Utah Summer Vacation Part I

After a flight cancellation, and added layover, we finally arrived in Capitol Reef National Park one day late. Thankfully we just stayed another night at home and weren't stuck at the airport.

DAY 1: Our 1st hike was an adventurous one. We were able to use our new waterproof socks.

Sulphur Creek Route 5.5m one way. We got a ride to the trailhead and parked at the end.

The entire hike followed this gorgeous creek with several waterfalls along the way.

Josh tried to keep his shoes dry since he only brought one pair, but soon gave up.

The canyon walls became narrow and we had some tough down climbs. These were the BEST parts!

The weather was perfect and this was definately one of my FAVORITE hikes of the entire trip.

Afterwards, we got burgers from the famous Capitol Burger food truck parked just minutes from our Airbnb.

In the afternoon, we drove 1.5h to Goblin Valley State Park. Notice Jackson for scale.

What a unique place! There was no trail to follow.

The best part was climbing anywhere you chose which the kids loved.

And Josh too! See the boys?

That one looks like a mushroom!

We had to rush to our final hike just 30min away called Little Wild Horse slot canyon.

Very cool looking walls.

My very manly boys had to use the finger holes to hang and do pull ups.

The best parts were the narrow sections.

Especially when they weaved back and forth.

We went in about 2 miles and turned around when the canyon opened up.

D2: We LOVED our truck rental! There was plenty of room for all of us, plus our stuff and it handled the dirt roads well.

Before leaving Capitol Reef we hiked 3m to Cassidy Arch. See the boys? WOW!

One amazing flower along the trail!

A long distance view of the arch along the way. This place was so colorful! I now understand why it's nickname is the 'Land of the Sleeping Rainbow'.

Up close view of the arch.

Watching some people repelling.

Benny found a cubby.

This view from the top actually took my breathe away. The cars on the road were tiny.

After hiking, we had a picnic and famous mini pies at the Gifford House.

Next stop, after a scenic drive through the Dixie National Forest, was Lower Calf Creek Falls in the Staircase Escalante National Monument.

This trail was a tough 6.7m because of all the sand. But there were flowers everywhere which kept the scenery pretty.

The yellow cacti above were my favorite but these orange ones were nice too.

It was worth the work for the amazing ending...

The BEAUTIFUL Calf Creek Falls!!!

The water was freezing!

We spent the next 2 nights in this adorable, modern cabin at the Bryce Canyon Inn.

Josh and I had our own bedroom and bath! The boys had a similar room with 2 beds, and Addy gladly took the couch.

D3: Bryce Canyon National Park!!!

Fairyland Loop 7.8m.

Jackson and Josh dropped us off later in the loop so we only hiked 6m.

ALL of my pictures were amazing because the scenery is just EPIC. It was tough to pick.

My hiking buddy. We are slow and steady but sometimes get left behind.

So much up hill at 7K was not easy.

Where's Addy?

We returned to Bryce Canyon in the evening to show the kids our favorite hike there. The Queens Garden/Navajo Loop 3m.

I'm sad that we had to skip the Peek A Boo and Spooky slot canyons in the Staircase Escalante but the lack of a day had to catch up with us eventually.

One of the several fun doorways through the hoodoos.

Gorgeous views at sunset.

The best part of the hike, heading up through the hoodoo slot.

Finishing off with endless switchbacks.

D4: On our way out of Bryce we stopped by Mossy Creek Falls.

Less than a mile to see this beauty.

It was so rare and beautiful to see water in such a dry area.

Hey guys! Do you think I can jump to the other side? Go Aaron!

Some nice people offered to take our family picture!

I LOVE these people!

Worth the stop for this one.

We made another stop for a 2.2m hike in Red Canyon.

And saw the Pink Ledges and Birdseye trails. Addy sat this one out.

More wildflowers and gorgeous views!

After a 2hr drive we arrived in Kanarraville and Linski's Grill for lunch.

Oh man, the food was delicious! More burgers for most of us.

Lunch was just minutes from our next hike, Kanarra Falls 4m. The hike started on a dirt road, then continued along a creek. Another chance to wear our waterproof socks!

Then we arrived at this amazing slot canyon!

And a waterfall! These stairs used to be made of wood but they recently replaced them with this less natural looking steel staircase.

We continued up the creek to several smaller falls then...

Another slot canyon!! This one had much deeper water but we managed.

This was the toughest part, so beautiful!

As far as we could go, another waterfall!

Looking back towards the canyon.

Benny was quite proud of this move. He pulled if off, barely.

This trail was magnificant! It required tickets in advance. I bought them months ago. The entrance said sold out until July. Phew!

This was another favorite hike of mine. I really love the red rock water combo.

Down the 2nd waterfall with no ladder. Just a few logs to help.

The most beautiful section!

Very similar to the Zion Narrows.

On the way back.

Located nearby, a snackery for some root beer floats and ice cream after the hike.

A quick 30min drive, grocery pickup and we were relaxing at the Vrbo. Get ready for Zion!!!