Category: Canyons

Colorado Canyons & Mesas

Posted on by Joy

Part 1–Colorado National Monument

Finally a Road Trip!!!

Wow, has it been a tough year or what!? I hope you and yours are well and getting back to life as you love it. Needless to say, my traveling came to a screeching halt, but time to be safe and hit the road again. So here we go exploring canyons and mesas in western Colorado. You are going to love this!

We have a five hour trip to Grand Junction to spend four days exploring Colorado National Monument and surrounds. Then heading over Grand Mesa–Part 2 for three days in Cimarron outside Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park which we’ll explore in Part 3. So exciting to be out and about again!

Eastern Entrance Road–Colorado National Monument
Grab your hat and sunscreen–Let’s Go!

Gorgeous Canyon Views, Scary Winter Possibilities–What a Difference a Day Makes!

Posted on by Joy

Name one thing that is great about Yellowstone in October: Off-season lodge rates. Name one word of caution about Yellowstone in October: SNOW. Since I love staying at the new Canyon Lodges with steep discounts and the aspen and cottonwoods are in sparkling yellow now, I’ll take my chances. It is a gorgeous day to drive along the Gibbon River to Norris Junction then heading east to the Canyon area. The Gibbon River has thermal features along its banks and is one of only a few Yellowstone rivers flowing north to south, but that’s a story for another day. Today we are heading to Canyon’s Washburn Lodge, staying the last two nights before the Canyon area closes until next May. Tomorrow morning we will walk the northern end of North Rim Trail to explore waterfalls and canyon walls. This will be such fun.

So excited . . .

Zion’s Northwest Treasure: Kolob Canyons

Posted on by Joy

Tucked away in the northwest corner of Zion National Park is the stunning five-mile scenic drive into Kolob Canyons. Most people either drive right by or never take the time to head to this area. It’s a shame for them, but means less crowds for us. Kolob is home to narrow parallel box canyons, called finger canyons, cutting into the western edge of the Colorado Plateau. Glorious peaks with 2,000 foot crimson cliff walls.  The word “Kolob” is from Mormon scripture meaning “residence closest to heaven.” Let’s see for ourselves!

Come on along . . .

Zion’s Angel’s Landing Challenge !?!

Posted on by Joy

I am excited! This is my very first visit to Zion National Park in southern Utah. Taking the shuttle bus into Zion Canyon, the only option from mid March to late November, we’ll get off at the Grotto picnic area. From there we cross the bridge over the Virgin River and begin the hike to Angel’s Landing. One of the most famous hikes in the national park system and one of the very best short hikes in all North America, how can we not give it a go? This is the most popular hike in Zion, but many people turn back before going half way. You know me. Lung issues make elevation gains a real struggle plus I’m afraid of heights–remind me again why I’m visiting canyons? Well, why not!

I already know I cannot walk the last half mile to the top of Angel’s Landing since it requires pulling yourself along chains, using both hands for safety, then walking on a rock trail, sometimes only 3-feet wide, with 1,000 foot drops on each side. Totally not an option for me! My challenge is to make it up 1,080 feet to Scout Outlook. However, Plan B is going as far as I can without being scared to death by narrow trails along cliff edges. Always good to have a Plan B. So let’s get going. It is 7am, temperature in the mid 50’s, and the sun is beginning to hit the mountain tops. A beautiful morning to challenge that fear of heights!

Let’s go . . .