Tag: sandstone

Respite from Sheltering: Ute Valley Park

Posted on by Joy

I am praying you are well! Staying home even if gritting your teeth over isolation, staying safe, and even taking time to re-explore hobbies and learn new ones. Now is the time to catch up on all types of things busyness has pushed out of sight and out of mind.

Last Friday, this Monday and Tuesday, I took sunrise walks in Ute Valley Park, a 200-acre city park 2 miles from home. It has wonderful vistas, fascinating geologic formations, and lovely bird-filled meadows. Although our city mayor and governor encouraged us to be outside, staying 6 feet apart and spreading across the many parks available, Tuesday afternoon that changed. We can still enjoy all the outdoor spaces, as long as access is a SHORT WALK away. Sigh . . . Well, here is lovely Ute Valley Park which I won’t be visiting for a while. Doing the right thing is more important now, so let’s enjoy the views from earlier this week.

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Paint Mines in the Prairie

Posted on by Joy

I have not spent time exploring prairies, but occasionally drove through them in WY and MT. With nonexistent experience and naiveté, I believed prairies were flat and boring. I have a lot to learn! Living on the Front Range of the Rockies offers many opportunities for a short drive East to explore Colorado’s contribution to the Great Plains. Today we will explore Paint Mines Interpretive Park, a unique walk through history exploring both prairie and badlands. Amazingly vibrant geological wonders await, so let’s go!

Amazing, Let’s Go!

Nature Walk in Kodachrome

Posted on by Joy

Today we are taking a short nature walk that highlights Utah’s beautiful sandstone formations and life in the high semi-desert ecosystem. We are visiting Kodachrome Basin State Park about 20 miles southeast of Bryce Canyon National Park. I’m already in awe of the fantastic, similar yet different, landscape of Kodachrome. Let’s take our time and really enjoy!

Let’s explore more . . .

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 . . .