Author Archives: Charlie

Zion Canyon, Utah – September 2, 2009

Wednesday morning: I drove the 75 miles from Bryce to Zion, arriving while it was still morning. I entered the park through the East Entrance, which includes a 1.1-mile tunnel through a sandstone mountain, which, when completed in 1930, was … Continue reading

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Bryce Canyon, Utah – September 1, 2009 (P.M.)

Tuesday afternoon: I had mentioned that on the previous day’s three mile hike into the Bryce Amphitheater, I had developed a slight sunburn. At the camp store, I found a choice of two sunblocks and selected the Bull Frog SPF … Continue reading

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Bryce Canyon, Utah – September 1, 2009 (Midday)

Late Tuesday morning and early afternoon: I drove north on the park road, stopping at overlooks along the way. Most of these overlooks do not have any trails associated with them, but are simply small parking areas and sidewalks with … Continue reading

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Bryce Canyon, Utah – September 1, 2009 (A.M.)

Tuesday morning: In the morning, I drove down the park road to the southern terminus, Rainbow Point. This is the trailhead for the Bristlecone Loop trail. Here’s the view from Inspiration Point, about ½ mile to the south of Sunset … Continue reading

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Bryce Canyon, Utah – August 31, 2009 (P.M.)

Monday afternoon: After lunch, I drove about five miles to the north, into an area of the park called Water Canyon. It is actually outside the entrance to the park, so one can visit this area without paying admission. This … Continue reading

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Bryce Canyon, Utah – August 31, 2009 (A.M.)

Monday morning: By the way, what are Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks? There’s a geological region called the Colorado Plateau, which takes up a big chunk of the “Four Corners” states: Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona. This plateau … Continue reading

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Bryce Canyon, Utah – August 30, 2009

Years ago, I had enjoyed a vacation to the Four Corners states, especially enjoying Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Other tourists had told me that I should visit Bryce and Zion, and I always hoped to return. I finally decided … Continue reading

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Colorado National Monument, Collegiate Peaks, & Great Sand Dunes, Colorado

August 3rd: I arrived at Colorado National Monument the evening before, not having time for much sightseeing. In the morning, I looked around a bit and took the following photos. Monument Canyon includes Independence Monument, a 450′ tower of soft … Continue reading

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Natural Bridges, Canyonlands and Arches, Utah

July 31st: Leaving Mesa Verde, I continued my drive west, into Utah, where my first stop was at Natural Bridges National Monument. There are three natural bridges in the park, Kachina, Owachomo, and Sipapu. This is Sipapu Bridge: A view … Continue reading

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Aztec Ruins, New Mexico and Mesa Verde, Colorado

For a few weeks in 1994, I took a trip out west, driving my 1986 Toyota Celica from Delray Beach, Florida to Utah and back. I intended to spend about a week with the Sierra Club, working on trail maintenance … Continue reading

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