Tag: Utah

Turret Arch: Short Hike, Big Payoff

Turret Arch: Short Hike, Big Payoff

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One thing I love about Arches National Park is there are several short yet spectacular hikes. The hike to Turret Arch is one of them. This hike doesn’t require much of your vacation time but still has that WOW factor you’ll remember long after the trip!Turret Arch Trail Arches National ParkTurret Arch Arches National Park- 5 trips

You may actually be more familiar with Turret Arch’s neighbors – the North and South Windows, aka the Spectacles. And while the Windows might be the more well known kids on the block, don’t discount Turret Arch.

Windows Trail sign showing the trail to Turret Arch.
Windows Trail sign showing the trail to Turret Arch.

The trail to Turret Arch is a short spur off the Windows Loop Trail.  The whole loop trail is only a little over a mile with minimal elevation gain, so it is quite family friendly.  While Turret Arch is purported to be smaller than the Windows, it didn’t seem that way to me. Perhaps its the arch’s vertical shape that makes it seem so massive.Turret Arch Trail Arches National ParkTurret Arch Arches National Park-18 Trips

The path to Turret Arch includes an easy set of stairs.  Once you reach the top, you can walk through the arch and view it from the other side.  This is a great place to just sit and enjoy the scenic view of rock formations and the La Sal Mountains.Turret Arch Trail Arches National ParkTurret Arch Arches National Park-11 trip

Turret Arch is a castle-like rock formation which actually contains two significant openings. While walking through the large arch, you’ll notice a second smaller opening. The smaller more circular arch is adjacent to the large vertical one.Turret Arch Trail Arches National ParkTurret Arch Arches National Park-9 trip

While Turret Arch might not be the most famous arch in Arches National Park, it is one of the one of the most dramatic.  Standing under this massive rock formation you can appreciate its scale while taking in outstanding views of this unique National Park.

5 Reasons to Get Out of Your Car and Hike Balanced Rock

5 Reasons to Get Out of Your Car and Hike Balanced Rock

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One of Arches National Park’s most iconic formations is Balanced Rock.  Perched precariously atop a mudstone monolith is a 3600 ton perfectly balanced rock…or so it seems.  In reality, the rocks are attached.Balanced Rock Trailhead Sign

Balanced Rock can be seen from a distance when driving the park’s main road.  The parking lot also offers an outstanding view. So, it might be tempting to just pause, snap a photo, and skip the trail. Don’t.

Here are 5 reasons why it is worth your time to get out of the car and take the hike:

  1. The Trail is Short and Flat: There aren’t many excuses that hold water for not hiking this trail.  At only .33 mile with very minimal elevation gain, it is suitable for the whole family.  It doesn’t take much of your vacation time to enjoy this wonder.Balanced Rock Trail
  2. It’s All About Perspective: Many photos of Balanced Rock are from the same angle. Yet, it has a distinctive and unique shape. To appreciate this feature of Balanced Rock, you must walk around it on the trail. Balanced Rock
  3. Appreciate the Scale: Balanced Rock is big… really big!  It is proported to be the size of 3 school buses… although I suspect that this is an approximation.  Walking around this well-known balancing act helps you better appreciate its uniqueness. Balanced Rock Trail
  4. Stop and Smell the Roses: While there are no actual roses, there are plenty of plants to enjoy. And while I wouldn’t suggest getting close enough to a cactus to smell it, I do recommend stopping to observe the many creatures which call this small section of the park home.Tree on Balanced Rock Trailimage
  5. It Might Be Your Last Chance:  Not to be overly dramatic, but someday it will fall. Like all of the formations in Arches National Park, over time the forces of nature change the landscape. This means that Balanced Rock will eventually come crashing down.Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock is just one of the many special things that makes Arches National Park a great place to visit.  The best way to enjoy this natural wonder is slow down and appreciate this spectacular sight!

Balanced Rock

Arches National Park: Park Avenue Trail

Arches National Park: Park Avenue Trail

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When I think about some of my favorite areas in Arches National Park, Park Avenue Trail immediately comes to mind. This section of the park is stunning and easy to reach! The trail meanders thru a canyon flanked by enormous fins, monoliths, and statues.

View from Park Avenue TrailPark Avenue Trail Arches National Park_-7 Trips

This hiking trail is rated as moderate because of the fairly steep descent into the canyon from the parking area.  However, there are stairs, so it isn’t treacherous.

Park Avenue Trail is 1 mile in length which makes it a 2 mile out and back hike.  If you are fortunate enough to have 2 vehicles, you can save yourself the uphill climb.  Simply begin at the Park Avenue Parking area and leave the 2nd vehicle at Courthouse Wash!

Park Avenue Trail Sign with Map
Park Avenue Trail Map

If you don’t have the time (or energy) to hike the Park Avenue Trail, you can still enjoy some fantastic views from the Park Avenue Viewpoint at the parking area.  However, taking time to hike this trail offers a unique perspective on one of Arches National Park’s iconic vistas.

Park Avenue Trail Viewpoint
Park Avenue Trail Viewpoint
Spring Break Family Fun in Moab

Spring Break Family Fun in Moab

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This year, we spent spring break in Moab, UT.  Moab is an awesome family vacation destination!  There is so much to see and do in this beautiful part of the country.  A week just isn’t long enough!  Unfortunately, we did have to narrow down the to-do list and will have to save some adventures for next visit!

Here are 5 highlights of our spring break in Moab:

  1. Arches National Park:  Arches is a no-brainer.  It is so close to Moab and very accessible. We enjoyed several hikes in the park, and of course, the scenic drive is a real treat!

    Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
    Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
  2. Islands in the Sky in Canyonlands National Park:  Islands in the Sky is another no-brainer if you are in Moab.  It only takes about 40 minutes to get there and the views are breathtaking… think Grand Canyon breathtaking!

    Islands in the Sky in Canyonlands National Park
    Islands in the Sky in Canyonlands National Park
  3. The Needles in Canyonlands National Park:  This section of Canyonlands National Park is more remote, and it takes about 2 hours to get there from Moab.  It is worth the drive! This was our first visit to this section of the park, and we enjoyed several short hikes in the Needles.

    The Needles in Canyonlands National Park
    The Needles in Canyonlands National Park
  4. Rock Climbing:  In an area known for its amazing rock formations, what better way to enjoy the scenery than getting up close and personal!  On our guided adventure with Moab Cliffs and Canyons, Sean and Trace on KSL Today, adventure specialists with NBC affiliate in Utah, joined us and filmed a news segment on family fun in Moab.  It was a real treat!

    The Needles in Canyonlands National Park
    Rock Climbing at the Ice Cream Parlor Near Moab
  5. Potash Scenic Byway:  Potash Scenic Byway follows the Colorado river from Moab.  This 34 mile stretch of highway was a great way for us to unwind after a day of strenuous hiking! It ends at a potash mine and there is a great picnic area by the river.

    Colorado River at Potash
    Colorado River at Potash

We had a blast in Moab! With only a week, we didn’t even scratch the surface of all there is to do in this outdoor playground.  I guess that just means we’ll have to go back!

5 Unique Spring Break Trip Ideas

5 Unique Spring Break Trip Ideas

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Looking for somewhere different to go on spring break?  Consider someplace other than your typical beach or ski trip.  Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE both the beach and the mountains.  But, sometimes it is fun to experience something new.  Here are 5 ideas that are a bit outside the box but won’t break the bank.

  1. Zion National Park:  Zion is nothing short of breathtaking and there are so many family-friendly hikes which are perfect for taking it all in.  As a cherry on top, the town of Springdale is right outside the park entrance and has restaurants to please even the foodie in your family along with amazing views in every direction.  From a weather standpoint, spring is the perfect time of year to visit Zion!
    Sunset at Zion National Park
    Zion National Park at Sunset

    zion-national-park-1-3-trips

  2. Chicago, IL:  While the windy city may still be a little chilly in spring, there are so many amazing museums in Chicago where you can stay warm and occupied.  You’ll have such a great time inside, you might not even miss that bike ride along Lake Michigan.  While Chicago can be an expensive city to visit, there are various options for passes offering admission into these museums, so your entertainment doesn’t have to break the bank.
    chicago-museums-4-trip
    U Boat at the Museum of Science and Industry
    chicago-museums-3-trip
    The Shedd Aquarium
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    The Field Museum

    dinosaur at the Field Museum
    Sue the T Rex at the Field Museum
  3. Buffalo National River:  The Buffalo National River is located in the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas.  The mild Arkansas weather means spring is a great time to enjoy the outdoor fun!  The Buffalo River is perfect for family floats, and you can explore beautiful hiking trails and caves in the area.  Local outfitters like Buffalo River Outfitters keep close watch on river conditions and can advise you on which section of the river is best for floating during the time of your visit.
    Buffalo National River
    Buffalo National River

    Hiking Trail overlooking the the Buffalo National River
    Buffalo National River Hiking Trail
  4. Savannah, Georgia: Savannah is a beautiful and historic town located near the coast and on the Savannah River.  The city’s architecture and history combine to make it a unique and scenic destination.  The river is lined with shops and restaurants and the city is full of inviting squares and parks.  While you’re there, don’t miss Fort Pulaski – a civil war era fort in remarkable condition.  savannah-trip-3-tripssavannah-trip-2-trips
    Fort Pulaski National Monument
    Fort Pulaski National Monument was struck with canon balls.

    savannah-trip-4-trips

  5. Page, Arizona:  Page is a little town in Northern Arizona which makes a great base for exploring Lake Powell and the surrounding area.  Lake Powell is a huge man-made lake that stretches across the Utah/Arizona border.  Renting a boat is easy and exploring a canyon by lake is certainly unique. Beyond the lake, there is so much to do in this area:  tour Antelope Canyon, check out Glen Canyon Dam, hike in the Grand Staircase, and gaze at the iconic Horseshoe Bend.
    View of Lake Powell
    Lake Powell
    Lower Antelope Canyon in Arizona
    Lower Antelope Canyon
    page-arizona-3-trip
    Horseshoe Bend

    page-arizona-4-trip
    The Colorado River

 

Spring break is a great time to take a trip.  Many wonderful destinations have great weather this time of year, so get out there and try something new!

Great State Parks: Gooseneck in Utah

Great State Parks: Gooseneck in Utah

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America’s National Park system is awesome!  Those iconic images of our national parks draw many of us to make the pilgrimage – myself included!  Yet, many state parks are just as spectacular as our national treasures but might not quite get that same amount of attention.

As you’re planning your next outdoor adventure, be sure to check out the state parks in the area that you’ll be visiting.  You may find some surprisingly awesome places to visit which often aren’t as crowded as those big name national parks.

Gooseneck State Park Overlook

One off-the-beaten-path surprise can be found in Southern Utah:  Gooseneck State Park.  Gooseneck is a great add to a Grand Circle itinerary or a 4 Corners trip.  It is a little less than 2 hours from Cortez, Colorado, so we included a stop at this park on the way to Monument Valley from Cortez during a 4 Corners vacation.

Gooseneck State Park offers a striking view of a San Juan River meander.  This part of the river flows 6 miles while covering only 1.5 miles westward in its journey to Lake Powell. That means it is one twisty stretch of river!  What makes this spot extra special? The San Juan River has carved its way down about 1000 feet which makes for a breathtaking and unobstructed view!Gooseneck State Park Utah

While Gooseneck State Park is a bit out of the way, once you are there, accessing it is easy!  There is no hiking involved.  The parking lot (with vault toilets) is located right by the overlook!

If you can at all fit this State Park into your trip, I recommend that you do so.  You won’t be disappointed!

4 Corners: 4 Different Experiences

4 Corners: 4 Different Experiences

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If you want to have a variety of experiences on your next vacation, head to Four Corners area. The Four Corners, as it is often called, is the only spot where you can stand in 4 states (Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico) at the same time. In my book, that’s pretty cool!

The Four Corners

After standing in 4 states, what’s next? Plenty. In fact, there is so much to see and do in this region that it would be impossible to do it all in a week long vacation.  So don’t wear yourself out trying.  Instead, just know that you’re going to want to go back!

Using Cortez, Colorado as a home base, here are 4 experiences each with its own flavor.

  1. Hovenweep National Monument  – About an hour from Cortez, Hovenweep includes groups of structures built over 800 years ago by the ancestral Puebloans. The visitor center is located by the most notable group of referred to as the Square Tower Unit.  A nice hiking trail meanders along a small canyon with structures dotting the rim.  It seems quite solitary and it is hard to envision as many as 2500 people living in these communities.hovenweep-castle-trip

    Hovenweep National Monument
    Hovenweep National Monument
  2. Mesa Verde National Park – Visiting Mesa Verde’s dwellings, also constructed by the ancestral Puebloans, is a very different experience than visiting Hovenweep.  This area, located only 15 minutes from Cortez, is quite vast with expansive scenic vistas and over 600 cliff dwellings.  These  structures are quite sophisticated in their design and location within the cliffs.  You might even see some wildlife (mule deer, foxes, horses, etc.). I recommend taking one of the ranger led tours of the sites (for an extra fee) to get an up close and personal view, but be prepared for some climbing! Practically speaking, the fact that the inhabitants scaled these cliffs on a daily basis carrying out their activities is simply amazing!mesa-verde-3-trip

    Mesa Verde National Park cliff dwellings
    Mesa Verde National Park
  3. San Juan National Forest – The San Juan National Forest is huge – over 1.8 million acres! This national forest offers a wealth of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, fishing, climbing, horseback riding, and more.  A quick 20 minute drive from Cortez thru Dolores will yield beautiful mountain scenery.  If you are traveling with children, be sure to make time for the Dolores playground – it is probably one of the most amazing playgrounds I’ve seen!san-juan-national-forest-2-trip

    San Juan National Forest
    San Juan National Forest
  4. Monument Valley – Monument Valley is one of those places that you must visit intentionally as it is a bit out there, geographically speaking.  (Consider the fact that the nearest Walmart is 2 hours away!)  From Cortez, you can reach Monument Valley in about 2 hour and 15 minutes.  And trust me, it is well worth it!  If you have ever seen a western, then you’ve likely seen Monument Valley.  It is probably the most iconic location in the Wild West and as such, it attracts a lot of international visitors!  Monument Valley is on Navajo Tribal Lands, so you must be accompanied by a Navajo guide.  Plan ahead, and use a site like TripAdvisor to book your tour.monument-valley-2-trip

    Monument Valley
    Monument Valley

The 4 Corners is a culturally rich and beautiful area with so much to see and do.  When you post your photos, your friends will wonder just how far you traveled on one vacation!  The good news is that you can see so many different sites without changing hotels!