
While in Las Vegas I traveled 30 minutes north to a hiking oasis.




You would never believe it, 30 minutes north of Las Vegas it gets cool.

While in Las Vegas I traveled 30 minutes north to a hiking oasis.
You would never believe it, 30 minutes north of Las Vegas it gets cool.
We only had one day for Utah and I wanted something on the way to Denver so I chose to visit Arches in Moab.
If you ask people who have visited Moab whether Canyonlands or Arches is better the answer will be 1/2 and 1/2 like what happened to me. So I chose one and I was utimately happy with my choice.
We arrived early at Arches National Park and obtained a map. We were up for a hike and there were many trails to take. Ultimately the Devils Garden Trail is selected.
Devils Garden had a rating of both easy and difficult. It appears that the first part of the trail is the easy part and you can turn around if you don’t wish to go on (1.9 mi/3.1 km roundtrip). We chose to go on past that as far as we could (5.1 miles/8.2 km).
The first part was pretty easy dirt paths that were well defined.
Then we come to the first sign that this isn’t no ordinary trail. All I see is stones that go straight up.
I am officially scared at this point. I have hiked many times but I only have one past rock scrambling experience and that was scary for me to complete (Hiking in Mohonk).
I see people of all ages going up and down that rock; even a guy with a baby on this back. If they can do it then I can do it. I hike up to the top.
Once over the first obstacle it continues on with more mini-hurdles to get over until eventually you get the view of more arches.
We went over these rock formations that I can only describe as “trust the process” rocks. There are a few cairns but cairns don’t tell you that there is not a quick drop at the other end of the rock formation. You must trust the process and just move forward. There is always a (semi-safe) way down.
And finally the “dong” photo. It is actually called Dark Angel.
Shortly after the big rock it was time to go back. There was a “primitive trail” to go back but I figured the regular trail was enough work so I went back the way I came. Those rocks were much easier now that I knew what to expect. It was a lovely day at Arches. I feel like wonder woman now! I recommend a visit.
Day 2 of the grand canyon I wake up early to get those sunrise photos. I am out of photo practice so my photos don’t come out that spectacular. Luckily my subject matter is beautiful just on its own. After photos I go back to my cabin and get ready. After breakfast it is time to go Day 2 of hiking in the canyon. I am prepared with the appropriate layers today.
Today’s trail is Bright Angel trail and it is very near to our cabin. We hiked down into the canyon like we did the day before, this time going further down.
Magnificent views
After returning back I reward myself with a margarita. And we decide to check out the bar in the lodge. It is a not the best entertainment act they could have booked there. But it was nice to relax with some drinks.
The next day we are off north to see some more natural wonders. We stop for some more morning viewing of the canyon.
Next stop on our road trip is the Grand Canyon. Yes, it is amazing as everyone says it is.
We spent two days here and splurged a little and stayed on site. I wanted to make sure we had as much time as possible to get at the Canyon.
We drove up from Flagstaff that morning and it took about an hour and half to arrive. We had some time to hike a little before checking into our lodge Bright Angel Lodge.
We started with the South Kaibab Trail. It seemed like an easy day one hike to do. It was fall but still very warm in the sun. I wish I would have worn shorts and a t-shirt.
We hiked down to the recommended day hike stop, Cedar Ridge. There were bathrooms and some room to eat some snacks with a spectacular view.