Category Archives: Vacations
Zion Canyon, Utah – September 3, 2009 (P.M.)
Thursday afternoon: Re-energized, I rode the shuttle back north, stopping at the “Court of the Patriarchs” exit. Whereas Bryce Canyon had “overlooks,” featuring beautiful vistas from the canyon rim looking down, I suppose that one could say that Zion had … Continue reading
Zion Canyon, Utah – September 3, 2009 (A.M.)
Thursday morning: With my backpack, an energy bar, an apple, and a one liter and 700 ml bottle of water, I boarded the shuttle at the Visitor’s Center. As the shuttle pulled away, I saw a man wearing a red … Continue reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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