For July, Wed like to beat the heat and head up to higher elevation. The plan is to run the North Fork road which begins at Navajo lake in Iron County and heads South towards Zion Nat park. This is a scenic improved dirt Road and should be easily passable in stock rigs. The ride will be filled with beautiful views as we wind down off from Cedar Mt. and overlook the park. After the North fork road We will stop for lunch in Zion Nat. park. (Bring your own) Park entrance for the day is $20 per vehicle. Those who wish to stay and play in the park are welcome to. We will plan on meeting at the West end of the Cedar City WalMart at 10:00 AM. Hope to see you there!
We had a great time on the Run today. We climbed up cedar canyon to an elevation of nearly 10.000 feet, and were treated to an amazing view of Zion Canyon below. Next We stopped at Navajo Lake. Navajo Lake is a natural lake with a twist: In the early 1930's, a low dike was built at the east end of the lake to allow enough water to be retained for irrigation and other projects - and for fishing. The lake has no visible outlet, and all water flowing out of the lake exits through underwater sinkholes to reappear in nearby Duck Creek.
After a few pictures at the lake we headed on down the North Fork County Road. The dirt road Winds down the colorado plateau In a south easterly direction. Near the top It is heavily wooded with Pines and quaking aspen. Eventually following the North Fork of the Virgin River the road meanders through medows and valleys speckled with cabins. We came across one long since abandoned cabin that made for a perfect photo shoot.
Along the way we saw Mule deer, a hawk and several squirles and chipmonks. At one point we came across an old abandoned International 1200 tanker truck. The inline six cylinder engine still intact. We deduced that at one time the truck likely carried water for the summer home residents in the Area.
Eventually the dirt road turned into asphalt near the Zion Ponderosa Ranch. We entered Zion Nat. Park through the East and were almost immediately greated by a heard of half a dozen mountain goats that often congregate on the east side of the park. We had Lunch in Springdale and then headed home.
Even though this was a mild ride, (no four wheel drive necessary) the views and wildlife were exceptional. Weather was sunny and temperatures were perfect for open window driving. Here are a few pictures of the run.
