Utah… land of deserts, mountains, canyons… the most breathtaking landscapes. How does one go about this the best way possible, you ask? Why, in an RV of course! The decision to rent an RV was so amusing to me, as all I could picture was Cousin Eddie (from Christmas Vacation) standing there, in a bathroom, drinking a beer, emptying the black water into the sewer… but you know what? It was GREAT! This trip was the first time husband and I vacationed with another couple – and it really made for a fantastic time. Somehow, we all got along and no one got on eachother’s nerves (as far as i could tell, anyway). That alone seems like a feat worthy of mentioning – 4 full grown adults in a 30 ft. long living space? that sounded like a recipe for disaster for me. But mix in good company, great hiking, and memories to last a lifetime, and you get one incredible journey. Below are some highlights from the trip:
Zion National Park (March 29, 2009)
So begins our first hike of the trip. We chose to do the Emerald Pools hike, and it was a great choice for us to warm up to the hiking – not too strenuous, great views, and an outstanding spot for lunch at the upper pool. If you are looking for an easy hike, I recommend this – if it’s warm outside, you’ll get to cool off a little bit from the spray of water every now and then from the occasional water falls forming the pools. I hope to go back one day and do some more hiking in the park. Another highlight was driving through Zion to the north exit, so that we could continue on to Bryce Canyon. Harrowing is probably the best word to describe that… taking an RV through tight switchbacks was… interesting… but it was such an amazing drive – I have never seen anything like it. If you aren’t up for hiking, I recommend at least taking this drive through Zion.
Bryce Canyon (March 30, 2009)
By far, my absolute favorite day of this trip. After a beautiful drive through Red Canyon in Dixie National Forest, and waiting for the snow to slow down a bit while eating a hearty breakfast at Ruby’s Inn just outside of Bryce – we went on to see what is now my favorite place in America: Bryce Canyon National Park. After talking to one of the rangers, we decided to catch a geology class held at the top of the amphitheater, and to take the Navajo Loop. The park ranger class was great – probably meant more for kids, but informative and entertaining all the same. Bryce (made up of hoodoos) was actually formed from plates shifting, creating columns – which then took on the hoodoo formations due to erosion. The Navajo Loop was perfect: a good degree of exertion (possibly due to snow, wind, cold, and the fact that i was feeling sick), and the best scenery I have ever experienced in the US. We were extremely lucky to have had snow just before going on the hike, as it added to the beauty of it all. Some highlights on the hike include Wall Street, and Thor’s Hammer.
Arches National Park
Arches is probably one of the more well-known national parks… and I was extremely excited to see it. While it was nice – it was not my favorite spot on the trip. This may have something to do with the fact that my sinus infection was so bad, I was 7 weeks pregnant, and just felt like crud. That being said, I still think it’s a must to see the landscape – it’s like right out of the movies. Some other tips – the main attractions are not difficult hikes – if you’re sick, or just want to go on a stroll, this is a good park to enjoy… not necessarily great for strollers or wheelchairs, but it is accessible in some places (like to go see Delicate Arch or Balanced Rock – even if just from a distance).
Canyonlands National Park
coming soon… (sorry trying to catch up on a trip that took place months ago!)
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: bryce canyon national park, travel, utah, vacation, zion national park
