Utah Summer Vacation Part II

D5: Zion National Park hike to Observation Point via Stave Spring and East Rim 8m

Since the Observation Point trail from the valley via Weeping Rock and Echo Canyon was closed due to a rock slide several years ago, we decided to take this alternate route.

The hike was one way and required a shuttle from the Ponderosa Ranch.

We didn't see a single person on the trail until we got to Observation Point.

Most people take the East Mesa trail to get there but we opted for the more scenic route.

Almost to the top!

We made it! EPIC view of the magnificant Zion valley.

Another gorgeous day. We really lucked out on the weather which was much cooler than normal.

Addy is the chipmunk whisperer. She always attempts to hold and pet them.

After our hike we checked into the Zion Lodge, which we could actually see from the view point. Taken from our 2nd floor balcony.

It took some effort to book a stay here. And to get one of the suites. This was the living room with fold out couch. Benny slept on the couch cushions on the floor.

And this was our room. Addy slept on a rollaway. Such a nice place!

After unpacking we drove into Springdale for dinner.

Then we tried something new, EBIKES!! Thank you Steph for the idea. The sticks are for hiking the Narrows the next day. It's nice you can rent them early.

We biked the Pa'rus trail to the scenic drive, all the way up to the end 17m.

The min age to drive was 12 so Benny had to ride on the back of Josh's bike.

We went for the last 2 hours of the day for cheaper prices and the road wasn't busy. It's open to shuttle buses only and there weren't any on the way up.

Gorgeous views on the way back. We saw tons of deer and some turkeys crossing the road.

There were several bridges that were fun to ride over.

This place is magical, especially in the quiet evening.

The kids LOVED it! Josh said he got up to 25 mph on the way down.

D6: All you can eat breakfast at the lodge. Aaron ate way too much bacon.

Hiking the famous Zion Narrows. We took our time getting on a shuttle and starting this hike to enjoy our morning at the lodge.

To save money Addy used Josh's homemade walking stick and Benny used my hiking poles.

Josh and I saw the Narrows on my 40th birthday trip to Zion but we really wanted the kids to experience it as well.

We made it about 3 miles into the canyon to Wall Street.

In this section the walls are 1500' high and only 22' wide. Tough to show in a picture.

At this point we turned around then took a detour down Orderville canyon.

This section was more narrow and less crowded.

It required a few tough climbs over waterfalls to access.

We got to wear our waterproof socks AGAIN! What a cool experience.

On our way out of the canyon. I needed at least one picture! Cute couple shot.

I liked hiking this way more in the summer than the fall. We didn't need to rent pants or special boots. The water was still cold but refreshing.

Only with a picture can you take in such beauty. God's creation is more than words can describe.

It was very difficult to pick the best pictures, all of them were great.

The water was more clear this time.

So much greenery towards the beginning of the canyon.

D7: Travel day...red rock to snow capped mountains. We got permits for Angels Landing but I wimped out because my knee hurt. And Josh and I had already hiked it. This is Kolob Canyons, the west entrance of Zion. I wish we had time to hike this area.

We drove 5hrs to Park City and had lunch at a pizza place. Then drove over Guardsman Pass.

To Solitude Resort where we stayed at an Airbnb for the next 2 nights.

This place was everyone's favorite. Addy had the couch.

The boys had this fun bunk bed. Aaron said it was more comfortable than his bed at home.

And Josh and I had our own little cozy room.

The best part was this awesome pool with slide.

And hot tub!! The kids especially loved the gameroom with foosball, air hockey and pool. The area was deserted because it was off season.

D8: Bell Canyon to Lower Falls 4.6m

This trail was the lowest rated of all the ones we hiked. Flowers and snow!!

The hike up to the waterfall was tough. Rocks and a steep climb all the way to the falls.

Posing at the falls. The mist was intense.

Views of a lake on the way back.

We had lunch at Five Guys then went looking for snow 5min past our rental at Silver Lake.

We walked around the 1m boardwalk and found some snow!!

The boys throw lots of snowballs.

On the walk back.

Benny loves snow the most!

D9: We were supposed to fly home but our flight once again was delayed causing us to miss our connection. So they changed it to the next morning and we got to stay another day!!

We braved the premier Big Cottonwood Canyon hike to Lake Blanche 6m with almost a 3000' elevation gain!

Moose!!! Jackson got this picture. I was behind and was just able to see him before he went further into the woods.

Almost at the top. So proud of my child for taking pictures!!

The amazing Lake Blanche, snow covered and frozen just a week ago.

Eating our Subway sandwiches. We also stopped by the Dollar Tree and stocked up on chips, candy and Gatorade. All we need to make it!

Just a little snow left on the top. And lots of flowing waterfalls.

I love this rock so much. Utah red rock has made it to the mountains!

This is Josh's favorite kind of scenery.

The way back down. She matches the trees!

They beat Josh and I down by at least 20 minutes.

Lunch in Salt Lake City at MOD Pizza.

One of Aaron's favorites!

We stayed at Homewood Suites by the airport. Thank you Neville's for the gift card. Another awesome trip in the books, and priceless quality time spent together.