Snow on redrock

Almost exactly a year ago, I started working here at this park. During my first week, my supervisor sent me on a scavenger hunt to learn the major landmarks and basic natural history. I hiked all the trails and took pictures of common plants and tried to learn the names of each rock layer.

Now, a year later, I'm still finding new spots to explore. Maybe that's why I love this place so much. There is always something new and surprising. A treasure trove for the inexhaustibly curious.

Last night there was a dusting of snow, maybe an inch. It transformed familiar landscapes and made the redrock even more mesmerizing.

Foggy morning

I used to think that the desert was stark and devoid of life. But now I know you just need to know where and how to look.

Cottonwoods

What a story all these tracks in the snow tell! Not just cottontails, but foxes or coyotes, and perhaps a bobcat. I wish I could see all these animals.

Desert cottontail

I make a few turns and end up somewhere I've been before. It was my first week of work and my new coworker came along to explore too. It was then that I learned what wonderful people I got to work with. Which is what makes all the difference in the world.

That one place I've been before, a year ago. Snow has transformed it.

Now, some of those dear friends are scattered across the country and I miss them with all my heart.

Just one set of tracks here

Today, I follow washes and make a few turns that I've never made before.

Scrambling up to get some perspective

Canyon walls get steeper

Snow gets deeper

Rocks under snow make footing tricky

More tree friends

Approaching the end of the canyon

The canyon gets even more narrow and the boulders get bigger and then there is a bit of scrambling and then bushwhacking through the mahonia which whacks back with prickery leaves. Finally steep walls are all around. There is a drip drip drip at the pour-off high above. Below, an ice skating rink and a tower of fallen icicles.

Icicles

I turn around and retrace my steps. The light has that soft, wintery feel that compliments the redrock especially well.

La Sals peaking through

Dance of shadows

I stop by the overlook to watch the La Sals start to glow. Tourists pull in, get out of the cars, take a few pictures, then leave. I want to stay here forever. This feels more like home than anywhere I've ever been.

I am grateful that I get to spend some more time here. Each day, every day, to be savored.