In 1996 Grand-Staircase Escalante, established by Presidential Proclamation, became the first National Monument to be administered by the Bureau of Land Management. It is huge – spanning nearly 1.9 million acres and according to the proclamation its “vast and austere landscape embraces a spectacular array of scenic and historic...
Capitol Reef National Park – Explorations
Capitol Reef: capitol for the white domes of Navajo Sandstone that resemble capitol building domes, and reef for the rocky cliffs which are a barrier to travel, like a coral reef. Three nights and four days in the beautiful campground at Capitol Reef National Park. The...
Capitol Reef National Park – Cattle Country
A little history……. In 1880 Wilford Pace began ranging his cattle in the area around what is now Capitol Reef National Park and Torrey, Utah, taking advantage of the vast open ranges of the region. By 1896 following Utah being granted statehood, the region was still sparsely populated largely...
Monument Valley – Time for a visitor!
Arrived in Monument Valley just in time to meet Pam Armas who would stay with me for a few days. Was great having an old friend and travel partner meet me on the road and share some of these great adventures. First thing on the agenda was...
Sunrises & Sunsets in Moab
It may sound like a cliché, but there is nothing like watching a beautiful sunrise to remind us that we are lucky to be alive – right here, right now. Taking the time to gaze at the horizon while you watch the sun break through the morning sky is...
Exploring Herdina Park – the best part of Arches NP
Arches National Park, a landscape of contrasting colors, landforms and textures unlike any other in the world. This red rock paradise has over 2,000 natural stone arches, in addition to hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive fins and giant balanced rocks. The power of rain and wind shape this landscape...
I’s All About the People – Moab Hiking Group
“I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let’s face it, friends make life a lot more fun.” Charles R. Swindoll In a previous post about Druid Arch...
Hiking the Fiery Furnace – Arches National Park
The Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park is a small but concentrated maze of colorful sandstone fins and narrow slot canyons between towering sandstone walls. The surreal geologic labyrinth earns its name from the deep red and orange glow of the sandstone fins that, when lit by the...
Off-Roading & Exploring – Thanks Pete!
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.” – Edward Abbey A significant portion of the land area of Utah – over 60% – is public land. These lands support a wide variety of activities from recreational pursuits to natural resource development. I...
Hiking Group in Moab – Druid Arch Hike
I have always said that you meet the nicest people in the pool and Moab is no different. Last week the swimmer in the lane next to me asked about my “SAC” cap as she grew up in Sacramento. As we got to chatting she was quick to bring...