V OLUME 15, I SSUE 3
Winter Calendar of Events
D E C EM B ER 5 , 2 0 1 8
Sunset Hike
Explore the twilight
sights and sounds of the
canyon during a onemile, round trip hike.
Fri., 12/7, 4:30-6:00 pm
West Canyon
Discovery Hike
Join us on this two-mile,
round trip walk with a
ranger and talk about the
discoveries we find along
the way—you can even
bring your canine pal!
Sat., 12/8, 9:00-10:30 am
Sat., 1/5, 9:00-10:30 am
Lava Tube Hike
Join park staff for a twomile, round trip hike and
the chance to explore the
unique formations of a
lava tube!
Sat, 12/22, 1:00-2:30 pm
Star Walk:
North Star
Join us for a stroll under
the stars and learn more
about our north star and
its neighboring
constellations.
Fri., 1/4, 6:30-8:00 pm
Did You Know?
Moonlit Hike
Join park staff for a
- Spotted Towhees can
moonlit, two-mile round
often be heard in the
trip hike. Enjoy the
underbrush as they
opportunity to see the
make a two-footed,
canyon by moon-glow.
backwards-scratching
hop. This "doubleFri., 1/18, 6:00-7:30 pm
scratching" is used by
Sat, 1/19, 6:30-8:00 pm
a number of towhee
and sparrow species
Star Walk:
to uncover the seeds
Winter Circle
and small inverteJoin us for a stroll under
brates they feed on.
the stars and explore the
- Spotted Towhees live
‘Winter Circle’—a bright
in drier habitats than
pattern of stars adorning
Eastern Towhees.
our chilly skies!
Some scientists have
Fri., 2/1, 7:00-8:30 pm
suggested that the
bold white spots on
Kite Critters:
Spotted Towhees’
Great Horned Owl
backs help them
Decorate and craft your
blend in to the sunown kite while learning
dappled undergrowth.
about Great Horned
Owls. Designed for ages
10 and older, adults
welcome.
Sat., 2/2, 10:00-Noon
All listed events are
free and open to the
public. Space is
limited; registration
required. Program
registration is held
two days preceding
the scheduled
event.
Register by phone or
in person. For more
information or to
register for a program
contact park staff at
(435) 628-2255.
Moonlit Hike
Join park staff for a
moonlit, two-mile round
trip hike. Enjoy the
opportunity to see the
canyon by moon-glow.
Fri., 2/15, 6:30-8:00 pm
Sat., 2/16, 6:30-8:00 pm
—Spotted Towhee, photograph by Rick Fridell
Snow Canyon State Park
Winter Magic in Snow Canyon
Snow Canyon State Park
1002 Snow Canyon Drive
Ivins, UT 84738
Phone: (435) 628-2255
Fax: (435) 628-9321
Email: snowcanyon@utah.gov
Web: www.stateparks.utah.gov
Utah State Parks:
Providing opportunities to
enhance the quality of life by
preserving natural, cultural,
and recreational resources for
the enjoyment, education, and
inspiration of this and future
generations.
Yellowed leaves rattle in the canyon’s cottonwoods, soon to hitch a ride
with the wind. Days are shorter, temperatures cooler, and with Thanksgiving behind us, most regular park visitors observe the distinct calm that
seems to have settled over the canyon. It is not uncommon now to find
parking lots almost vacant. Trails seem to belong solely to the occasional
hiker. Where did the collective hum of the fall crowds go?
Entering the winter season can offer a dramatically different park experience for canyon visitors. Although wildlife may be sparse, grasses dried,
the landscape subdued, and temperatures nippy, you might be surprised to
learn this is actually a favorite season for many. To discover the magic that
only this season in the canyon can offer, and to make the most out of your
next winter excursion in the park, you may find the following helpful.
No crowds means more opportunities:
There are many birds that don’t migrate, but instead reside in
the canyon year-long. For instance, listen for sounds of the
Spotted Towhee who can be heard scratching and hopping
underneath dense tangles of brush. So, pick up a bird list and
learn more about what species you might keep an eye (or ear)
out for while out on the trails.
Photography is popular, especially if you prefer your
landscapes ‘people-less’! There is a surreal feel to the canyon
that many capture this time of year, so bring your camera and
get inspired!
Find serenity and take time to reflect. Getting lost with your
thoughts in this amazing landscape, without the chatter of
others, can be very rewarding. Pause and enjoy the natural
sounds of the canyon.
Even though it is winter, many plants and wildflowers are
already setting the stage for spring. Grab a plant guide and
learn which plants are taking advantage of this growing season.
Short days leave more opportunity for viewing the night sky.
Get a star guide and learn a new constellation or two. You can
still be home and in bed by 9 p.m.!
Remember to take plenty of water on your adventures and adapt your hiking
attire/gear for the season. Be mindful of how long you expect to be out on
the trails—especially with the early sunsets—and always let someone know
of your plans and expected return.
“The comfort of
reclusion, the poetry
of hibernation.”
~ Marcel Proust,
Swann’s Way
Before long, the temperatures will begin to warm and the hum of spring
crowds will return, so don’t miss the magic wintertime offers to learn more
about the canyon and make new connections.
