Utah, Zion National Park and Kolob Canyons

The weather was perfect, clear and sunny. As we entered Zion National Park from the Southeast Corner, it was fascinating to see the amazing rock formations and drive through the long tunnel cut through the mountain.

As part of our usual introduction to the National Parks, a stop at the Visitor's Center was in order. The Park was crazy....it was the Memorial Day weekend and Zion set an all-time attendance record today. We'd had a long day in the car so we stopped by the Zion Human History Museum to watch the movie about the park. Next we were off to the Kolob Canyon section of the park to check out the Wildcat Canyon trail. We decided not to hike, but did drive to Kolob Reservoir. On our return we were fortunate enough to see four California Condors! We'd never seen the Condors before and it was great to experience them in the wild.

Next it was time to find our hotel and grab dinner. Because of the holiday, our accommodation was in Saint George, Utah - about an hour's drive from the Park. Oh well, we'll get an early start in the morning.

Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most fascinating places we've ever visited. It is unique because formations of this type appear in no other place on earth - Now that's Special! The park was established in 1923 as a National Monument and in 1924 Congress passed legislation to create the park. The park was established to preserve and protect outstanding scenic and scientific values. Best known for the beautiful and bizarre rock spires called Hoodoos and the dark night sky. The lowest elevation in the park is at 6,620 feet in Yellow Creek. The highest elevation is at 9,115 feet at Rainbow Point.

Our day started at the Visitor's Center to discuss appropriate hikes with a Park Ranger. We decided to first take the scenic drive to Rainbow Point and work out way back toward the park entrance. We also took a lovely hike from Sunrise Point, through the Queens Garden, along a portion of the Navajo Loop returning to Sunset Point. Following our hike was lunch at the Bryce Canyon Lodge, then it was time to hit the trail again. We returned to Sunrise Point to hike a portion of the trail to the Tower Bridge. We didn't make it to the end of the trail, but we always have to remind ourselves it's a lot easier going down than up, and the entire track heads down several hundred feet. It took everything Nancy had to make it back up to the car. After our hike it was time for a couple of cups of coffee, a nice long shower and a comfortable chair and place to put our feet up.

Here are a few photos from our day. I am addicted to my camera, so there are many, many more posted on Flickr. Hope ya'll enjoy - we sure did.

Utah, Capitol Reef National Park and Scenic Highway 12

Today we got an early start as we make our way West! We are on a mission to visit as many National Parks as possible and today was Capitol Reef! You don't hear much about this park and it's not as big as many, but it is equally beautiful and not to be missed. The park has a lovely 10 mile scenic road that is paved, but Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge are maintained dirt roads, both subject to flash floods. You are warned at the visitor center to be aware of weather conditions prior to venturing into the park. As little as an inch of rain can cause major flash flooding in the canyons.

We hiked the Hickman Bridge Trail to visit a lovely natural bridge. All along the 2 mile hike we had clear skies, warm sun, gentle breezes and it goes without saying more natural beauty that you could ever imagine. After our trek we stopped for a picnic lunch, then it was on for our scenic drive. We did another short trek at the end of Capitol Gorge, but cut our walk short as we had a long drive to Bryce Canyon ahead of us.

Be sure to check out all our pictures on Flickr. The link is on the top of the blog.

Utah, Canyonlands National Park Island In The Sky District

We have certainly enjoyed being in this part of the Country. The National Parks can be a playground for people of all ages and we were no exception.

Monday we visited The Needles District, so today we visited the park's Island in The Sky District to the North. Following a brief stop at the Visitor's Center we headed to Mesa Arch and a short hike. Next it was a short drive to the Green River Overlook and the views were spectacular. Upheaval Dome was next where Geologists believe a meteor or comet may have struck the area thousands of years ago. It was a fascinating geographic display, but who can say for sure. Still, spectacular and worth the two mile hike. A short drive South past Murphy Point to the White Rim Overlook and lunch. Our next stop was definitely the highlight of this District, Grand View Point Overlook. A two-mile hike around the rim and we were mezmorized by the beauty, the scenery and how lucky we were to witness this place. Words fail to describe our experience. As we prepared to head back to Moab and our hotel, we visited Murphy point for a few more photos.

Finally, we're back at the hotel, a cup of coffee and a much needed shower. Come on Dinner! We're hungry...but then, aren't we always hungery?

Utah, Arches National Park

The weather in Moab, Utah was spectacular today and allowed me and Joe the perfect opportunity to fully explore Arches National Park. This is such a fascinating place, it is filled with stunning beauty and you can walk, hike, or drive until your heart is content all while enjoying a feast for the eyes. I have said many times that man cannot create anything as beautiful as that which is created in Nature. Amazing vistas,canyons, mountain ranges, rivers, towering spires, pinnacles, balanced rocks, arches and fins. All this and to top it off you enjoy the dramatic La Sal Mountains capped with snow as a backdrop.

If you have an opportunity be sure to visit Arches! It is beautiful and awe inspiring.

Utah, Canyonlands National Park

ABOUT THE PARK: from the brochure: Canyonlands is a wilderness of rock at the heart of the Colorado Plateau. Water and gravity cut layers of sedimentary rock into hundreds of canyons, mesas, buttes, fins, arches and spires. At Center Stage are two Canyons carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers. Surrounding the rivers are vast and different regions: Island in the Sky to the north; the Maze to the west; and the Needles in the east. The park was established in 1964. Only Indians, Covboys, River Explorers and Uranium prospectors dared to enter this rugged corner of south-eastern Utah. Most roads in the park are unpaved and Bighorn sheep,, coyotes and other native animals roam its 527 square miles. Canyonlands is Wild America.

This National Park is overflowing with unimaginable beauty. We entered from the south-east and stopped at the Visitor's Center to speak to the rangers about hikes. First we headed to Big Spring Canyon Overlook, then on to Pothole Point, Squaw Flat, the Wooden Shoe Overlook and Cave Spring.

Tomorrow we plan to visit Arches National Park, and Thursday return to Canyonlands from the North and tour and hike the Island in the Sky region. The Maze area of the park is remote and there is limited access, unless you go off-road, hike in or raft down the river.

If you have an opportunity to come to Moab, it's the adventure capital of the Southwest and we are really enjoying our stay.

Colorado, Telluride - Time to Leave...It's Snowing

We were packing our bags for our trip to Moab....glanced out the window and guess what we had greeting us? SNOW. Time to leave. Heading to warmer weather.