Kodachrome State Park

Day 178 – Bryce Canyon Country (Part 3) and Zion Canyon Loop

Day 178 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

I suppose I haven’t mentioned people much in the last few days.  I believe there are more foreigners than Americans in southern Utah.  Germans, French, and Japanese seem to be most drawn to the natural wonders of the world.  If I had to guess, several travel agents sell a package to the Grand Canyon and the National Parks in Utah.

I also met a few fellow Texans from the Austin area at Calf Creek Recreation Area.  They opted not to take the whole hike to the falls, which was probably a good choice.  They were on a three-month sabbatical with their ultimate destination being Alaska, so I’m certain they will find more falls while on their journey.  I ran into them again in Bryce, some sixty miles away and a day later! 

They commented that yesterday was the first hot day in the area and they simply felt tuckered out.  I agreed.  Being Texans we all laughed that a dry eighty degree day felt like a sauna to us.  It is just an amazing reminder of how bodies adjust to conditions over time.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!

Day 176 – Bryce Canyon Country Grand Staircase Escalante

Day 176 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways
Torrey and Boulder

So Torrey has about three restaurants, three motels, a few RV parks, two gas stations and TWO coffee shops.  I’m amazed a small town and through traffic could support two coffee shops.  I guess that’s why a shot of coffee is three bucks! We took advantage of the free wi-fi at the RV Park across from the Days Inn this morning, so we got a bit of a late start.  VANilla wound past groves of leafless aspen, startled a few mule deer, and chugged over a 9,600 foot summit patched in snow before we finally reached Boulder, Utah where we briefly stopped to gather some information about the Grand Staircase Escalante area.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!

Day 174 – Utah Byways (Arches NP) – Part 3

Day 174 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

Arches National Park

Petey and I got an early start today.  We left our campground at 7 am to get to Devils Garden Trailhead in the northernmost part of Arches National Park by 8am.  I’m not sure if it was my early arrival time or the light drizzle that helped me beat the crowds, but either way, VANilla was one of only four cars in the parking lot when I started my trek.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!
the needles

Day 173 – Utah Byways – Part 2

Day 173 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways
Short Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

I began an early morning in Canyonlands National Park in a light sprinkle.  The map showed four short hikes in Canyonlands that I wanted to cover before lunch as I wanted to reach Moab in time to find a campsite.  In addition, if the sun came out, I wanted Petey to be comfortable in VANilla since dogs aren’t allowed on the trails.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!
hamburger rock campgrounds

Day 172 – Monument Valley Meander (Part 2) and Utah Byways

Day 172 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

Muley Point in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

I’m glad I didn’t go with the 17 mile dirt road drive at Monument Valley Meander yesterday, as I spent most of this morning off roading.  My first destination for the day was to Muley Point which can be reached after climbing 1,100 feet over three miles along a dirt road with 10% grades and 5 mph switchbacks.  A variety of road signs prohibit RV’s, vehicles over 10,000 pounds, and trailers. 

Within the first mile, I encountered all three signs…giving me second thoughts about making the ascent given I have a 9,500 pound vehicle.  After the three mile scramble up Moki Dugway, visitors must turn left on Muley Point Road that is “Impassable When Wet”.  I presume due to the softness of the road given it was relatively smooth and flat.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!

Day 171 – Monument Valley Meander

Day 171 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways
Navajo National Monument

Indian territory in Arizona recognizes daylight savings, unlike the state, so I ended up losing an hour and got a bit of a late start this morning.  VANilla carted us about 60 miles through the Monument Valley area to Navajo National Monument past an interesting pair of buttes called Elephant Feet.  As one would guess, these sandstone monuments look like wrinkled, leathery elephant feet.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!
hoover dam

Day 169 – Hoover Dam and Bridge

Day 169 of Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways
Lake Mead Lakeview Overlook

Petey and I left the Wal-Mart parking lot early, stopped for a shower at my gym, 24 Hour Fitness, and proceeded toward Hoover Dam.  I wanted to tour the Hoover dam and bridge and tours are offered on a first come, first served basis starting at 9 am.

We reached an overlook where we took in the views of Lake Mead before continuing a mile further where there was a security check point.  I joined the RV line.  I presumed they’d at least check my propane tank like I had experienced in crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.  Nervous about carrying my .38 pistol on Federal property which is illegal even with a concealed handgun license, I at least unloaded it at the overlook. 

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!