiking up the steep trail to Mollie's Nipple. The trail isn't necessarily dangerous, it's just extremely steep with loose rocks that can be slippery. There are many break off trails along the way, most of which end up in the same place. To be sure you are on the right trail, follow the most defined trail, usually the steeper of the options. Once to a small plateau with a large boulder that obstructs your view of the subdivision below, continue up the steep trail for a short while until you come to a "Y" in the trail. 

At this "Y" in the trail, stay left on less steep route. 

At the "Y" shown in the picture above, you'll follow the trail to the left which takes you into the canyon, above the first dry waterfall and slightly above the second dry waterfall. You'll come to another "Y" shortly thereafter. Again, stay on the left most trail that is less steep.

This is the second "Y" you come to. Again stay left.

The trails that go up the hill to the right will take you up to Mollie's Nipple. You'll soon be rewarded with a view up the canyon where you can see the first dry waterfall below you and the second dry waterfall off in the distance and slightly below you. 

Here's a look at the second dry waterfall in the distance. The trail at this point continues off to the right in this picture.

Continue on the defined trail on the right canyon wall. You'll pass through an old cattle fence that has seen better days.

Here's a look at the old cattle fence you pass through.

Just a short ways past the fence, the trail "Y's" again.

This is the "Y" in the trail just after the fence. I recommend the trail that breaks off to the left, although both ways will take you to where you need to go.

The trail that breaks off to the left down the hill takes you to the top of the first waterfall and lets you explore the middle canyon to the second dry waterfall. You can go either way to get above the second waterfall and explore further up-canyon. Judi, my 6 year old and I took the trail to the right and we made it although it was a little sketchy in places with some exposure. I recommend taking the trail that starts off to the left down the hill. Eventually it turns to the right and heads up-canyon above the canyon bottom.

Here's a look into the middle canyon and the second dry waterfall from above. 

  
 

Once to the left of the second dry waterfall, there is another "Y" in the trail seen here. If you want to take a break and explore just above the waterfall, take the trail to the left that will head down to the river bottom. Otherwise, if you just want to get to the end of the canyon, a more direct route stays on the trail to the right, slightly above the dry riverbed.

Keep following this trail and stay to the right when it "Y's" above the second waterfall. From here any semblance of a trail is very intermittent but the way to go is obvious since you just keep following the canyon until it ends. Here are a few pictures further up the canyon:

 

Overall the hike to the end of the canyon and back is 3 miles. If you enjoy solitude, this hike is great! Chances are that once you get back into the canyon, you won't see another person the rest of the way. There are some minor drop offs on the way to the upper canyon from the middle canyon that didn't affect me or my 6 year old, but those with a fear of heights might want to stick to the lower or middle canyons.