jul4

Just came back from the most amazing trip!!!! We(myself and my husband) landed in Vegas early on Sunday and drove straight to Valley of fire-we wanted to do a short hike but even though it was only 11am it was simply too hot so we drove around to see the great rock formations getting out only to take pictures.(We quickly learned that you can not judge a hike simply by its distance. we thought of course we could do a 3/4 mile hike in the heat if we have enough water-no you cant!! there is a reason for all the heat warning signs) It was still a great way to begin our trip and we saw some amazing rock formations. Also it is good to know that all the parks we visited had water for you to fill up your camel pacs with. Next we went to Zion. We went straight to Zion Adventures to get our gear for the narrows hike the next day(boots,socks and a walking stick. In my opinion the gear made all the difference in having a comfortable hike. The walking stick also really helped cross the river in the rapids and to keep us from falling and the boots supported our ankles and together with the socks kept us from feeling wet and sandy all day. The narrows was a great hike-we started around eight to get the shuttle which takes 35-45 minutes to get you to the entrance of the hike and did not get back to the shuttle until about 5. we hiked to Orderville went into the canyon there to explore and then went most of the way until the bubbling springs(the point you cant go past) It was totally exhilarating and like no other hike we ever did. We took along a dry bag we purchased on Amazon and everything stayed dry even in the one spot(past Orderville) when the water went past our waist.

J62

Great to hear you had a wonderful start to your trip! You certainly saw all of the Narrows that one can in one day - good for you.

No need to have separate posts for part 1 & 2. I recommend you repost part 2 here as a reply so everything is in one place.

jul4

it wouldn't let me type anymore

J62

right - comment on your own post, just like you did "it wouldn't let me type anymore"

jul4

Trip report continued: The next day in Zion we did Angels landing. We left early because we wanted to be down before it got to hot but should had left earlier because at 10 (on top) it was crowded. the walk up to scouts lookout is challenging but anyone could do it with breaks. We decided to do the first section of the chained part and then stop. The reason earlier is better is that going down the hardest thing is that people go up and down the same narrow chained area and it was difficult getting around people. I would not have gone to the very top because I was worried about going down(at that height) but my husband said that if we go back we would go as early as possible because he wanted to do the entire climb without being crowded. People said that to hike the who;e thing it is a mind thing and I think that is true because you can hold on to the chain almost the whole way(there are at least two short breaks we saw) and if it is not crowded seemed doable if you are not scared of heights. Going back down from scouts lookout was a piece of cake since it is all down In June it was still very hot even though we were back down by 11:30.
next we left to drive to Bryce. There is a ton of stuff to do on the way. first check out checkerboard mesa on your way out of Zion. We had no time and it was hot so we only took a picture but there is a hike there. Right outside of Bryce is Red canyon which is worth a stop-no fee and you can hike right up to the red hoodos-its sort of like a mini Bryce.Bryce was my favorite!!!!!! One full day of hiking is enough to see it but still it is like little fairies made formations all over. We did the peekaboo trail in the morning(it will feel very hot even if only getting into the 80's) This was a really challenging trail but we loved it and took tons of pictures. then took a break to do some of the rainbow trail overlooks by car and then did queens garden and navajo trail which are relatively easy but still offer amazing views. Close Bryce on the way to Tropic, where we stayed is the mossy cave-a short trail that leads to a pretty waterfall and cave. There is also a little stream feed by the water fall you can splash in. we stayed in the Bryce canyon inn-cute log cabins which were very nice and included a great breakfast. The next morning we left to Paige Arizona, where we went on a boat ride at lake Powell. we debated about doing the boat ride to the rainbow bridge but the times did not work and in the end it was for the best because it was over a hundred degrees and would have been too long to be on the boat. Instead we did the three hour canyon tour which we really enjoyed.It was hot at times but you were allowed to go inside when it was cooler whenever you wanted to and they gave out free water and lemonade. Also the bathroom om the boat was the nicest boat bathroom i had ever seen. At sunset(half an hour before printed sunset time) we hiked to horse shoe canyon which was very different and we got a great sunset view,(not sure why it was earlier there) The next day we did antelope canyon. the canyon was the most spectacular thing!!!! You must go with a guide and at first it is a little stressful because it is all about the pictures and the guide is telling you take this and that ,hold your camera like this and that BUT i got professional looking shots with my 200$ camera. Also we did an 8 o'clock tour so it was not that crowded in the canyon yet but I could imagine that later in the day it would be. Antelope canyon is on Arizona time even though it is technically on the reservation. In June that meant it was the same time as Vegas and an hour behind Utah. Next we drove to Vegas to relax!!!

jul4

ONE MORE THING-WATER. WE TOOK CAMEL BACS I HAD 70 OUNCE AND MY HUSBAND HAD 100 OUNCE. THAT WAS ENOUGH FOR EACH HIKE. iN BRYCE WE REFILLED BEFORE THE SECOND HIKE. another IMPORTANT THING THERE IS A PORT A POT ON TOP OF ANGELS LANDING NEAR SCOUTS LOOKOUT.