Would you stay in the parks at Bryce and Zion?
Dec 15th, 2012, 07:01 AM
#42
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The lodge IS right at Sunrise and Sunset points. You might have to walk 1-2 minutes from you cabin. Some people like Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, and Paria Point better. I thought Sunrise Point actually was the better of the two views at sunset(when the sun was actually setting). But maybe that was just me, or perhaps I confused the two points.
The lodge/cabins basically sits right between Sunrise and Sunset points. I actually just walked between the two areas during Sunrise and Sunset. The shadows cast by the hoodoos are pretty cool to see at dawn and dusk.
And yes, do allow at least 30 minutes before the sun actually rises or sets.
The lodge/cabins basically sits right between Sunrise and Sunset points. I actually just walked between the two areas during Sunrise and Sunset. The shadows cast by the hoodoos are pretty cool to see at dawn and dusk.
And yes, do allow at least 30 minutes before the sun actually rises or sets.
Dec 15th, 2012, 07:04 AM
#43
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http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisi...summer-web.pdf
Link to map. The walk between Sunrise and Sunset points takes about 10 minutes.
Link to map. The walk between Sunrise and Sunset points takes about 10 minutes.
Dec 15th, 2012, 07:07 AM
#44
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Sorry for the multi posts. Some people consider Thor's Hammer to be in their photos at Sunset/Sunrise, so if you want that then be at Sunset Point. My favorite hoodoo is the one with the alligator.
Dec 15th, 2012, 09:03 AM
#45
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Ahhhh! An Alligator Hoodoo??? I LOVE Alligators 
I had to immediately Google a picture of it! Love it!
(I think Bryce is going to be my favorite park, I've felt that way for a long time - I can't wait to get there!).
I had to immediately Google a picture of it! Love it!(I think Bryce is going to be my favorite park, I've felt that way for a long time - I can't wait to get there!).
Dec 15th, 2012, 01:26 PM
#46
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My son's favorite bedtime reading as a 3 yo was the Audobon Society's Junior Guide to Bugs. I have learned more about bugs than I ever want to know!!! But I really like kids naturalist guides. They have interesting facts, are easy to understand and get through and find facts later etc. I have plenty of the fold out guides that identify the animals, birds, plants. But I like the books that provide more info on the animals.
Some of the books I like are:
Scats and Tracks of the Desert Southwest
Holes of the Desert Southwest (because you see holes all over the place and you want to know who lived there)
Who Pooped on the Colorado Plateau?
Canyon Country Naturalist Guide (I have seen this at Arches. This is the go-to book for all animals and plants plus geology. I never go anywhere without it!)
Also at Arches, they have a great spiral bound book on all sorts of animals and plants etc--I will go look for it on my shelves.
And Roadside Geology of Utah is a great book--it goes on every road trip with us.
And some book with a title like Yuck in the Desert or Yucky facts about the desert. Awesome kids book.
Some of the books I like are:
Scats and Tracks of the Desert Southwest
Holes of the Desert Southwest (because you see holes all over the place and you want to know who lived there)
Who Pooped on the Colorado Plateau?
Canyon Country Naturalist Guide (I have seen this at Arches. This is the go-to book for all animals and plants plus geology. I never go anywhere without it!)
Also at Arches, they have a great spiral bound book on all sorts of animals and plants etc--I will go look for it on my shelves.
And Roadside Geology of Utah is a great book--it goes on every road trip with us.
And some book with a title like Yuck in the Desert or Yucky facts about the desert. Awesome kids book.
Dec 15th, 2012, 03:11 PM
#47
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Spiro - I can't see any of your pictures 
None of the links will open for me (well, they open, but Shutterfly won't open the albums at all)...
Isabel, I'm reading your trip report now - but I saw your pictures and they are incredible!!! Thank you for sharing them! Now that I've seen your pictures of the Narrows - I TOTALLY want to do this - my kids would love it!
None of the links will open for me (well, they open, but Shutterfly won't open the albums at all)...Isabel, I'm reading your trip report now - but I saw your pictures and they are incredible!!! Thank you for sharing them! Now that I've seen your pictures of the Narrows - I TOTALLY want to do this - my kids would love it!
Dec 15th, 2012, 05:55 PM
#48
spiro,
I believe Glacier gives you one change per reservation then charges a service charge.
I'm going back there next sdummer with a friend. I made reservations a couple of days too long with the intention of dropping a couple of days when we know how many.
As it turns out he booked his flight a day early both coming and going. Something about using air miles. I then had to scramble and book an extra night. Unfortunately I had to book a different type of room so unless I get a cancellation eventually, we'll have to change rooms after the first night.
Being with kids creates a different situation. That pool could be an issue. Something to think about.
In Bryce. The inpark lodging is between Sunset & Sunrise points. Not much of a walk.
However, my favortie view of a spectacular sunrise is at Bryce Point.
As somebody wrote you have to get there in the dark. Be careful as the more you drive in the dark the more chance you could hit something.
Bryce point has a build-out observation deck. It gets cold and windy there so wear appropriate clothing.
I was amused when I saw a full tour bus pull into the Bryce Point parking lot as all the early risers were on their way to their cars. They got up early but not early enough to see the sunrise. They might as well have slept a bit longer.
You can see my photos at:
www.travelwalks.com
I believe Glacier gives you one change per reservation then charges a service charge.
I'm going back there next sdummer with a friend. I made reservations a couple of days too long with the intention of dropping a couple of days when we know how many.
As it turns out he booked his flight a day early both coming and going. Something about using air miles. I then had to scramble and book an extra night. Unfortunately I had to book a different type of room so unless I get a cancellation eventually, we'll have to change rooms after the first night.
Being with kids creates a different situation. That pool could be an issue. Something to think about.
In Bryce. The inpark lodging is between Sunset & Sunrise points. Not much of a walk.
However, my favortie view of a spectacular sunrise is at Bryce Point.
As somebody wrote you have to get there in the dark. Be careful as the more you drive in the dark the more chance you could hit something.
Bryce point has a build-out observation deck. It gets cold and windy there so wear appropriate clothing.
I was amused when I saw a full tour bus pull into the Bryce Point parking lot as all the early risers were on their way to their cars. They got up early but not early enough to see the sunrise. They might as well have slept a bit longer.
You can see my photos at:
www.travelwalks.com
Dec 16th, 2012, 06:07 AM
#50
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Oh! Spiro, I got them to work. Your pictures are amazing! I'm more excited about Zion than ever! I really can't wait for this trip, now. Only 5 months until I can book, an 17 months until we travel (LOL). I should probably be doing Christmas stuff right now, instead of planning a trip that is 17 months away
Dec 16th, 2012, 05:11 PM
#51
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Look at Myers photos too. He captures thing differently and he has some really nice pics. He and I seem to always be taking nearly identical trips-at least to the same places a lot.
Myer, Are you going to be in Glacier the last weekend in July?
Myer, Are you going to be in Glacier the last weekend in July?
Dec 17th, 2012, 05:15 AM
#52
spiro,
No, not in July. I was supposed to be leaving Aug 5 but a friend that I'm meeting in Calgary booked his flight a day earlier to get reasonable air mile flights so I scrambled with lodging and book a day earlier as well.
I believe I'm overlapping with Erik at Rising Sun. Hopefully get together with them.
How long will you be in Glacier and what is your current plan?
No, not in July. I was supposed to be leaving Aug 5 but a friend that I'm meeting in Calgary booked his flight a day earlier to get reasonable air mile flights so I scrambled with lodging and book a day earlier as well.
I believe I'm overlapping with Erik at Rising Sun. Hopefully get together with them.
How long will you be in Glacier and what is your current plan?
Dec 17th, 2012, 10:29 AM
#53
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Just 4.5 days and 4 nights. Staying the entire time at Many Glacier. I will probably do one major hike. Trying to decide between the Highline Trail, Grinnell Gracier, and Iceberg Lake. I think we will most likely do Iceberg-probably a ranger-led hike. I really wanted to hike Highline/spend the night at Granite Chalet/then continue on hiking over the pass back to Many Glacier. I couldn't talk my wife into that much mileage over two days.
I plan on doing 3 or 4 of the boat lake tours, the afternoon tea @ Waterton. Will probably hike Hidden Lake Trail. Will have a meal at most of the lodges.
I plan on doing 3 or 4 of the boat lake tours, the afternoon tea @ Waterton. Will probably hike Hidden Lake Trail. Will have a meal at most of the lodges.
Dec 17th, 2012, 02:55 PM
#54
We stopped in Waterton for a few hours. Hiked Bears Hump. Quite short, very steep and many stairs made of railroad ties. The toughest hike of the trip.
I would try for Highline, Grinnell Lacier and Iceberg.
I think boat rides take a lot of time and don't do much.
We took the two boat shuttles to start Grinnell Glacier. Couldn't complete the hike due to a snow field. We went ranger-led.
For Iceberg we left an hour after the ranger-led hike and caught up to them. They make a lot of stopsfor explanations.
It might even be possible to do Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake on the same day.
The scenery is spectacular.
Fishercap Lake is very close. Fifteen minute walk from the end of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot.
We went there 3-4 times. Always wildlife late in the day.
I would try for Highline, Grinnell Lacier and Iceberg.
I think boat rides take a lot of time and don't do much.
We took the two boat shuttles to start Grinnell Glacier. Couldn't complete the hike due to a snow field. We went ranger-led.
For Iceberg we left an hour after the ranger-led hike and caught up to them. They make a lot of stopsfor explanations.
It might even be possible to do Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake on the same day.
The scenery is spectacular.
Fishercap Lake is very close. Fifteen minute walk from the end of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot.
We went there 3-4 times. Always wildlife late in the day.
Dec 18th, 2012, 05:17 AM
#55
spiro,
I think if you skip the boat rides (except for one), which don't really add much to your trip, you can get a lot done in 4.5 days.
Your interests may be different from mine but scenery and wildlife are there.
This is a plan that might satisfy you.
I'm not sure if you're close to sea level so I would start with Iceberg Lake since it's easier (longer but only slightly steep near the start).
On the second day take the 8:30 shuttle from the Many Glacier Hotel. This is a shuttle that goes on two lakes with a short hike between. From there do the Grinnell Glacier hike.
On each day I would add the following to the above. Day 1 hike along the Swiftcurrent Pass trail as far as you feel like going. You can stop at Redrock Falls and then on the way back (quite close to the trailhead) veer to Fishercap Lake. There alwways seems to be moose and or deer there.
Keep your eyes open in the area as there could be bears around.
On Day 2 after the main hike drive over to the Apikuni Falls trailhead for a relatively short but fairly steep (that's why I put this in day 2) hike. After this you may have to for a quick walk over to Fishercap Lake for more wildlife.
For Day 3 I would get up pretty early and drive over to Logan Pass. You want to get there 9:00 - 9:30 to make sure you get parking.
You can do Hidden Lake and as much of Highline as you want. While nobody would consider Hidden Lake difficult, I found the many wooden stairs a bit of a surprise. We do get older.
We stopped after a mile or so of Highline and went over to St May and Virginia Falls. We could have gone further on Highline.
I'm not sure what else you have planned but on Day 4 you could either spend some time on GTTS Road and go to Two Medicine for part of the day before going to Waterton Lakes. Or skip Two Medicine. You could go to Waterton Lakes earlier and hikes Bear's Hump. I would be interested in your opinion.
I think if you skip the boat rides (except for one), which don't really add much to your trip, you can get a lot done in 4.5 days.
Your interests may be different from mine but scenery and wildlife are there.
This is a plan that might satisfy you.
I'm not sure if you're close to sea level so I would start with Iceberg Lake since it's easier (longer but only slightly steep near the start).
On the second day take the 8:30 shuttle from the Many Glacier Hotel. This is a shuttle that goes on two lakes with a short hike between. From there do the Grinnell Glacier hike.
On each day I would add the following to the above. Day 1 hike along the Swiftcurrent Pass trail as far as you feel like going. You can stop at Redrock Falls and then on the way back (quite close to the trailhead) veer to Fishercap Lake. There alwways seems to be moose and or deer there.
Keep your eyes open in the area as there could be bears around.
On Day 2 after the main hike drive over to the Apikuni Falls trailhead for a relatively short but fairly steep (that's why I put this in day 2) hike. After this you may have to for a quick walk over to Fishercap Lake for more wildlife.
For Day 3 I would get up pretty early and drive over to Logan Pass. You want to get there 9:00 - 9:30 to make sure you get parking.
You can do Hidden Lake and as much of Highline as you want. While nobody would consider Hidden Lake difficult, I found the many wooden stairs a bit of a surprise. We do get older.
We stopped after a mile or so of Highline and went over to St May and Virginia Falls. We could have gone further on Highline.
I'm not sure what else you have planned but on Day 4 you could either spend some time on GTTS Road and go to Two Medicine for part of the day before going to Waterton Lakes. Or skip Two Medicine. You could go to Waterton Lakes earlier and hikes Bear's Hump. I would be interested in your opinion.
Dec 31st, 2012, 08:59 AM
#56
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gnomemom, for 3+ years I travelled throughout the Southwest while I was working in Phoenix. The Navajo Trail in Bryce was one of my favourites. The park has a good list of the trails and how long they are at the head of them from what I can remember (it's been 8 years). I was 56 at the time so I think the Navajo Trail is very doable with children.
Btw, I don't remember Hwy 12 being that scary. Have fun!
Btw, I don't remember Hwy 12 being that scary. Have fun!
Dec 31st, 2012, 11:28 AM
#57
The Navajo Loop and Queens Garden combination should be fine for kids that age.
Make sure you take with plenty of water to drink.
Also, if you live in a low elevation (Bryce Canyon is about 8,000 feet up) it may be an idea to give yourself a day before doing this hike. Also, since Navajo Loop is steeper than Queens Garden it might be a good idea to go down Navajo Loop and up QG.
When coming up just walk slowly and rest as required.
Make sure you take with plenty of water to drink.
Also, if you live in a low elevation (Bryce Canyon is about 8,000 feet up) it may be an idea to give yourself a day before doing this hike. Also, since Navajo Loop is steeper than Queens Garden it might be a good idea to go down Navajo Loop and up QG.
When coming up just walk slowly and rest as required.
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