Kolob canyon

I saw this canyon was a part of Zion that we would pass on the way to the airport so we stopped by. The views were beautiful and the air was very clear and cool. If I had known about this place earlier, I would have definitely come for a hike.

Zion - Angel's Landing

After doing the Narrows the previous day, we decided to complete other of the "strenuous" hikes with Angel's Landing. We stayed overnight in the Zion lodge and the air was so cool and refreshing in the morning we stayed a bit longer to enjoy the cabin. 

We started on trail around 8:30 and there was already a lot of people on the hike. Some people must have started before 6am to be heading down the trail by then. 

I know I'm totally fearful of heights so I knew I might not be able to finish. I got past the first rocky area with chains but did not attempt the second part. But still, the views were amazing! I ended up sitting on a beautiful precipice while the rest of my party did the vertiginous portion. I was able to chat with 2 others who were sitting out the scary climb. While waiting we saw maybe 20 vultures flying around. Maybe it's mating season?

The hike was fantastic and I'm glad I got as far as I did. 

Zion Lodge

I was able to get a 1-night reservation at Zion Lodge for our trip to the park. This was fantastic not only because we could get an early start and enjoy the sunset and sunrise in the park but also because with the covid-19 restrictions, we were able to get into the park without a shuttle bus reservation (more about reservations on my post Zion - The Narrows). We had a special access code and parking permit to allow us to enter the park. 

The drive in from the east was stunning. 

We ate dinner at the Lodge restaurant which was quite tasty and sat in the outdoor patio with a panoramic view of the canyon. I even had a tasty prickly pear margarita. Some deer visited the grassy area in front of the restaurant. 

After dinner we were able to enjoy our porch that had views of either side of the canyon.

I got up during the night to try to take some night sky pics but unfortunately clouds had rolled in overnight. But it was so peaceful in the park. 

Zion - The Narrows

We decided to brave the waters without the rental gear of waterproof pants and shoes. I wore my regular hiking boots with neoprene socks and lightweight/quick dry pants. Air temp was 86F and water temp was 42F. Water flow was 40-50 cubic feet/min. The cold water felt great when the sun was shining down on us and was very refreshing. However, later in the day when there was no longer sun on the river, we got a bit cool. We hiked up to the Orderville junction. It was a fun experience but if we did it again, we'd get the gear, start first thing in the morning and do the whole trail - up to big springs which is the limit without a wilderness pass. See info on the shuttle below.

We obtained shuttle ticket reservations the previous afternoon for Zion National Park and were able to take the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava to hike The Narrows. 

(Due to covid-19 precautions, you have to have a reservation from recreation.gov for the Free shuttle bus. Each reservation is $1 and has a 1hr initial boarding time. If you plan in advance you can buy online 2 weeks in advance or the day before after 5pm MDT.)

Paddleboarding to Antelope Canyon

It was a 1.5 mile paddle to the beginning of the walk through the back of Antelope Canyon. We walked most of the canyon, about 9 miles in and out of the canyon. 

We rented paddleboards from Lake Powell Paddleboards for a day. I picked this place because you rent in town, pick up life vests and the boards are ready for you at Antelope point. Some other places expect you to transport the boards. However, we did have to carry the boards out of the water, up the hill to the loading area which was a bit annoying. The kayaks were easier because there's wheels on them but not on the Paddleboards. 

Horseshoe Bend - Page, AZ

Definitely a sight to see. I had planned to visit it again at sunset but the $10 entrance fee (per visit) and the little annoying flies as well as the crowd suggest that one visit is enough for me. 

Petrified Forest, Lower Calf Creek River, and Byway 12

Petrified Forest

    Balancing rock

.  Petrified wood

.  Lower Calf Creek Waterfall

view along the road - Apparently some think this is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. It was definitely varied and beautiful. I would recommend the drive.

Escalante Yurts

I've always wanted to try glamping. These yurts are set a bit out of Escalante town. Some are clustered together. Others are a bit more secluded. I booked the Aspen on Expedia but there are others on their website - https://escalanteyurts.com/. 

I loved my stay! They describe themselves as luxurious and they definitely were. It was spacious. The bathroom was nice. There was a mini fridge, microwave, Keurig, and real glasses and mugs. There was also a corkscrew (key in a dry state like Utah where it's hard to find a place to get drinks) and utensils. There was a sitting area, eating area, and a comfy 4 poster bed. There is a portal on the roof so you can see the sky. Oh and there's heating/AC. 

My favorite thing was listening to the rain the first night. Now, one doesn't normally hope for rain but listening to it in the comforts of this yurt was great.

Bryce Canyon Lodge

For our first 2 nights we stayed in the lodge inside Bryce Canyon National Park. It is right next to the rim of Bryce amphitheater. The location was amazing because we could slip out to see the stars/sunrise/sunset and pop back to the room within minutes. We could take breaks in the room between hikes. There was also a balcony where we enjoyed our meals. I also saw a family of deer on my walk out to the car one morning. 

The restaurant at the lodge was quite good actually. We had the Elk sirloin the first night and it was quite tasty and perfectly cooked. It's sad that they don't have dine in service as that would have been much nicer considering their quality of food. Instead they have carry out and you can eat in their socially distanced dining area. 

I would definitely recommend staying in the lodge inside the park!

Slot canyons

Dry creek

Peek-a-Boo - 12 foot climb up enter

Spooky gulch - only 10 inches wide in some areas

Bryce Canyon - fairyland loop

I had a hard time picked between fairyland loop and peek a boo loop but I think I made the right choice. The vista at the halfway mark where you walk across a narrow section and are surround on both side by amazing panoramas is incomparable! I loved this hike. 

This one reminded me of Chateau Chennonceau - Loire Valley. 

Bryce Canyon - Sunrise

Bryce canyon - our arrival

We flew into Salt Lake City and drove down to Bryce Canyon. We passed red canyon which was also quite beautiful. We checked into our room in Bryce Canyon Lodge and went for a 3.5 mile walk through Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop. The sun peeped in and out of the clouds. The trail was very busy and the views were fantastic. Can't wait for more tomorrow.