New Years Day 2012

We have wanted to hike up Shinobe Kibe for many winters now, so today was the day. It was too cold for snakes, and the temps were perfect for us to go up, up, up. This flat topped mesa is located just south of
I-15 at the Washington Parkway. You can see it from the interstate, it is the flat topped mesa that looks like it is tipped and surrounded by the virgin river. An entitiy of itself. The hike is nearly straight up the northwest face. It was a little cold starting out as the sun had not yet crested. The trail is winding and marked by rock carens. It is not for the faint of heart. And truly was hard for a seasoned walker like myself.

A top Shinob Kobe


Once on top we were pealing off the layers of clothing we had on to keep warm. It was toasty and so perfect. Around 68 degrees with no wind. There were so many fun rocks to climb on and you can see 360 degrees in any direction. You get a great view of St. George, Washington, Hurricane and everything in between.

Traversing the terrain a top Shinobe Kibe

There is one of the 6 1930 concrete airline markers on top as well as a geocache. Len is logging in our climb and standing next to the marker. They are about 58 feet long made of solid concreted in the shape of an arrow pointing toward Salt Lake City. They were used to direct air traffic in the 1930's. This is the 3rd one we have found. We have heard there are 3 others but have yet to find any information or coordinates for them, game on! In the background you can see the turf farm in Washington. In between us and the turf farm is the Virgin River it was hard to get a very good picture of the marker as we are literally on the summit.

1930's Concrete Airline Marker


Of course there is a geocache at the top as well. Len found it right away. It was suppose to contain several "Travel Bugs" as well as 2 Geo Coins, but they had been taken by local kids that climb up there to see what people leave and then take it. So sad, because those travel bugs are to be moved on (people track them) and they cost money. Kids!!!!!

It wouldn't be a hike without a GeoCache

It wassch a perfect place to reflect on the past year and to make plans for the coming year. We made travel plans and dates of things we want to do this year in the way of vacation and get aways. I am excited to do more hiking, biking, living this year! Happy 2012!!!!