Utah Girls Hiking Adventure 2017 - Zion, Observation Point

We met with a park official in the visitors center and had our day mapped out. Emerald Pools and Observation Point. These appeared to be modest hikes. We completed the Emerald Pools hike and it was quite pedestrian. Decent sites but no Emerald Pools due to the time of year. In the spring as the snow melts it is quite spectacular. However, it is mid-May.

We caught another Zion shuttle and headed up to Weeping Rocks to get started on the 8 mile round trip Observation Point hike.We encountered many people of all ages on this trail. But we noticed with the elevation change that it was getting colder and saw snowflakes; we were unprepared.

Yes, we were aware of the weather and the change in elevation, but honestly we were not prepared for below freezing temps near the top. Combined with the slow drizzle made for a long wet hike. It was 8 miles round trip but it felt more like 20. Was the hike worth it?  Absolutely. Was the view at the top spectacular? Who knows, it was too foggy to tell. But, we felt like we accomplished something. And being close friends for many years we were in it together.

The slot canyon views were amazing, and we were mesmerized by our surroundings. Our backpacks were heavy; funny how you think you "need" all this stuff, then you think to yourself, what?

The trail is hard to see, but it is there.

Ponchos made all the difference and by now we are drying off.

The sun came back out but we were soaked.

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Slot canyon on the trip up, then on the way back down.

After a brief stay and a few adjustments, a snack, and some water we decided to get the heck out of there!  We couldn't feel our hands because of course we didn't bring gloves. So we trudged on. But honestly, we all took some amazing photos.

Amazing view on the way back down.

Of course the sun came out and warmed us up and we finally felt human. But I had to get distracted and take a trip that turned into a slide that concerned my friends more than me. Only my pride was momentarily bruised so we continued down the path. And I am unscathed, not even a bruise. At least not yet.

A sunny overlook on the way back down.

Once on the shuttle we licked our wounds (sort of) and talked about how darn hungry we were!  That was next on the agenda and was mandatory! Since we are staying in Springdale, we stopped in a little place called Whiptails that had amazing fish tacos and salads.  It was a day of firsts and we were beyond satisfied.

All in a days hike. Rain, snow, or shine.

Hiking Utah's Mighty 5-Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon S Rim

After dropping off my girlfriends, I picked up my husband at the airport in Las Vegas which is the beginning of our "Hiking Utah's Mighty 5 trip. (Actually, my dates for this trip will be off since I am posting long after the actual trip.  Life gets busy sometimes even with the best of intentions.)  Hiking Utah's Mighty 5 is actually a 14 day trip through all 5 parks, along with Hoover Dam (yes, I am married to a Civil Engineer so this was a must), and a couple of days at the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

Hoover Dam is an amazing structure and how it benefits communities far and wide is inspiring, along with the Pat Tillman Bridge, the longest span steel concrete composite bridge in the US. Next we headed to the southern rim of the Grand Canyon.  As we descended into the Grand Canyon we were aware of the slower pace required for all of the switchbacks (good excuse for photo opps).  By the time we hit the trail many hikers were already coming out of the canyon looking exhausted due to due the elevation and the oppressive heat.  Little did we know many had spent the night and were hiking back out which is one way to see both the north and south rims. We may have to sign up (at least a year in advance) to do this on another trip.

Hoover Dam

Along the trail by the south rim of the Grand Canyon

Our early morning at the south rim.

We had company along the south rim trail.

The next morning (May 25) to got to the park to watch the sunrise over the canyon. What a sight to see, and we were definitely not alone at 5:00 am.  Later we hiked to Ooh Aah Point along the Kaibab Trail.  We needed much more time here.  Another day, another time.

Same song, second verse. Gearing up for Utah 3

So, here's the deal.  Decided to squeeze in one more short hike in Sam Houston National Forest. It was close by and I hadn't been there in a while, or may be never.  So we headed out early before the heat set in and it was actually pleasant.  Got in 5 miles as we wanted to break in some new gear. It was lush and green and we didn't, I repeat, didn't get carried away by Texas mosquitoes!

This trail, Stubblefield, which is part of the Lone Star Trail, was marked "moderate" and there were only a few areas that would qualify as such.  A couple of low creek/stream crossings with logs and a little climb back up.  There were easy footholds on tree roots that prevented sliding, so no big issues here.  However, the "map," and I use that term loosely, provided by the park office, did not have trails marked very well, which they told us in advance.  Personally, I like to be spontaneous, but I certainly want to know where I am going so I will know how to eventually get back where I want to be. Just sayin'.  But I will say there were plenty of trail markers.

A small part of the trail paralleled Lake Conroe with nice views of the water. So all in all a decent day hike in this area.

This is the "moderate" crossing.

At first glance this looked like a cow head.  

This marker denotes a sharp right turn on the trail and there are plenty of markers.

A nice sturdy bridge.

A trail view of Lake Conroe.

Beautiful foliage along the trail.

Gearing up for Utah, Part 2

As we prepare for a trip to Utah to hike the mighty 5 national parks we thought, heck, we better dust off the hiking boots and hit the road.  Again, gym rats that we are, do not quite prepare us for our hiking adventures.  But it sure helps.

So here is a lovely day in Brazos Bend State Park putting in about 10 miles with the water hyacinth, a multitude of birds and even some gators along the way.  There are some canopy trails and some full sun trails.  And once again, several trails were temporarily closed due to prior rains and flooding that hit this area west of Houston really hard in the spring of 2016.  Glad to see the parks open and ready for us to take in the scenery.

This dude (or dudette) looked intimidating!

The water hyacinth was beautiful but we know all too well how aggressive and fast growing it can be. 

Perfect 80's kind of day to view this area from the viewing platform.

Beautiful, but personally I was looking for gators the entire time.

Gearing up for Utah

Traveled west of Houston to get our hiking legs working. Gym workouts are just not the same. With an upcoming Utah Mighty 5 Hiking Adventure approaching, the need to enjoy the great outdoors (especially while we are experiencing low temps and humidity) was on my brain.

The hiking trails in Stephen F Austin State Park are quite pedestrian. Many trails were closed along the Brazos River due to recent rains but there were still plenty of trails to enjoy. Some trails were designated "moderate" but that may be to make people who do not hike often aware of terrain changes.

We hiked right beside a golf course and around a campground, but few people were out and that suited us just fine for a Thursday in this area. There are plenty of restroom facilities and picnic tables and even benches along the trails. So this is a very family friendly fun area to spend the day. A nice day hike park.

Lovely wooded canopy trail.

Entrance to Stephen F Austin State Park

Beware of trail closures after a rainfall.

The Brazos River typically has this color due to soil in this area.

Nice bridges over most creeks and streams.