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| Purple Blossoms of Spring as seen on the Hellhole (or Hell Hole) Trail in Red Cliffs Desert Reserve |
The Red Cliffs Desert Reserve is a vast area north of St.
George. The reserve was initially
formed, in part, because of the desert tortoise. These seldom-seen residents are a threatened
local species. The reserve status
protects this land for recreational use and I’ve enjoyed several jaunts into
various parts of the reserve. Some have
famous names like Yant Flat or the Vortex.
Others are unknown.
On this day I hiked into an unknown area named “Hell hole”
because of the miserable heart in the summer.
My visit had clouds and rain and I felt it more like a desert garden
than a pit of despair. I know that a
waterfall can appear from the high cliffs if it rains enough. I hoped for a waterfall appearance . . . but
got something different.
The trail heads up a wash on the west side of Red
Mountain. The sandy going makes for slow
travel. Raindrops falling on and off had
me donning and doffing my rain jacket several times. The sheer cliff walls get closer and closer
until you cannot go any further. The
hike ends at the cliffs.
This furthest-possible location holds some beautiful
scenery. A handful of healthy cottonwood
trees hide beside some muddy watering holes.
In March they are freshly green and vibrant against the sandstone
backdrop. After taking a few pictures
here I explored a bit more and found my greatest prize: a large bush blooming with purple
flowers. Desert blooms are rare and
beautiful events. This tall bush was at
peak for color and evenly covered with blossoms on every branch! Even more unique, there wasn’t another bush
like it anywhere. I photographed several
angles and perspectives in the light rain and left feeling satisfied that’s I’d
captured something rare and wonderful.
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