We made our way to Arches National Park and Canyonlands in Utah. It was so HOT!!!! The hikes we took were awesome but just hard to find any shade. But once we got to the pay off they loved it. The Delicate Arch was our first hike. That is the Arch you see in the magazines etc. when showing Arches. So cool. The pictures we took on this and really every place we have been just do not show how it really looks! We had a full day hiking both parks and driving to the various look out points.
We camped at Dead Horse Point near Arches. The gnats were swarming but the surrounding canyon over look was amazing at sunset. It is like a smaller version of Grand Canyon. I have never seen anything like it. Looked at it during sunset. It was so still and quiet (until Jackson and Ben got there that is!)
The next day we packed up and drove through Capital Reef National Park on our way to Bryce National Park. We were blown away by the amazing formations on the way to Bryce and in Capital Reef. We ended up staying in Torrey Utah, just outside of Capital Reef since we got side tracked by how cool Capital Reef was.
We spent 2 nights at Calf Creek Canyon Campground a few hours from Bryce. This campground was another place we just stumbled into. It was so beautiful and we were lucky to get the last camping spot (which seems to keep happening to us). This place had a really nice creek running through it. We all loved hanging out there since the last fews days were so hot with new water. The boys ran up and down it. Sam and Jackson took a freezing cold bath in it! We hiked a wonderful trail up to Calf Creek Falls. A hard hot hike with the end being a 42 degree water fall. After getting the courage, Sam jumped in the water and swam to the falls. Sooo cold! We had a clear night looking at the stars. Really nice for all of us to see so many stars and so close to us. Great campsite and fun couple of days and then off to Bryce.
Bryce was beautiful! Did one hike and the drove to look out points because it was so hot. Hard on the boys.
Next stop is Zion National Park. We loved this park so much. The parks are all so amazing but this was was really cool. We stayed in Flannigans Inn just outside of Zion National Park, in Springdale. I was the happiest girl ever! I had just camped a few days, hadnt showered and was ready for some comfort. Flannigans was great! Pool, hot tub, great bed, laundry facilities and a great resturant! This hotel was even featured in Oprahs Magazine which is always a winner!! And I got to shower!
We ended up staying there for 2 nights. We also camped across the street at a really nice campsite right on the Virgin River.
The boys tubed down and it was pretty rough in some spots. The water probably was in the 70's and Ben practically got hypothermia going down it. He was miserable. He wont be going tubing anytime soon!
Zion had amazing formations and canyons. They surrounded our campsite. Sam hiked the Narrows which is a very intense hike that you actually walk through the Virgin River in most parts. The water was up to his chest at some points. Having to hike through narrow slits through the canyons. He enjoyed it. He also hiked a challenging trail called Angels Landing. Right before the top there are chains to help you get to the top. Scary! On both of those hikes the boys and I were swimming in the pool or sleeping in the tent!!
We loved Utah and all the incredible parks. So much to see,every corner we turned was something more amazing!
No comments:
Post a Comment