Tag: 2013

Navajo Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Navajo Trail trail offers the essence of Bryce Canyon National Park’s amazing red rock formations in a short spectacular trip. Starting at Sunset Point, the 1.3 mile loop winds through high cliffs, past beautiful vistas and down red orange trails into the belly of the hoodoo beast.
The tots and I started this hike from above on the rim trail, where views of the canyon can be seen for miles. Big E started down the Navajo Trail, along with a stream of other hikers. Because of Navajo Trail’s short, quick access to these amazing rock formations, it’s a popular day hike in the park.

I can see why. The red cliffs rose quickly as Big E and I descended the trail. Through tunnels and red rock we enjoyed the beauty of the land. There were some steep drop offs on the series of switchbacks we descended and a steep climb up on the way out. Unfortunately, we ended the hike prematurely thanks to a diaper bomb set off by little g.
I would’ve loved to explore this beautiful area more. Can’t wait for our next visit.
Navajo Trail
Length: 1.3 miles round trip
Time: approximately 2 hours thanks to some steep sections
Tips: Don’t forget your camera, there are beautiful photo spots on this trail.

Motherhood Moments: First Snow!

Last Saturday, Mountain Dad and I were snowed in! I love living in the mountains and snowboarding, but the unexpected first snowstorm of the year reminded me that I don’t like shoveling or driving in the snow. Several of our neighbors had accidents just driving down our street, but luckily Mountain Dad and I could just cancel plans and stay safe at home.

My tots also have strong opinions about the snow. Big E was in heaven, eagerly putting on his snow suit and squeezing his feet into too small boots in order to have a snowball fight outside.

Little g on the other hand sobbed at the prospect of even one flake touching her skin. She wailed until I put her in the garage, where she could see the snow but stay safely out of its way, but even this would not suffice. She just wanted to be inside.

I was hoping to introduce little g to the amazing world of skiing this year, but her reaction to the first snow storm of the year tells me she’s not ready. Mostly I was hoping for a way to get some slope time myself. If ALL of us were on skis, I could get some extra runs in. But, if that means I would have to endure little g’s cries for one more minute, it wouldn’t be worth it. Oh well, there’s always next year

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most visually stunning places I’ve ever been. It’s beautiful red rock hoodoos mix with high altitude pines on the canyon rim, as if it can’t decide if it’s in the desert or mountains.

The drawback of visiting Bryce Canyon National Park is its remote location. With no large cities nearby for lodging and food, Mountain Dad and I chose to stay at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, located on the east side of Zion National Park because it was fifteen minutes away from Zion and an hour and a half away from Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon National Park has a beautiful 18 mile one-way scenic drive, where pull outs allow visitors to view amazing rock formations for miles in every direction. Mountain Dad and I decided that in addition to the drive we would hike, eat at Bryce Canyon Lodge and take in the views at overlook places.

Now, I’m a frequent national parks visitor so I was surprised by two new aspects of our visit.  The first, dinner at Bryce Canyon Lodge introduced me to the Healthy Parks, Healthy People initiative. The idea is to highlight how the National Parks can contribute to a healthier population and planet. 
As part of the initiative, Forever Resorts, the concessioners in charge of the Lodge and its restaurant, made a point to offer low-fat, vegetarian and gluten-free options, with meat procured from local sources. The Lodge at Bryce Canyon Restaurant is Green Restaurant Certified but what surprised me the most was this line from their children’s menu: 
“Our menu reflects healthy choices and cooking procedures for our junior rangers, eliminating fried and processed food.” Cool.

The other great thing about Bryce Canyon National Park’s commitment to Healthy Parks, Healthy People was the Hike the Hoodoos program, which Big E and I discovered on the Bristlecone Loop Trail. There are nine interpretive signs with special medallions scattered throughout the trails of the park. 
To participate in Hike the Hoodoos, hikers must make a rubbing or take a photo of themselves with at least three of the signs in order to receive a special reward from the rangers at the Visitors Center. Three signs requires a minimum of three miles of hiking, but makes the hike more fun by turning it into a scavenger hunt.
I was impressed with the new developments at Bryce Canyon National Park and loved seeing the beautiful rock formations as Big E and I explored the place. I can’t wait to go back and delve more into the hoodoos. Maybe next time we can go on snowshoes.

Riverside Walk, Zion National Park, Utah

Panorama of Riverside Walk, Zion National Park
The last stop on Zion National Park’s bus system is Temple of Sinawava which empties out into Zion National Park’s busiest trail – Riverside Walk. It’s the most popular for good reason. In addition to being the starting point for longer back country adventures, including the famous Narrows slot canyon hike (I’d love to try that someday without the tots), it’s a paved, flat trail through gorgeous red rock cliffs along the gurgling Virgin river. 
Riverside Walk has a little bit for everybody – scenery, wildlife, well marked trail. And although I’m sure it’s breathtaking all year long, the golden leaves against the red rock backdrop were amazing. I could’ve sat at the river’s edge gazing up and around for several hours, but my tots were not as interested as I was.

Once again Big E and little g were content to just play in the sand and throw rocks in the water, until little g got cranky and Mountain Dad had to carry her. The well paved trail is short, only two miles round trip according to our guide book 50 Best Short Hikes in Utah’s National Parks by Ron Adkison.

Even so, given little g’s temperament, we were forced to turn back early. Such is the life of our Mountain family. Even beautiful surroundings can’t counteract the fact that sometimes kids just cry.

Trail Info: Riverside Walk
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Time: 1 hour, assuming your tots cooperate
Tips: Bring a stroller if you want. The paved trail has several off shoots for river access that are unpaved but for the most part the entire path is paved.