Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Today was our day to visit magnificent Arches National Park.
Overlooking Route 191
Driving Into Arches National Park
Overlook
Clouds Over the Park
Balanced Rock
An Arch
A Slot Canyon
Between the Rocks
Arch Between the Rocks
Another Arch
Arch
People Under the Arch
Awesome Place
Desert Stars
Monday, September 16, 2013
Today we planned a long driving day in order to reach Moab, Utah before dark. We checked out of the hotel in Brian Head and drove eastward. It was a pleasant drive through part of the Dixie National Forest. Since it was early, we decided to stop in Panguitch for breakfast. We cruised down Main Street and found the Flying M Coffee Shop. The pick-up trucks parked out back were a sign that this would be a good place for a hearty breakfast.
The Flying M Coffee Shop
Interior of the Flying M
Well fortified with strong coffee, we continued on Route 89 through Panguitch to “Highway 12 – A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway.” It was a choice between the faster interstate or the slower scenic road. Fortunately, we made the right choice because Highway 12 was a winner.
Highway 12 Through Red Canyon
Huge Rock Formation
Across the Valley
On the Way to Kodachrome State Park
Arch in the Rocks
Sand Stone Dunes
Tree at the Lookout at Kodachrome Basin State Park
Cattle Crossing the Road
Cowboy Chasing Calf
Lassoing the Calf
Throwing the Rope
S-Curve
Capitol Reef National Park
Unbelievable Scenery
Hoodoo
Moonscape
Still Going
Rock Formations
Far From the Middle of Nowhere
Approaching Moab, Utah
Sunday, September 15, 2013
We left Springdale, Utah about nine o’clock and drove north again along Route 9. The weather was clear and about 60 degrees. The morning sun was at a great angle to take more photographs of the sandstone mountains around us. We took more photos as we traveled north.
View Along Route 9 North
Incredible Monoliths
Beautiful Rocks
Soon after we drove out of Zion National Park, the earth flattened and we drove through many miles of meadows and farmlands.
Red Canyon
Another View of the Red Canyon
Along the Road Up to Bryce Canyon
Storm Brewing Near the Top
View From Rainbow Point: Elevation 9115 Feet
Millions of Years of Erosion
Amazing
Hoodoos
Threatening Thunder Storm
Clearing After the Rain
Bryce Canyon View
Hoodoos in a Row
Hoodoo Up Close
Across Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon Lodge
Lobby of the Bryce Canyon Lodge
Overlook at Cedar Breaks National Monument
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Another View of Cedar Breaks N. M.
Welcome To Brian Head
We spent the night at Brian Head, Utah because every other decent hotel was sold out within a 50 mile radius of Bryce Canyon. As we drove down the side of the mountain (elevation: 11,307 feet) we soon discovered that Brian Head is a ski resort “town.” It was an alpine village with only ski hotels and condos, which were all closed for the summer season. At the end of the road was the DoubleTree which held our reservation. It seemed to be the only open establishment in town. It was a charming knotty-pine ski chalet-type hotel. A little weird for this time of year, but clean and comfortable for us.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
We decided to stay one more day in Springdale to see another part of Zion National Park. Almost three million people visit the park annually so automobiles are limited to campers and guests at the Lodge. The National Park Service provides frequent all-day shuttle buses from the Visitor’s Center up to the Temple of Sinawava. The red road meanders along the Virgin River and makes several scenic stops along the way.
Part of the Visitor’s Center
Shuttle Bus
We parked the car in Springdale and took one of the Shuttle buses that run from the town to the Visitor’s Center. It is a Saturday and we saw a long line of cars waiting at the park entrance. The bus was efficient, convenient, and easy.
Wide Part of the Canyon
Toward the River
The bus had an informative recorded commentary describing the prominent monoliths and hiking trails. The incredibly beautiful red rocks were giant sand dunes millions of years ago. We rode to the last stop and got out to explore and take photographs.
Fiery Rock
Along the Sand Stone Canyon
The Virgin River
We walked along an easy trail which followed the river. It was a pleasant walk because the trail happened to be in the shade at this time of day.
Mule Deer
Another View
Amazing Rocks
Near the Lodge
After a while, we walked back to catch the shuttle bus back down the canyon. It was well past lunchtime, so we stopped at the restaurant near the Zion Lodge. It was good to sit after our long walk. We had a pleasant lunch of quinoa salad and tacos then we waited for another shuttle bus to return to Springdale.
The Lodge and Cabins
Afternoon Light
I’m happy that we stayed another day to visit another part of Zion National Park. It is an incredibly beautiful natural site to see and explore.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Late last night we flew into Las Vegas, Nevada to begin our self-guided tour of several national parks in the southwestern part of the U.S. Jeff had made a one-night reservation for us at the Four Seasons Hotel because it was advertised as a quiet, no-casino, no glitz, centrally located hotel. It was actually located on the top five floors of the Mandalay Bay Hotel which had lots of glitz, twenty-two restaurants, many shops, and a 135,000 square foot casino.
Four Seasons & Mandalay Bay Hotels
Lobby of the Mandalay Bay Hotel
The lobby of the Four Seasons was quiet, peaceful, and tastefully decorated. This morning, we went downstairs to explore Mandalay Bay. It was crowded with lots of people and loud music was everywhere. We discovered that the casino was empty at 8:00 o’clock in the morning. We had breakfast at Raffles and took a walk outside.
Huge Casino
View of the Luxor Hotel
The Excalibur Hotel
Casino
Afterwards, we checked out and retrieved our rental car and drove down the famous “Strip” to see the other hotels. Las Vegas is an amazing city with an incredible number of huge hotels and gambling establishments.
Las Vegas Boulevard. aka “The Strip”
New York, New York
Part of The Paris Hotel
The temperature was heating up over 90 degrees. We drove through North Las Vegas and found an entrance onto Route 15 and continued north to Utah. The land just outside the city of Las Vegas was flat barren desert. The speed limit on the highway was 75 mph.
Driving Through the Desert
Advertisement Outside Las Vegas
Route 15 continues through the northwestern corner of Arizona before going into Utah. The land became more mountainous as we continued northward.
Arizona Landscape
Southern Utah
Springdale, Utah is the small town at the entrance of Zion National Park. It is a tiny community of hotels, restaurants, and hiking outfitters which service the needs of the people who visit the park.
View From Our Hotel Room in Springdale, UT
Inside Zion National Park
Zion National Park is preserved land which has two main parts. One section straddles Route 9 and cars are able to drive along the road and stop at several turnouts. There are numerous trailheads for hikers and lookouts for drivers. The other section is off-limits to private cars. Visitors must part their cars at the Visitor’s Center and take the free shuttle bus into the park. The road meanders along the Virgin River for about 12 miles making several scenic stops.
Rock Formation in Zion N.P.
Desert Flowers
Ribbons of Color
View of Mountains
Mountain Sheep Crossing the Road
Grazing
White Rocks
Spicy Dinner at the Whiptail Grill
We had a tasty southwestern dinner at the Whiptail Grill. I had spaghetti squash enchiladas with salad and beans. Jeff had spicy chicken enchiladas. The temperature had cooled so we ate outside as the sun set over the mountains. We had a great day from glitz to glorious.