Dec04422.jpg	Dec04429.jpg	Dec04434.jpg	Dec04435.jpg
Dec04436.jpg	Dec04438.jpg	Dec04439.jpg	Dec04440.jpg
Dec04444.jpg	Dec04446.jpg	Dec04447.jpg	Dec04448.jpg

Text and photos by Marion Littlefield. (Click on a thumbnail to see a larger version of the photo)

Recently the Dixie National Forest unveiled a new trail in their system that will surpass anything they have done before.

The trail will have two trailheads. One will be at the Henderson viewpoint, which is about three miles southeast of Pine Lake. The other is in a not so well known area on Forest Road 148, the Stump Springs Road, which leaves Hwy 12 east of "The Blues" between Henrieville and Escalante.

By springtime there will be adequate signage and information at the trailheads. I don't expect much visitation now until early summer, 2004.

On Dec.1 I had the pleasure of reviewing a segment of the trail. Micheal Hannigan and I did a six mile round trip to see what it is like. I think we would rate it a fantastic and exciting experience for those who like to hike and have been awed by the Table Cliff Plateau from afar or have experienced the trip to Powell Point on top.

We would rate the trail as moderate to moderately strenuous because of the altitude (8500-9000 feet). The only problem I see is the great highway distance between the trailheads. The trail is about eight miles long, but it is about 50 highway miles between the trailheads. That means you have to do an out and back hike, or arrange for a shuttle. We started at the Stump Springs starting gate and I believe with our there mile down and back we saw the best part of the trail.

The geology of the area is well displayed in many formations. Flowers and fauna are very visible. We saw elk and deer tracks on the trail, and bears and other mammals and birds may be seen occasionally by hikers. About every tree that is found on the Dixie Forest will be seen, from pinyon to juniper, Ponderosa, and balsom fir types.

If I didn't want to do the full eight miles I recommend the Stump Springs side because it will is the easiest and most scenic. If I were to do the whole trail I wound start at the Henderson Trailhead. That lets you do the steepest part first.

By the way, you geocachers should look for "under the table" cache. Another reason I did the hike was to hide a cache. I hid it about 3/4 mile in because I wanted geocachers to see the beauty of the trail, not just the rim.

Viewpoints along the trail overlook an extensive area; we could see steam rise from the power plant all the way over in Page, Arizona, as well as the great rim of Bryce Canyon, from the Bryce airport to the last viewpoint to the west.

Anyone who needs more info can call the Forest Service or, if you are visiting Bryce, stop at Ruby' Inn in the sporting goods department and ask for Marion. I might even divulge a secret fishing tip also.