Short and Sweet in Zion National Park

December 10, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Hiking The West Rim Of Zion National Park from...
Image via Wikipedia

If any of you have been to Zion National Park in Utah you will understand why it draws such a crowd. The park is absolutely gorgeous, displaying Nature’s grand beauty in a way that often takes the breath away. The sandstone that dominates the park, in hues from white to fire red, shows itself off in intricate slot canyons, sheer cliff faces, and petrified sand dunes. Much of the beauty of the park can be seen simply by driving through it, but there are so many great hikes in the park that putting on your hiking boots and getting out of the car is definitely worth it. If you are short on time however, there are several great hikes that are short and sweet.

If you are looking for a fun, technical, yet brief hike, Keyhole is one of the best. You need a backcountry permit for this hike, but it usually isn’t too difficult to obtain. This short hike is full of adventure and will only take you an hour or two depending on the size and level of your group. After a quick ascent up a sandstone formation, you will come to the slot canyon, appropriately named the Keyhole. You need a rope and harness to make the first drop which will put you right into the water. While not deep, be prepared to get wet. Several other drops are required in the canyon, although none of them are very long. There is a section at the end of the hike where swimming is usually required through a narrow stretch of canyon. This water never sees sunlight and so it is extremely cold, but you will be out of the canyon and back into the sunlight soon after. This is a great hike to do along with a longer, less technical hike, or great for those who are just passing through and yet want to really experience some canyoneering in Zion.

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Hiking Pine Creek in Zion National Park

December 9, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Canyon Overlook at Night, Zion National Park
Image by andrew mace— via Flickr

Zion National Park, located in Southern Utah, is one of the most beautiful hiking spots I have ever explored. The winding canyons of red hued sandstone, the trickling streams, the towering cliffs, and the breathtaking views make Zion a true hikers paradise. With trails designed for the novice hiker to the advanced, you can find a hike that will fit everybody in your party. For those who enjoy a hike with some difficulty and variety, Pine Creek is a perfect day hike.

Many of the canyons and trails in Zion require a hiking permit in order to limit the amount of traffic in the area. Pine Creek is one of these trails. You can often apply online, enter a lottery, or try your luck at the visitor center office. If your party is large, I suggest securing a permit far in advance. If you want to try your luck, get in line outside the office around five or six in the morning.

Pine Creek is a great hike for those who love variety. This hike does require ropes and repelling gear. The last drop is about 100 feet, so you need to be prepared with enough rope. There are also sections where you must swim. Depending on the time of year, you may have more or less swimming to do. The water in slot canyons is almost always cold, even when it is near 100 degrees outside. If you are sensitive to cold water it is a good idea to bring a wet suit, however, it can be done without one.

Pine Creek is a day hike, and while you will want to get an early start, don’t rush through the beautiful canyon. Enjoy the mystery and adventure of exploring a slot canyon, carved out of the rock by centuries of patient water. Look for signs of local wildlife and take a break in the shade of an overhang for some lunch. Pine Creek is an exhilarating hike and highly recommended for anyone who enjoys canyoneering.

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Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park

December 5, 2010 by Leave a Comment
The Virgin River Narrows
Image via Wikipedia

Hiking in water is a different experience, but one that can add a fun new dimension to any hike. Perhaps that is why the Narrows in Zion Nation Park is such a popular trail. Zion National Park attracts visitors of all ages and all abilities. With easy hikes, and difficult and technical canyons, it is a perfect place for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. The Narrows is a great hike because it appeals to most levels of hikers and you can pick and choose your own difficulty during this hike. Another great reason to hike the Narrows while in Zion, is the fact that a permit is not required for most of it. Many of the hikes in Zion are considered backcountry and require a permit, but the Narrows trail itself does not.

The Narrows starts out on fairly even and dry terrain, but it won’t be long until your feet are wet. It is important to come prepared for this trail with water hiking shoes. If you are not going far, hiking sandals are often preferred. However, sandals rarely give you ankle support, and walking over the current-smoothed stones can be hard on the ankles. Keep this in mind when preparing. A walking stick is often a simple and great tool, especially when going over uneven and unstable terrain like you may encounter in the Narrows.

If you are taking your children hiking, make sure to bring swimming suits and dry clothes. There are spots during the trail where you can find a sand bank to rest and play on, and where the current is slow and steady. Children can swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy the hike. You don’t have to worry about rushing this hike, just take your time, play around, and enjoy your surroundings. The Narrows can be a very long hike, or a short hike depending on your preferences and abilities.

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Don’t Miss Out On America’s National Parks

October 30, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Yosemite National Park
Image by Rennett Stowe via Flickr

Americans are becoming more and more sedentary. It seems as if every activity that an American loves to do involves sitting around. Whether it is sitting around playing video games, Facebook games or even placing bets on some of the hottest sports betting sites, all of these activities require very little movement.

The unfortunate thing about all this sedentary lifestyle is that people are missing out on some of the prettiest scenic views that are right in their own backyard. America’s national parks offer some of the prettiest views of America. However, because of the sedentary lifestyle that has become so popular people have stopped going to these parks.

If you’ve been living too long on the computer or in front of a TV here is a list of some of the great assets the National Parks offer.

1. Unique Wildlife. Some of the most unique wildlife creatures live in the national parks. When you go hiking through a national park you can see bears, mountain goats, deer and a number of other wildlife that you wouldn’t normally see anywhere else.

2. Native Plant life. Just like wildlife, there are many unique plants throughout the national parks. Some of the plant life is extinct or not available anywhere else.

3. Glaciers. Some of the national parks include mountain top views. Hiking to the top of mountains are one of the only chances for people to see some of the only existing glaciers in the world. These huge chunks of ice are really a sight to be seen and can only be seen while hiking through some of America’s own national parks.

These are just some of the wonderful reasons that you should get up and enjoy hiking through the national parks. Each hike offers a different experience and allows people to see a completely different side to America.

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Hiking Through Chesler Park in Canyonlands National Park

July 20, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Hiking in Chesler Park, Needles District, Cany...
Image by Molas via Flickr

While perhaps not as well known as Zion or Arches National Parks, Canyonlands National Park in Southeast Utah is a spectacular place for hiking and backpacking. Canyonlands features stunning views, otherworldly rock formations, arches, and narrow twisting slot canyons. There are also a wide variety of hikes from short walks to backpacking trails. Besides hiking, there are great opportunities in Canyonlands for off-roading, biking, and camping. Hiking trails are the most common, and are the easiest way to get to know Canyonlands in a personal way.

One of the great hikes in Canyonlands is the Chesler Park Loop / Joint Trail hike. The entire trail is 11 miles long, and can be done in one day, but if you prefer to break it up and do a little exploring, there are backpacking sites along the trail. You will need to pack in all the water you will need because there is no water along the trail. Canyonlands is a desert, and keeping hydrated is important. This trail starts at the Elephant Hill trailhead. After three miles you will come to a great viewpoint of Chesler Park. The loop around Chesler Park is called the Joint Trail, and while fairly level, it winds through narrow fractures in the rock. This is a great place to take some time and explore. Squeeze down the narrow canyons and enjoy finding your way through the mazelike contortions and corridors in the rock. This part of the trail is particularly fun for young hikers. If you have a 4wd vehicle you can actually drive to Chesler Park and then it is only a very short hike into this part of the Joint Trail. Before heading out on this hike, drop by the visitor’s center and ask about the water levels. Sometimes the narrow crevasses in Chesler Park will fill up with water during certain times of the year. Decide if that is something you will want to deal with.

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Hiking in Arches National Park

July 18, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, in Utah.
Image via Wikipedia

Arches National Park has become one of the most popular destinations in Utah. Visitors from across the globe go to view the impressive arches and other rock formations. While camping in the national park itself can be difficult because reservations fill up months in advance, the great thing about Arches is the location. There are plenty of places to camp or stay near Arches and you will find that you won’t have to drive far to reach some of the best hikes in Arches.

The hike that you will definitely not want to miss is the hike to Delicate Arch. An iconic symbol of Utah and the west in general, Delicate Arch is a gorgeous red sandstone arch that stands solitary above its surroundings. The hike is not long, about three miles, and while it has some steep sections, this hike is appropriate for hikers of almost any age. The hike itself is enjoyable, but the end is what really makes it worth it.

A number of the arches and rock formations can be seen from the road. Balanced Rock, the Windows, The Three Sisters, and others can be seen from the road, but most also entail a short walk if you would like to get closer. Other arches like Sand Dune Arch require only a very short hike or walk. Sand Dune Arch is the favorite of young children who can play in the fine sand and climb on the sandstone. Some other easy hikes are Double Arch, Broken Arch, and Skyline Arch. If you are looking for a longer hike, try Double O Arch, Devils Garden, or the Fiery Furnace. With over 2,000 natural arches in the park there is sure to be something to see for everyone. Whether you are taking young children, or you really want to get out and hike for the entire day, Arches is a breathtaking area to explore. Maybe Utah is too far for you, then try New York City vacation rentals which are also a great idea for everyone with so much to do in one big city. Take pleasure in a high rise condo and enjoy the bright city lights all through the night.

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