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Visiting Capitol Reef National Park

I’d decided to skip Capitol Reef National Park during my five-week visit to Utah. But it was all the things I didn’t like about the other parks that made me go. I’m so glad I did. It ended up being my 2nd favorite Utah National Park. Why? The number one reason Capitol Reef National Park is worth visiting is the crowds. This park doesn’t have any. My other reason is history. Oh, and the pie. Who am I kidding? It’s...

Utah national park Bryce Canyon

Why Bryce Canyon Was My Least Favorite of the 5 Utah National Parks

I have the most unpopular opinion about Bryce Canyon National Park. It’s beautiful, and the hoodoos are spectacular, but it only ranks third on my list of the big five Utah National Parks. It’s ranked only third, not for lack of beauty or amenities – it has those in spades, but because I found it nearly impossible to get away from the crowds. To me, a national park should be a place to immerse yourself in nature, not dodge hordes...

Mossy Cave

Why Mossy Cave at Bryce Canyon is the Park’s Most Unique Hike

Hiking to the Mossy Cave trail at Bryce Canyon National Park might come with a bit of a surprise – if you’re looking for moss or a cave. Still, thopugh short, it’s one of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon. What you will find at Mossy Cave is something better than a cave, especially in the hot desert- water. Lots of it, falling off a cliff – as in a waterfall. However, there is no mention of this in the...

Kolob Canyon Overlook

Experience a Surprise at Zion’s Emerald Pools

An unexpected surprise awaits hikers at Zion’s Emerald Pools in Zion National Park, Utah. I hiked the Kayenta Trail to the Emerald Pools. The park has 12 trails in Zion Canyon that most visitors traverse, and this one is popular because it’s pretty easy but unique and quick to tack on after one of the more extensive hikes like Angel’s Landing or the Narrows. This trail is listed on the park map as a 1.5-hour hike on an unpaved path...

Canyonlands

5 Reasons I Found Canyonlands National Park an Unexpected Delight

When you hear about Utah National Parks, it’s always about Zion, Arches and Bryce, but others are less crowded and dare I say, maybe more beautiful. Canyonlands is one of those. It may not be on your shortlist because of those other parks, but after visiting for a day, I’d say, depending on the kind of person you are, Canyonlands should top your list. Why? For several reasons. Because I like the solitude of nature and being out moving around...

Utah national park Arches National Park

When Visiting Arches National Park, Prepare for Crowds

The first time I showed up at Arches National Park in Utah at 7:30 a.m. the park was already closed to further visitors. I joined the massive line of people turning around to find something else to do. But you don’t have to if you plan ahead and arrive early or in the evening Holiday crowds are expected, but the crowds at Arches are commonplace throughout spring, summer and fall. When I returned that evening, I entered after waiting in...

Tsankawi
two kayaks on the rio grande river in between two tall granite walls

Experiencing the Wonders of Big Bend National Park on land and water

Big Bend National Park stands alone in a nation of parks. Its remote desolation makes it one of the least visited parks in the United States. That also makes it one of the rarest experiences you can have in nature – solitude, you, and the Earth. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a red snake slither by, a roadrunner dash across your path, and a coyote prowl the landscape. Wild horses and free-roaming longhorn cattle might amble past. You’ll find cactus...