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11/9/2019 Bryce Canyon. We are actually staying in Cedar City, Utah which is about 1.5 hours from Bryce. However, the drive from Cedar City to Bryce on Utah Hwy 14 is really quite remarkable, so I didn’t mind it one bit. We all thought this was a cool sight along the way.
11/9/2019 Bryce Canyon. We are actually staying in Cedar City, Utah which is about 1.5 hours from Bryce. However, the drive from Cedar City to Bryce on Utah Hwy 14 is really quite remarkable, so I didn’t mind it one bit. We all thought this was a cool sight along the way.
One of the attractions that brings in people from all over the world is “The Amphitheater”. As always, it’s hard (impossible?) to capture in picture. The scale. The colors, the visual impact, all of it is impossible to convey here.
One of the attractions that brings in people from all over the world is “The Amphitheater”. As always, it’s hard (impossible?) to capture in picture. The scale. The colors, the visual impact, all of it is impossible to convey here.
End of the road in the park places you at "Rainbow Point" and we've continued on with a short-ish hike to this overlook.
End of the road in the park places you at "Rainbow Point" and we've continued on with a short-ish hike to this overlook.
We work very hard to see AND experience the places we visit. In places like this, that usually means a hike of some sort. Now, for obvious reasons we have to be semi-selective as to what is achievable and what isn’t. Today we pushed the envelope a little bit with the “Navajo Trail” hike. This trail descends 550 feet down into the canyon and then ascends the 550 feet back up to the rim in the span of 1.3 miles. That’s not the “real” story though because about 0.5 miles of that hike is actually level walking on the floor of the canyon. So, it’s really 1,100 feet of elevation change in 0.8 miles. Here’s a picture of “Wall Street” which is one of the switchback sections that takes you down (or up depending on which direction you are going).
We work very hard to see AND experience the places we visit. In places like this, that usually means a hike of some sort. Now, for obvious reasons we have to be semi-selective as to what is achievable and what isn’t. Today we pushed the envelope a little bit with the “Navajo Trail” hike. This trail descends 550 feet down into the canyon and then ascends the 550 feet back up to the rim in the span of 1.3 miles. That’s not the “real” story though because about 0.5 miles of that hike is actually level walking on the floor of the canyon. So, it’s really 1,100 feet of elevation change in 0.8 miles. Here’s a picture of “Wall Street” which is one of the switchback sections that takes you down (or up depending on which direction you are going).
On our way down…..
On our way down…..
Grant does NOT believe our story that this is the way back to the car.
Grant does NOT believe our story that this is the way back to the car.
….it just keeps going DOWN….
….it just keeps going DOWN….
I overheard a Ranger saying that this is the only slot canyon in Bryce National Park. I did ZERO fact checking, but what I can tell you is that the sun makes it simply _GLOW_ with VERY vivid oranges and reds!
I overheard a Ranger saying that this is the only slot canyon in Bryce National Park. I did ZERO fact checking, but what I can tell you is that the sun makes it simply _GLOW_ with VERY vivid oranges and reds!
….and at the bottom are these two GIANT trees. They really, REALLY look like they do not belong there. Like someone dropped them there with a helicopter.
….and at the bottom are these two GIANT trees. They really, REALLY look like they do not belong there. Like someone dropped them there with a helicopter.
I think she’s happy that we’ve FINALLY made it to the bottom. Eventually, realization will set in that "what goes down must go back up".
I think she’s happy that we’ve FINALLY made it to the bottom. Eventually, realization will set in that "what goes down must go back up".
Really amazing to look back up at where we had come from. It’s a completely different perspective and one that is quite impressive.
Really amazing to look back up at where we had come from. It’s a completely different perspective and one that is quite impressive.
Heading back up!
Heading back up!
“Thor’s Hammer”
“Thor’s Hammer”
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; I LOVE the rangers who make the kids work for their Junior Ranger badge. This guy did not let them off the hook easy on this one.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; I LOVE the rangers who make the kids work for their Junior Ranger badge. This guy did not let them off the hook easy on this one.
In the visitor center, there is this Prairie Dog “thing” that the kids (and kids at heart) can climb through and pop their heads up.
In the visitor center, there is this Prairie Dog “thing” that the kids (and kids at heart) can climb through and pop their heads up.
11/10/2019 Cedar Breaks National Monument. You know, as I review and process these pictures, I realize that it could easily come across that a lot of these Utah parks are the same. Even having been there, I can see the similarities in the pictures. I’m here to tell you though, they all were truly unique in their own way. I can’t stress enough just how amazing it was to see these National Parks. It's sad to hear about how popular and over crowded they have become over the years, but I can see why.
11/10/2019 Cedar Breaks National Monument. You know, as I review and process these pictures, I realize that it could easily come across that a lot of these Utah parks are the same. Even having been there, I can see the similarities in the pictures. I’m here to tell you though, they all were truly unique in their own way. I can’t stress enough just how amazing it was to see these National Parks. It's sad to hear about how popular and over crowded they have become over the years, but I can see why.
The iPhone hates taking pictures into direct sunlight and kids hate looking into direct sunlight. I Just can’t win here!
The iPhone hates taking pictures into direct sunlight and kids hate looking into direct sunlight. I Just can’t win here!
As you exit Cedar Breaks you are presented with the opportunity to drive up to the top of peak called “Brian Head”. Remember this picture from just 3 pictures ago on this page? Look in the background and that’s where we are going because…..why not?
As you exit Cedar Breaks you are presented with the opportunity to drive up to the top of peak called “Brian Head”. Remember this picture from just 3 pictures ago on this page? Look in the background and that’s where we are going because…..why not?
Looking back down into Cedar Breaks
Looking back down into Cedar Breaks
I had casually and semi-humorously asked Dylan if he thought this rock would hold him……ummmmmm, yeah, I guess it does.
I had casually and semi-humorously asked Dylan if he thought this rock would hold him……ummmmmm, yeah, I guess it does.
In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s really just wedged in there.
In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s really just wedged in there.
11/15/2019 It’s moving day and Bear has graciously volunteered to pick up a shift doing the driving duties.
11/15/2019 It’s moving day and Bear has graciously volunteered to pick up a shift doing the driving duties.
…..and we’ve moved to a park with a HEATED pool!
…..and we’ve moved to a park with a HEATED pool!
11/16/2019 Angels Landing in Zion National Park. Google “Top 10 Hikes in the USA” and nearly every list you find will include Angels Landing. It’s considered a “bucket list” item for A LOT of people and is one of the most popular things to do in Zion for those who dare. As a family, we watched a YouTube video about the hike and when it was over, I had just one taker to go with me; Dylan. That’s my boy!!! Saturday morning arrived and we were off before the sun came up so we could catch the first shuttle of the day into Zion. Get off at stop #6 (The Grotto) and you are immediately presented with a clear view of your goal…..
11/16/2019 Angels Landing in Zion National Park. Google “Top 10 Hikes in the USA” and nearly every list you find will include Angels Landing. It’s considered a “bucket list” item for A LOT of people and is one of the most popular things to do in Zion for those who dare. As a family, we watched a YouTube video about the hike and when it was over, I had just one taker to go with me; Dylan. That’s my boy!!! Saturday morning arrived and we were off before the sun came up so we could catch the first shuttle of the day into Zion. Get off at stop #6 (The Grotto) and you are immediately presented with a clear view of your goal…..
It starts off as a fairly benign trail along the Virgin River, but quickly takes a dramatic uphill turn.
It starts off as a fairly benign trail along the Virgin River, but quickly takes a dramatic uphill turn.
My picture makes it a tad hard to see, so here’s that same picture with the course of the trail highlighted for you.
My picture makes it a tad hard to see, so here’s that same picture with the course of the trail highlighted for you.
The views get very nice, very quickly and you get a great look at what the trail actually looks like.
The views get very nice, very quickly and you get a great look at what the trail actually looks like.
All of that leads to a section called “Walter’s Wiggles” which is a switchback section that does what switchbacks do best, they go UP and rapidly.
All of that leads to a section called “Walter’s Wiggles” which is a switchback section that does what switchbacks do best, they go UP and rapidly.
Here’s a fantastic overhead shot of “Walter’s Wiggles” (NOTE: This is NOT my picture! It was borrowed from the internet for illustration purposes)
Here’s a fantastic overhead shot of “Walter’s Wiggles” (NOTE: This is NOT my picture! It was borrowed from the internet for illustration purposes)
Surviving “Walter’s Wiggles” means you have made it to “Scout Lookout” and some breathtaking views.
Surviving “Walter’s Wiggles” means you have made it to “Scout Lookout” and some breathtaking views.
What that also means is that you are about to start the difficult part. That’s right kids, now is the time when it gets “interesting”! Narrow ledges and a thick chain for assistance are the name of the game for the next half mile to the top.
What that also means is that you are about to start the difficult part. That’s right kids, now is the time when it gets “interesting”! Narrow ledges and a thick chain for assistance are the name of the game for the next half mile to the top.
I want to believe that, I really do, but I am just not feeling it at this point.
I want to believe that, I really do, but I am just not feeling it at this point.
Believe me when I tell you that the payoff is worth it! All the huffing, puffing and burnings calf muscles simply disappear when you see this first hand.
Believe me when I tell you that the payoff is worth it! All the huffing, puffing and burnings calf muscles simply disappear when you see this first hand.
The other thing that Angle's Landing is known for? The chipmunks that live up here. They clearly have learned that humans=food and they have ZERO problem getting up close and personal with you.
The other thing that Angle's Landing is known for? The chipmunks that live up here. They clearly have learned that humans=food and they have ZERO problem getting up close and personal with you.
We spent about a half an hour at the top enjoying the views and the chipmunks. This was the only picture I got from our trip back down and I PROMISE it looks a lot more precarious than it actually is!
We spent about a half an hour at the top enjoying the views and the chipmunks. This was the only picture I got from our trip back down and I PROMISE it looks a lot more precarious than it actually is!
Now for the “funny” part; we went up on Saturday morning and that very afternoon, the NPS had to close the upper chain section due to a rock fall!
Now for the “funny” part; we went up on Saturday morning and that very afternoon, the NPS had to close the upper chain section due to a rock fall!
After the hike to Angles Landing, Dylan and I returned home to collect the rest of the crew and head back into the park. Clear skies, no wind and warm temps made for a glorious day.
After the hike to Angles Landing, Dylan and I returned home to collect the rest of the crew and head back into the park. Clear skies, no wind and warm temps made for a glorious day.
11/12/2019 Zion National Park Day #2. The other suuuuuuuper popular hike in Zion is “The Narrows”. This hike is basically _in_ the Vigin River. As in, the Virgin River _is_ the trail. We have opted NOT to do this hike this time around, but the trail to the beginning of “The Narrows” is a really nice and leisurely walk along the river.
11/12/2019 Zion National Park Day #2. The other suuuuuuuper popular hike in Zion is “The Narrows”. This hike is basically _in_ the Vigin River. As in, the Virgin River _is_ the trail. We have opted NOT to do this hike this time around, but the trail to the beginning of “The Narrows” is a really nice and leisurely walk along the river.
…..and this is it. If you want to hike “The Narrows”, you simply get in the river at this point and off you go!
…..and this is it. If you want to hike “The Narrows”, you simply get in the river at this point and off you go!
We’ve gone for a drive to see the east side of the park and this looked like a good place to get out and stretch our legs a little bit.
We’ve gone for a drive to see the east side of the park and this looked like a good place to get out and stretch our legs a little bit.
11/22/2019 This is moving day for us and I’m out and about walking the dog before it’s time to hit the road. It was just a good looking morning in a downright beautiful place.
11/22/2019 This is moving day for us and I’m out and about walking the dog before it’s time to hit the road. It was just a good looking morning in a downright beautiful place.
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