Nature's Magic, Enhanced

Day Two, we found ourselves in a rustic creekside HipCamp called Kolob Gate Gardens in the Greater Zion area of Utah. Since we were off the beaten path, it was nice that my maps app got us there without any re-routing. Matthew, the 53-acre property owner and camp host, met us as we pulled into the campground. He had changed our reservation to Site #2 which bordered the creek and had significant shade compared to Site #1 (this was very nice, since it was 105°F when we arrived after 5:00pm!).

We got situated and set up the generators to keep Nilla cool inside the trailer. Then we sat outside, each with a cold beverage. Here was our view across Kolob Terrace Road:

View from Kolob Gate Gardens

We decided to walk around the very large campground, which Matthew has carefully developed on both sides of the creek. There were many amenities besides RV and tent sites, like a permanent "glamping" tent, pit toilets, a shower with hot water, and an outdoor kitchen area for cooking on a gas grill and washing dishes.

Walking bridge over the creek at Kolob Gate Gardens

Even better were all the "enhancements" that Matthew has made to the grounds, like a walking bridge over the creek pictured above.

He has installed dozens of solar lights throughout the property to make it pleasant and safe while walking around at night. There are handmade planter boxes filled with flowering plants:

Handmade painted wooden planter boxes filled with flowers

We learned from Matthew that the year-round creek is fed by mountain water, and that it can fill and overflow after a heavy rain in just minutes. So yeah, I was hoping it didn't rain while we were there!

The next morning, we got up, made coffee, and got to work breaking camp. As we were getting close to leaving, and Ron was packing the last of the gear, I meandered around and took all of the photos for this post. Of course, I snapped a picture of Nilla as she was lounging:

Nilla, late morning lounge session

We had a fabulous time at Kolob Gate Gardens, and we are grateful to Matthew for working so closely with Mother Nature to create a magical HipCamp. I wrote a glowing review and Matthew said mine is the best so far, and that makes me doubly happy. I highly recommend this spot for anyone willing to dry camp in the extreme conditions of the Greater Zion area!

As always, I wish you all well!💖