Tag: canyons

White Domes Loop Trail in Valley of Fire

Posted on by Joy

Many of the trails in Valley of Fire State Park are less than 2.5 miles. That’s great because we can do much more each day. Well . . . the trails may be short but often take you twice as long as expected. Learned that the hard way. Why? Most trails are sand and that’s hard walking. Then you travel over rock with some steep sections, some five +/- foot drops to negotiate, and it is difficult to keep trail markers on top of rock so were some missing? Yes. The good news is this rock is not slippery unless wet which rarely happens in the desert. In addition some trails are not well marked even on sand so walking in circles can leave you wondering. The good news? The scenery is to die for!! Off we go . . . in sand.

We are trudging, but let’s go . . .

Canyonlands National Park: Island in the Sky

Posted on by Joy

So what to do with your one day in Canyonlands National Park when the entire eastern side of Utah is experiencing sandstorms with sustained winds from 30-60mph? You take pictures anyway and enjoy the day! Maybe protection from breathing in the sand is a much better use for face masks. Never mind. Let’s go my friend–just hold onto your hat.

Click to Continue . . .

Kolob Canyons, Zion’s Northwest Corner

Posted on by Joy
Thanks to NPS/Daren Reehl for this picture

We visited Kolob Canyons, the far northwest corner of Zion National Park, in April 2017. We had warm temperatures, lots of flowers, lovely bright green Gambel oaks and evergreens. Now, six years later, it is a very different early spring due to very different weather issues. Strong storms raging from the Pacific Ocean across California and hitting the Western states as well as moving across the country. Feet of snow where they usually get none, 30 and 40 degree temps when it should be in the 60s/low 70s, cloudy after cloudy day. Wow! It could be some time before the warm spring sunshine we love prevails. Regardless, snow on enormous red rocks is worth another visit. We are high on the western edge of the Colorado Plateau and taking a 5-mile drive to views that will take your breath away!

Come on along!

A True Death Valley Gem

Posted on by Joy

Welcome to Death Valley! We are staying at Stovepipe Wells Village, about 25 miles from the Furnace Creek area, home to the Visitor Center and more lodging.

From Stovepipe, we travel .2 miles turning left to drive up a 2.3-mile dirt/gravel road to Mosaic Canyon’s trailhead. I was here last year and had to come again. Why did you not hear of my visit last year? Well, that’s a saga, so come along and I’ll fill you in. Beside, you are going to love this hike!

Let’s Go!