In late 2005, I was incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to purchase a 1/2 interest in 7.25 acres of land just north of Kolob Terrace Road. The property, which is 100% within the boundaries of Zion National Park, sits on the south-facing slope of Firepit Knoll, and has the most fantastic views into the Zion National Park backcountry. The co-owner and I have built a red cinder driveway, added a 1,700 square foot pea gravel tent or RV site, built a nice fire ring, installed a chain gate, and removed a bunch of dead trees killed by fire twenty years ago. This is indeed a 'slice of heaven - a true Zion'.
Coordinates for you GPS fans - N 37º 20' 533" W 113º 06' 208".
This vista is looking south over Lee's Valley from the edge of the property. The picture does not begin to do justice to the view. The distant monoliths, hoodoos, and red cliffs are truly incredible.
Same vista, but this time with a little snow. We do get a little snow up here. Last winter I found mountain lion tracks in this meadow, and a month later trackers tranquilized and tagged a male lion not half a mile from the property.
This is looking south and west from the property, but higher up the slope where the fire ring is. The red rocks to the right contain many hoodoos and slick rock, perfect for exploration. I bought 50% of the land, in cooperation with Clint & Marcia, friends who live in Virgin. It appears that they may be selling me their half share later in 2006. This property has only the National Park a neighbor. Allen Lee (Lee's Valley) owns land south of me, but a couple of miles off, and Hank & Angie Landau own property about three miles below me, on the west side of Kolob Terrace Road. There is no privately held property north and east of me for at least a dozen miles. Yes, I guess you could say, "It's perfect."
This view is of the actual land, taken from a spot south of the property, looking north. The land is covered in Juniper Trees (Cedars), Scrub Oak, and Sagebrush. The land's lowest point is at about 6,600' elevation. The property is 13.5 miles from Hwy. 9 (Town of Virgin) along Kolob Terrace Road - Kolob Reservoir Road. The Hop Valley trailhead is about 1/2 mile west of me, and the Wildcat Connector & Northgate Peaks trailhead is about two miles up the road. There is some fabulous hiking to be done - right at my doorstep.
This view is looking east south east of the property, and includes Northgate Peak. As you drive up Kolob Terrace Road, red pavement denotes that you are inside Zion National Park, while blacktop tells you that you are outside the park.
Here's the culvert we built, and the driveway entrance. The driveway turns left and runs another 100 yards, where it ends at the tent or RV pad.
More on the culvert. I placed large red, sandstone boulders around both ends of the pipe for aesthetic purpose.
So, my friends, come out for a visit, and we can sit around the fire ring, drink wine, iced tea, or coffee, and gaze over my endless 'front yard'. Maybe we can watch the deer roam by or a red tail hawk swooping down to seize its prize. Oh, and the star gazing is unbelievable on a clear night. See you soon!
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