 |
| Castle in the Sky above the visitors center. |
 |
| Another amazing tree. |
 |
| Cassidy's Arch |
 |
| Another photo from our drive to Capital Reef. The rock layers are amazing. |
 |
| View on our drive into Capital Reef NP. |
 |
| Thank you Fitbit for a memory of our day. |
20 February 2018
Hiking Utah's Mighty 5 - Capital Reef NP 2017
Today, May 30th, we left Moab and headed to Torrey, Utah to hike in Capital Reef National Park. As we were driving I noticed such a difference in the landscape. The rocks changed colors and the layering was completely different. Plenty of photo opps and a nice easy drive. With perfect weather of 75 degrees and low humidity we hiked Cassidy's Arch as recommended by the ranger at the visitors center. It was a nice evening 4 mile hike after traveling in the car. It was considered a strenuous hike, but after the mesa in Canyonlands it was a breeze. It involved a little climbing over rocks, bowl/dome walking and some ledges to maneuver, but overall a great hike. We ended our evening at Rim Rock Restaurant with a nice mountain view.
The great outdoors and travel have always interested me. I prefer villages over cities, most of the time; and interacting through culture with food, people and discovering new places to explore.
It all began innocently at first and then it became a passion. I "live" to travel, eat, and experience life wherever I may be with my partner in life, my husband (also an adventurer). And if most of my travels are outdoors, I am at peace.
Hiking Utah's Mighty 5 - Canyonlands 2017
While still lodging in Moab we took a day to hike Canyonlands National Park. What a difference in landscape in this park. Murphy's Overlook Point and loop trail is a 12 mile round trip hike. It began as a leisurely walk with canyon views, the Green River and La Sal mountains in the distance. The vastness of this canyon is quite astounding as you can see for miles and miles. Next we headed to the Murphy Loop Trail. We must not have read the fine print for the trail description because this trail required a 1400 foot elevation change descending a mesa into the canyon. Going down was not only strenuous but very difficult for someone with a short stride. Once down in the canyon it was intensely hot with no breeze at all. We began the actual loop part of this trail but it was 7 miles in wide open sun and we actually didn't bring enough water. So after hiking a couple of miles we turned around to make the trek back up the Mesa.
We learned a lot today. Lowlanders such as ourselves have some difficulty hiking with quick elevation change. Lesson learned. And next time we know to begin as early as possible.
 |
| A vast canyon |
 |
| Mesa |
The next day we set out to enjoy another day of hiking in Canyonlands NP with vistas at a cooler temperature. Mesa Arch was a short hike but a favorite of many photographers. Then we went on to Aztec Butte and Granary. Climbing over the buttes required some scrambling which made me feel like I did when I was a little girl (and a lot like a g
goat!).
 |
| Another butte! |
 |
| A photographer at work. |
 |
| The mesa we hiked. It does not look intimidating here. |
The great outdoors and travel have always interested me. I prefer villages over cities, most of the time; and interacting through culture with food, people and discovering new places to explore.
It all began innocently at first and then it became a passion. I "live" to travel, eat, and experience life wherever I may be with my partner in life, my husband (also an adventurer). And if most of my travels are outdoors, I am at peace.
Hiking Utah's Mighty 5 - Bluff & Arches NP
Leaving the southern rim of the Grand Canyon we headed to Four Corners which is located on a Navajo reservation but it was closed. So we took off for Bluff, Utah. It was a beautiful drive to Bluff meandering through rolling hills with beautiful rock landscapes. Upon arrival we knew we were in a "one house town." But the accommodation was a lovely boutique hotel with only 10 rooms, La Posada Pintada, set in this barren landscape with the "twin rocks" as a background. This was a totally different landscape than where we had just hiked in the Grand Canyon. But this was only a 1 night stay before we headed to Moab, Utah. But we had a fantastic homemade breakfast of quiche, fresh fruits, veggies, teas, juice, breads and coffee. Yum!
Next we headed to Moab for a 4 night stay to take in Arches National Park. All I can say is wow! It was Memorial Day weekend so we had plenty of company. But the sun was shining and we planned 3 days of hiking in Arches and Canyonlands.
Delicate Arch is a favorite and not an arduous hike but required a little climbing and some ledge work. But just a glimpse of this arch is worth the effort and many families with young children beat us there before 7:00 am. I am thankful for the parks service and dedication to protect such natural beauty and the serenity of this arch.
Later we hiked to Landscape Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch and Double O Arch. Each one had their own specific beauty. Once again these hikes required some moderate climbing. We continued our hike on Devils Garden on the primitive trail which was very strenuous with some difficult traversing of rock. But my hubs is a great guide. This was a 10 mile hike round trip with beautiful canyon views. Since we are in the desert there was an area at the end of the trail that required walking through sand which is exhausting at the end of a hot day. Still worth it though. Last hike of the day was Tower Arch then we drove to Windows Arch, Turret Arch, and Double Arch. The last three are just a short distance from the road and did not require much hiking. All in all today was 16+ miles of hiking and 42K steps (thank you Fitbit!)
 |
| Twin Rocks |
 |
| La Posada Pintada Boutique Hotel |
Next we headed to Moab for a 4 night stay to take in Arches National Park. All I can say is wow! It was Memorial Day weekend so we had plenty of company. But the sun was shining and we planned 3 days of hiking in Arches and Canyonlands.
Delicate Arch is a favorite and not an arduous hike but required a little climbing and some ledge work. But just a glimpse of this arch is worth the effort and many families with young children beat us there before 7:00 am. I am thankful for the parks service and dedication to protect such natural beauty and the serenity of this arch.
 |
| Delicate Arch |
 |
| On the hike up to Delicate Arch |
Later we hiked to Landscape Arch, Partition Arch, Navajo Arch and Double O Arch. Each one had their own specific beauty. Once again these hikes required some moderate climbing. We continued our hike on Devils Garden on the primitive trail which was very strenuous with some difficult traversing of rock. But my hubs is a great guide. This was a 10 mile hike round trip with beautiful canyon views. Since we are in the desert there was an area at the end of the trail that required walking through sand which is exhausting at the end of a hot day. Still worth it though. Last hike of the day was Tower Arch then we drove to Windows Arch, Turret Arch, and Double Arch. The last three are just a short distance from the road and did not require much hiking. All in all today was 16+ miles of hiking and 42K steps (thank you Fitbit!)
 |
| Tree lover |
 |
| Double Arch |
 |
| Just a few ledges to hike on the way up to Delicate Arch |
The great outdoors and travel have always interested me. I prefer villages over cities, most of the time; and interacting through culture with food, people and discovering new places to explore.
It all began innocently at first and then it became a passion. I "live" to travel, eat, and experience life wherever I may be with my partner in life, my husband (also an adventurer). And if most of my travels are outdoors, I am at peace.
Utah Girls Hiking Adventure 2017-Bryce Canyon
Leaving Zion after our white knuckle hike of Hidden Canyon Trail, but we were anxious to get to Bryce Canyon. Our trip was planned using Mount Carmel highway, which is a scenic drive. However, there was a landslide, so the road was closed forcing us to take the long way around to Topic where we were staying in cabins.
It was a decent drive and upon our arrival in Tropic we figured we were in a "one horse" kind of town. Small, quaint, rural. But hot breakfast was right across the street with a small market. I have been dreaming about the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon for quite a while, so it was an exciting day. We found a great restaurant, Stone Hearth Grill, for some nice healthy options for dinner.
The next morning bright and early we parked at the visitors center to get the hiking scoop and rode the shuttle up to the main observation area. It is comforting to know that so many people, young and old have the ability to view these beautiful formations without having to hike much. It is almost mesmerizing.
We chose to take in Navajo Trail Loop and Queens Garden. It was raining, but not pouring so it was doable. We only have one full day here in Bryce Canyon, so we hiked Navajo Trail Loop, Queens Garden, part of Peek-a-boo. We ate lunch on the trail hiking part of Fairyland Trail and Rim Trail. The hike back up out of the canyon was hot, hot, hot and it was a 15 mile day. So we opted for dinner at Bryce Canyon Lodge and missed our shuttle back to our car. No worries, everyone walks here. But walking down the main road at night was intimidating. But we made it and headed back to Tropic.
It was a decent drive and upon our arrival in Tropic we figured we were in a "one horse" kind of town. Small, quaint, rural. But hot breakfast was right across the street with a small market. I have been dreaming about the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon for quite a while, so it was an exciting day. We found a great restaurant, Stone Hearth Grill, for some nice healthy options for dinner.
The next morning bright and early we parked at the visitors center to get the hiking scoop and rode the shuttle up to the main observation area. It is comforting to know that so many people, young and old have the ability to view these beautiful formations without having to hike much. It is almost mesmerizing.
We chose to take in Navajo Trail Loop and Queens Garden. It was raining, but not pouring so it was doable. We only have one full day here in Bryce Canyon, so we hiked Navajo Trail Loop, Queens Garden, part of Peek-a-boo. We ate lunch on the trail hiking part of Fairyland Trail and Rim Trail. The hike back up out of the canyon was hot, hot, hot and it was a 15 mile day. So we opted for dinner at Bryce Canyon Lodge and missed our shuttle back to our car. No worries, everyone walks here. But walking down the main road at night was intimidating. But we made it and headed back to Tropic.
 |
| Photos do not capture these amazing hoodoos. This area seems almost like another planet. |
 |
| You can see for miles and miles. |
 |
| The three musketeers! |
 |
| Seriously, this is one of my favorite pics. Survival. |
 |
| The Maddhatters reflect on a great Utah trip. The 3 Musketeers have another hiking trip in the memory bank. |
The great outdoors and travel have always interested me. I prefer villages over cities, most of the time; and interacting through culture with food, people and discovering new places to explore.
It all began innocently at first and then it became a passion. I "live" to travel, eat, and experience life wherever I may be with my partner in life, my husband (also an adventurer). And if most of my travels are outdoors, I am at peace.
Utah Girls Hiking Adventure 2017-Hidden Canyon Trail, Zion
We decided to take on Hidden Canyon Trail. It was a white knuckle, chain gripping, cliff hugging hike. A strenuous 6 miles but only because we were amateurs at chain work. It was hard to take pics hanging on to chains, but as others walked around us on these ledges without any fear we figured we need to a least get one pic (actually 3).
 |
| Hiking up Hidden Canyon Trail with chain work. |
 |
| On the way back down on a larger ledge. |
 |
| Honestly, that ledge did not look that big while we were hiking. |
While this was quite an experience, I hope to do it again but with more planning. Growing up in WV I climbed rocks all the time. But not so much ledge walking around canyons. Exhilarating to say the least.
The great outdoors and travel have always interested me. I prefer villages over cities, most of the time; and interacting through culture with food, people and discovering new places to explore.
It all began innocently at first and then it became a passion. I "live" to travel, eat, and experience life wherever I may be with my partner in life, my husband (also an adventurer). And if most of my travels are outdoors, I am at peace.
Utah Girls Hiking Adventure 2017-Zion, West Rim
Hiking in Zion we hiked up Walters Wiggles (fun) which had too many switchbacks to count then on to Angels Landing, but due to crowds we chose to hike the west rim trail. The chain work on Angels Landing with crowds was not appealing. Gorgeous panoramic photo opps all along the west rim. It was an 11 mile hike day and the sun was out to play.
Not for someone who has an issue with heights. But otherwise a moderate hike.
 |
| The west rim |
 |
| Resting on a switchback. |
 |
Not for someone who has an issue with heights. But otherwise a moderate hike.
 |
| Beautiful rock formations |
The great outdoors and travel have always interested me. I prefer villages over cities, most of the time; and interacting through culture with food, people and discovering new places to explore.
It all began innocently at first and then it became a passion. I "live" to travel, eat, and experience life wherever I may be with my partner in life, my husband (also an adventurer). And if most of my travels are outdoors, I am at peace.
Utah Girls Hiking Adventure 2017-The beginning
In this photo we call ourselves the "Madhatters!" It's kind of funny how much people comment on the crazy Tula straw hats made in Austin Texas! It's quite a conversation starter. The three of us have been friends for over three decades and we all love the outdoors. After a Oregon hiking trip back in 2014 we thought we would try it again.
We flew from Houston (and one from Austin) to Vegas, hopped in a rental car and headed to Zion. It was quite a drive with views we hope to experience and photograph on our first day in Zion. Our lodging at Cliffrose Lodge was a perfect location to the visitors center and trail shuttles. With a full kitchen we planned to make a hot breakfast each morning. After a decent lunch the day of our arrival we went to the Sol Market to get some goods for breakfast and our full day out on the trails tomorrow. The visitors center really helped us choose our hikes based upon weather and trail condition. So we are set. At least I hope so.
Stay tuned for more pics and tales of adventure in the days to come.
We flew from Houston (and one from Austin) to Vegas, hopped in a rental car and headed to Zion. It was quite a drive with views we hope to experience and photograph on our first day in Zion. Our lodging at Cliffrose Lodge was a perfect location to the visitors center and trail shuttles. With a full kitchen we planned to make a hot breakfast each morning. After a decent lunch the day of our arrival we went to the Sol Market to get some goods for breakfast and our full day out on the trails tomorrow. The visitors center really helped us choose our hikes based upon weather and trail condition. So we are set. At least I hope so.
Stay tuned for more pics and tales of adventure in the days to come.
The great outdoors and travel have always interested me. I prefer villages over cities, most of the time; and interacting through culture with food, people and discovering new places to explore.
It all began innocently at first and then it became a passion. I "live" to travel, eat, and experience life wherever I may be with my partner in life, my husband (also an adventurer). And if most of my travels are outdoors, I am at peace.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)