"...how many more hikes we have in us; a thought that left both of us depressed."

Mel, we too can identify with that sentiment, that wondering. Probably most Fodorites are in the same boat.
I love that first Blue Mesa shot (not familiar with that place). OldeMalloy is so right: that landscape never gets old or 'tired' in its appeal.

*Suggested listening for such SW areas: the CD 'Landscapes' by Coyote Oldman. This duo specializes in flutes, synths and SW stylings in a new-agey instrumental way.
That album is by far, their best. Guaranteed to lower BP, it too never gets tired.
I am done. the SW

zebec - I think I have that CD! I have many from the Landscapes collection. Will have to look for it.

oldemalloy - you're in an inspiration. I hope we're still plugging away in the great outdoors when we're in our 80's.

Mel, thanks again for this inspirational report, look forward to your next one. Hope you found Bill's blueberry beer. Yes, many of us are in that "how many more in us" boat. How we deal with it is for a different thread. Seems like you guys have some left.

zebec, thanks for the Edward Abbey listening suggestion. I've added a few titles to my Hoopla list for an upcoming Western road trip next month.
Previous trip listens have included:
Larry McMurtry Dead Man's Walk [Jack Garrett]
A.B. Guthrie The Big Sky [Rusty Nelson]
Zane Grey Tappan's Burro [Christopher Lane]
Gary McCarthy Our American West [Rusty Nelson]
Jack Kerouac On The Road [Will Patton]

All highly recommended. The readers of these books are important. We have some Coyote Oldman and other Native American music that indeed works well on the big open road, good suggestion.

10 km hikes have turned into gentle strolls.

Thanks for your report! Our trips also tend to be hike centric but my husband is recovering from a foot injury so we'll need to make some adjustments. No Walter's Wiggles for us. I'm starting to wonder what we'll do with our extra time!

Great report. I didn't know the condors had made it from Vermillion Cliffs up to Zion. And good reaction time to get the photo. Apparently there is a nest near Angel's Landing. Your bird looks like a youngster, maybe #1111 or its older sibling "1K".

https://www.nps.gov/zion/learn/news/california-condor-nestling-1111-fledges-at-zion-national-park.htm

https://www.peregrinefund.org/news-release/two-california-condor-nests-new-nestlings-have-been-discovered-southern-utah

Ah-ha! I seem to recall that you're a birder mlgb. Thanks for those links!

Utah's National Parks are open in the winter, too.
 

Utah's National Parks are open in the winter, too.

I think we've established that.

LOL

I don't know how to drive or hike in snow! I wonder if there is any way for adult snow driving lessons in Southern California.

Well, hiking in snow takes less practice than driving in it.

1) Put on winter hiking gear (fleece lined pants, waterproof boots, jacket - fleece hat and mittens if needed, otherwise put them in the backpack).

2) Put traction cleats on hiking boots if there is packed snow or ice, otherwise place in backpack for when they're needed

3) Grab hiking stick (s)

4) Find a trail and go!