Southwest Sojourn- Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion TR

“Well, I finally was able to get out west over this past Easter. Landed in Las Vegas and went to Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, Bryc Canyon, Kodachrome Basin State Park, and Zion.

Very beautiful country. The barreness of it took some getting used too, but the parks were superb. The pics speak for themselves.

Grand Canyon is like the pics you see, but more massive and vast than you can imagine. Bryce was so unique with the hoodoos and rock formations. Zion was awesome- 2,000 foot cliffs, vivid colors.

I also remember driving out to Glen Canyon from the Grand Canyon. Snow had fallen that night and mist threaded the canyon. I remember driving across a barren plain, with this narrow, sheer canyon carved by the Little Colorado River within it- very cool.

Kodachrome Basin was worth the stop with vivid colors.

At Bryce, go to Tropic and eat at Clarks. At Zion, I recommend the Bit & Spur in Springdale.

My two goals was to hike down to the Colorado River and back up in one day while at the Grand Canyon. I always wanted to see and touch this famous river. I did it- 16 miles in 9 hours, 10,000 feet of elevation loss and gain.

My other goal was to hike the entire Angels Landing Trail at Zion. An insane trail with scrambles along 1,000 foot cliffs on both sides. I did that too, but I took my time. The view at the top was worth it. I still think the Huntingdon Ravine Trail in the White Mtns might still be a little more intense.

Great trip!

Enjoy the pics.

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/571150635SwvskS?vhost=outdoors”

“nice pictures. i've done this loop a few times. i love it more every time i go. thanks for sharing.”

“Jmitch, I'm happy for you that you got to see that amazing part of our country. I've been up Angels Landing, the Narrows and bouldering off trail in Zion. such amazing variety! did a few night hikes in Bryce--really spooky! As spectacular as they are, I'm still really looking forward to Loyalsock--had planned on going 2 weeks ago, but my stepmom had emergency quadruple bypass surgery--used my time off for a different type of wilderness! (wires, beeps, tubes,...)”

“nice pix J thanks for sharin'
-those are some of my favorite places in the country!
Attila”

“Dude, you were within 3 miles of my campground! I wish you would've been able to stop in and meet me. What a great vacation and wonderful photos. Where is the trip report?”

“Thanks everyone.

Tango- wish I knew, would've stopped by.

Sunny- you'll love the Loyalsock, I was on the trail yesterday, beautiful weather. I'll post a few pics.”

“Sweet! Thanks for the report.”