(May 21, 2019)
Even though more snow was predicted I decided to explore Panguitch, yet another not quite so small town about 45 minutes from Bryce to the northwest.
Yes, there was snow on the ground when I left Bryce Canyon. Still not spring at 8000 feet.
I like to drive west through Red Canyon on the Dixie National Forest. It was especially colorful with wet red rock and contrasting snow. I need to spend more time exploring this area once the snow is gone thank you.
Red Canyon offers many miles of trails into the red rock and hoodoo landscape.
Plus there is an 18.6 mile paved multiple use trail running parallel to SR12 into Inspiration Point in Bryce Canyon National Park. If I owned them, I’d be more inclined to roller skate this than bike it, which I don’t own either.
Suddenly the road drops off the Paunsaugunt Plateau and out of red rock country and into the Sevier River Valley with the snowy Markagunt Plateau in the distance.
Then headed north, SR89 parallels the Sevier River. Usually a small, twisting, and shallow river it was running strong with all the recent snow melt.
Once in Panguitch it began to rain, sleet, and hail.
Although larger than the eastern towns I visited the previous week, it just doesn’t have the same charm. And the grocery selection was not as good either plus more expensive. The one redeeming factor for Panguitch was the $3.19/gal diesel, best price I’ve seen in weeks.
It took a couple hours to do chores. Bought my first snow brush in decades at the Auto Parts store, and a replacement back light assembly for the camper which sadly doesn’t work.
The burger for lunch at Kenny Rays was just OK. I won’t hurry back but have since been told for the best burger in town go to Henry’s. Maybe next time, if there is a next time.
On the way home I took a short side trip. Instead of turning south from SR12 into the park I turned north on John’s Valley Road which ultimately goes to Antimony. I only drove a few miles and saw a couple places to disperse camp with nice views on the Dixie National Forest.
Got home just before the snow started again.
Not sure what direction I’ll explore next. Still catching up here at Bryce.
Fun to do a little or a lot of new road & place(s) adventure.
I’m a spatial movement thinker
I have to move through space, be it back roads, trail, sailing, kayaking, for a special kind of cognitive stimulation through movement.
OK, does that mean you also dance?
A nice day trip to a new destination. Glad we could tag along
I really need to get out more.
Snow…. hard to believe!
I think we’re finally done with that white stuff.
Fun to explore the area through your lens. I agree with your assessment of Panquitch. We stayed there when visiting Bryce and it definitely lacks the charm. I think we also had a disappointing burger at that same diner 🙂 Can’t believe it’s still snowing there almost half way through June!
Some towns just feel better than others. This was the end of May. Thank goodness it’s not still snowing. But did get down to the low 30s the other night when out until midnight with the telescopes.
Yep…Panguitch can’t hold a candle to Escalante. We thought that pizza place was OK, but not worth a special trip.
Not sure I’ll rush back.
Beautiful photos even if the town was not the best you have been to. At least it is not snowing here, but certainly summer has not arrived yet either!! Enjoy the rest of the week Diane and Nigel.
It finally quit snowing here too. Temps today almost 80°F.
I’d sure like to try that 18 mile plus trail on my bike. Except the altitude would be hard on me. I don’t remember much about Panguitch, doesn’t sound like there is much to remember.
I believe you’d like the bike trail, after acclimating to the 8000 feet.