Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon’s Glorious Hoodoos

julietrevelyan — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:17:13 +0000

Bryce Canyon, which reaches over 9,000 feet in elevation, is ushering in crisp temps right about now. Seeing the beautifully scattered jumbles of hoodoos in their rich colors framed against a tempestuous sky as the American Southwest’s monsoon season winds to a close is a breathtaking sight you won’t soon forget. Visitors from around the world, numbering over 1.7 million in 2010, flock to Bryce Canyon. They come to hike, ride a horse, introduce their kids to nature, or just gaze at the awesome majesty of this natural amphitheater. Fall is an ideal time of year to go: the rock colors pop even more in the cool air, the crowds have thinned, and the light illuminates every view in magnificent manner.

6 Things to Do in Zion that Don’t Involve Hiking

julietrevelyan — Tue, 31 May 2011 22:35:26 +0000

Of course, Zion National Park is really all about seeing the sights. Most people see those sights via hiking. But sometimes you just don’t wanna move that much, or members of your party can’t really hike, or other activitiessimply appeal more. Luckily, Zion is located in a place that allows for more opportunities that just hiking. Here’s a round up of a few non-ambulatory things to do in Zion that are actually pretty cool.

1) Junior Ranger Program. Okay, a little bit of hiking is involved here. But it’s not “real” hiking, it’s just sort of walking around for the littlest people in your group. Check it out; they can earn a badge too.

2) Zion Shuttle. This will probably take you to places to hike. But you don’t have to get off the shuttle. It’s a great, clean fuel, free way to see the Park without needing to pay attention to your driving. Just look out the windows and enjoy.

checking out the views between shuttle stops

image: Alaskan Dude/Flickr

3) Zion Canyon Scenic Byway. But you want to drive, you say? Then cruise along this most lovely road, pull into the turnouts for pics, and see some of Zion’s grandeur from the road.

4) Tuacahn Amphitheatre. Come to “Broadway in the desert” for an experience you’ll not soon forget. Dinner is available along with the current show.

5) The Shakespearean Festival. In Cedar City, near the Kolob Canyons section of Zion, this 50-year-old festival offers up superb entertainment in an authentically-styled playhouse.

image: twbuckner/Flickr

6) Canyon Trail Rides. If you want to be on a trail but not sweat as much, why not ride a horse? Steer your trusty cowpony along the Sand Bench Trail and enjoy the views with half as much effort.

10 Reasons to Visit Moab

julietrevelyan — Tue, 31 May 2011 22:04:35 +0000

There are tons of reasons to visit Moab, the desert mecca for mountain bikers, hikers, photographers, and general red rock enthusiasts. From the national parks to the miles of trails to the famous river rapids to the good restaurants in the bustling downtown, Moab offers up a passel of delights. Here are my current faves. Let me know if you have others!

1. Arches National Park. Home of over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Wowza.

2. Canyonlands National Park. Home of vistas to stir your heart and trails to test your mettle.

3. Slickrock Bike Trail. It’s famous, it’s awesome, it’s a must-do if you ride a mountain bike.

4. Behind the Rocks. The locals’ secret, it’s got super sweet mountain biking and hiking trails, and more arches than you’d expect.

5. Dead Horse Point Mesa Scenic Byway. A gorgeous driving road that leads to one of the most photographed vistas in the world: Dead Horse Point.

image: Navin75/Flickr

6. Tour guiding companies galore to explore the area: hike, bike, rock climb, river run, and more. Go with a pro.

7. Moab Brewery. Okay, this should definitely not be your only reason to visit Moab. But let me tell you, it’s a great way to cap off a day of exploring.

8. Delicate Arch. World-famous. Gorgeous. You gotta see it in your lifetime if you can.

image: James.Gordon6108/Flickr

9. Mesa Arch Trail. In Canyonlands, it’s short, and I bet you’ve seen sunrise photos taken from here before. Definite must-do if you’re a photographer.

10. Potash/Colorado River Scenic Byway 279. Yeah, more driving, but boy is it a sweet one. Potash Road is the place for climbers; keep your eyes peeled on the rocks high above.

Private Horses Still Banned from Bryce Canyon until June 4

julietrevelyan — Tue, 31 May 2011 21:38:53 +0000

Have horse, will travel? Not so fast, said Utah’s state veterinarian. Due a recent outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 (EHV-1), which is potentially deadly, privately-owned horses are banned from Bryce Canyon National Park until June 4.

In the meantime, catch a ride with Canyon Trail Rides, the official horseback riding operation in Bryce Canyon. They offer 2-hour and 1/2-day horseback rides on Bryce Canyon trails every day, including the lovely Peekaboo Loop.

image: ZannaLyons/Flickr

Canyonlands’ White Rim Road Remains Closed to All Traffic

julietrevelyan — Tue, 31 May 2011 21:07:36 +0000

If you plan to check out the famous White Rim Road in Canyonlands National Park, you’ll need to wait until the water is down. Due to extremely high spring run-off, the popular road is closed to all traffic; this includes foot, bicycle, and motorized vehicles. The water run-off also affects river trips; if you have a scheduled float, check in with the guide service taking you to see how it might specifically impact your trip through Canyonlands.

To keep an eye on water levels, check out the USGS Real Time Water Data site or the National Weather Service page of similar information.

image: National Park Service

Salt Creek Road in Canyonlands Remains Closed to Vehicles by Federal Order

julietrevelyan — Tue, 31 May 2011 20:58:57 +0000

Salt Creek Road in Canyonlands National Park is a contentious spot. If you’ve ever thought a Jeep tour along it might be a nice idea, think again: a federal judge in Utah has handed down an 81-page ruling that declares Salt Creek to be not a road at all, which has some supporters cheering and some opponents casting dark looks. More detailed background on this particular controversy sheds light on the fragile history and ongoing battle over land use in Utah’s excellent backcountry areas. Read the Environmental Assessment, released in 2002, for more information. Located in the Needles District, Salt Creek Canyon is beloved by many, although often for different reasons.

You can still hike this area, which is a common activity for those wishing to reach the spectacular Angel Arch, which some argue is the finest in Canyonlands.

image: cm195902/Flickr

Prescribed Burns in Zion Canyon

julietrevelyan — Tue, 31 May 2011 20:41:55 +0000

If you come to Zion National Park to play in the wilderness, don’t be too alarmed if you see smoke and fire during your visit. Four fires are set to burn this spring as part of ongoing land management efforts by park personnel.

The affected areas will be along the popular Pa’rus Trail. Traffic and other control will be handled in a hopefully smooth manner that will affect your stay as little as possible.

10 Reasons to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park

julietrevelyan — Fri, 20 May 2011 08:00:56 +0000

Home of hoodoos, fantastic rock formations shaped by water and wind, crisp high altitude air, and adoring visitors, Bryce Canyon National Park is a favorite for many. Here are my 10 favorite reasons to visit Bryce Canyon. Feel free to add your own in the comments!

1. Fairyland Loop. Not as crowded as other trails, totally gorgeous. Put it on your to-do list.

2. Night Skies Program. Check out some of the darkest skies in North America and learn cool star stuff from the “dark rangers.”

3. Full Moon Hikes. Super popular, super cool. Must make reservations the morning of the hike. Yes, you must be there during a full moon.

4. Navajo Loop. A classic must-do. Short & sweet, it shows off classic Bryce scenery.

Navajo Loop

[photo: CLightPictures/Flickr]

5. Junior Ranger program. Introduce the kids to the great outdoors, watch them learn while having fun.

6. Bryce Canyon Shuttle. Ride the free, clean-fuel shuttle, save on gas, save the environment, feel good.

7. Rim Trail. Follow under the rim of Bryce Canyon’s amphitheater and gaze down into hoodoo land below.

8. Canyon Trail Rides. Get on a horse and see Bryce Canyon in old west style.

9. Queen’s Garden. Yes, it’s true: some claim to see Queen Victoria’s stately visage in the hoodoos.

10. Red Canyon. Okay, this is not actually in Bryce Canyon. However, it’s only nine miles away, it’s like a mini-Bryce, and it has all the natural amenities yet fewer crowds. Great biking trails, too.

10 Reasons to Visit Zion National Park

julietrevelyan — Thu, 19 May 2011 18:24:50 +0000

Called a gem of the National Park system, Zion is a jaw-dropping paradise of towering red rock walls, tumbling waterfalls, hikes from gentle riverside strolls to multi-day backcountry excursions, and the surprising yet very welcome little town of Springdale nestled right by the park’s southern entrance. Why should you visit? My 10 favorite reasons:

1. Zion Narrows. World-famous, totally worthy of placement on your bucket list.

Zion Narrows

[photo: Ada Be/Flickr]

2. Junior Ranger Program. Get the kids involved. They learn, have fun, & you can relax a bit while they hang with the rangers.

3. Emerald Pools. Three pools, three hikes, amazing views all along.

4. Angels Landing. Hike smart, be rewarded with the most stunning views in Zion.

5. Kolob Arch. It’s a haul, but it takes you to one of the world’s largest freestanding arches. Sweet.

6. Zion Shuttle. They get it: a free, clean-fuel shuttle to cut down on pollution, traffic, & irritable visitors.

7. Pa’rus Trail. You can walk, jog, bike, take your leashed dog, navigate a wheelchair, push a stroller on it.

8. Observation Point. Deserving of its name. Bring your camera and exercise your lungs on the way up.

9. Canyon Trail Rides. Ride a horse through the scenery. Fun!

10. The Subway. No, not underground travel, but a cool slot canyon for adventuresome explorers.

Amazing Earthfest! May 15-21

julietrevelyan — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 01:21:30 +0000

Amazing Earthfest! celebrates America’s public lands, focusing on the Colorado Plateau area. This means Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Zion National Park here in Utah.

Join their 5th annual festivities this year in Kanab, Utah, May 15-21. Find out about artists like Maynard Dixon, discover geology unique to the Colorado Plateau, go on hikes or bike rides, watch award-winning films on pertinent subjects, and much more.

image: Amazing Earthfest!