young buck in velvet

Day 179 – Zion Canyon Loop – Part 2

Day 179 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

Zion National Park

As I mentioned yesterday, I arrived relatively early to the Visitor Center in Zion National Park, parked VANilla under a shady tree, and boarded the shuttle for a 30 minute ride to the Grotto.  From the Grotto, I took the mile long, rocky Kayenta Trail along the cliff’s edge overlooking the Virgin River lined in cottonwoods.  As I rounded the bend, in the distance a tall cascade of water tumbled from the cliff side in the morning sunlight.  The waterfall reflected every color of the rainbow…what a pleasant surprise!  It was hard to contain my eagerness to reach the Upper and Lower Emerald Pool Trail.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!
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!
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!