FIELD TRIP DETAILS
Destination: Hop Valley Trail up Kolob Terrace Road in Zion National Park.
Please register (required) on the RCA website, and plan to carpool. Participants are limited to 10 in three vehicles. Registration Site. Please register for this specific date or event.
About: RCA’s June field trip will be to Hop Valley on Saturday, June 20. An “extreme birding bonus” will also be offered for those willing and able. Target birds include Lazuli Bunting; Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Tanager, Virginia’s, Grace’s and Black-throated Gray Warbler; Western Warbling, Gray and Plumbeous Vireo; Black-chinned Sparrow; nuthatches, bushtits, gnatcatchers and flycatchers.
The Hop Valley Trail in Zion National Park is just one of the many birdwatching gems up Kolob Terrace Road. The combination of oak stands, sage/scrub, and ponderosa woodland attract a nice variety of species. Plus the red rock scenery is second-to-none.
“Extreme birding bonus”: This add-on option requires sturdy hiking boots and sure-footed participants only. From the trailhead we’ll pull off the highway about a quarter mile up and hike the rim overlooking Hop Valley. We hope to find Acorn Woodpecker that’s been sighted on that trail.
Time: Meet-up for carpooling to leave at 6:30am; 1:30 return
Carpooling location: Maverik gas station, 460 N State St, LaVerkin. We will be taking no more than three vehicles. Leave extra vehicles at the LDS parking lot next door.
Bring/wear: Binoculars, sunscreen, hat, ample food and water, long sleeves and pants (due to horse flies), hiking boots or sturdy, closed-toe footwear, layered clothing for hotter midday temps.
Walking/hiking -- Hop Valley Trail: Up to 1 mile on moderately steep and level trail with deep sand in places.
Walking/hiking -- “extreme birding bonus”: About 1.5 miles on rocky and sandy surface, including some scrambling on steep and potentially slippery rocks. Sturdy hiking boots and sure-footedness are required.
Restrooms: At the trailhead
Road conditions and distance: About 45 miles round trip on paved roadway
Trip Leaders: Paul Jaussi: 503-970-2413 | pauljaussi@gmail.com
Paul Hicks: 360-870-3819 | paulhicks7373