The best place to start when visiting a National Park, Monument, etc. is the Visitor Center. Lots of wonderful history, unique features explained, telling of critters they protect and encourage us to, and personalized information to help us enjoy our stay. Who could ask for more? Here at Cedar Breaks the overlook behind the Visitor Center takes us to the view we came to see–the massive geologic amphitheater, 3 miles across and 2,500 feet deep called Cedar Breaks. Let’s go . . .
Here we are, at last! Cedar Breaks National Monument in western Utah. I tried to visit three times prior, each between mid April and late May. The entire area was closed because of snow. So finally planned a dedicated trip to the Monument in early June. Hooray, not much snow left and roads clear. Let’s go!
Welcome to Capitol Reef National Park! It is 7am and we are headed down the Park’s Scenic Drive to Grand Wash Trail. The hike takes us through the Waterpocket Fold which actually defines Capitol Reef. We will walk at the base of 600-foot canyon walls and through 15-foot wide narrows. The temperature is already close to 80 degrees, but hoping the shade in the canyon will keep us cool for a while. This will be fun!
We’ll be taking a look at the views along Bryce Canyon National Park’s Rim Trail. Although the trail is about 5.5 miles long, we’ll only be exploring the 3 miles that goes around Bryce Amphitheater. There are four major overlooks and we’ll see each one starting with Bryce Point, the highest overlook at the south end of the Amphitheater. Welcome to Bryce!
