Our Hiking Vacation

We decided to start out this hiking season away from home. We hopped on a plane and headed South and started in Colorado with Mesa Verde National Park, headed west to the Grand Canyon, and then north from there to Zions National Park. 5 days, 3 National parks and roughly 40 hiking miles covered. It was a lot of ground covered, but an amazing trip. The next handful of posts are all the hikes we did on this trip, so if you are wanting to venture out of Washington and see some new sights, one of these hikes just might be your ticket. Plus, I have a new addition I am adding to my blog posts this year: video!

Enjoy!

The Narrows: Zions National Park

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: You decide

Another fun, and unusual hike offered by the canyons of Zions Nation Park. If you aren't afraid of getting wet, and are sturdy on your feet, this is a great way to cool down in the high heat of the day. Since you are following the river up the canyon and have to turn around to come back out, you can go for as long you you like. We only spent about an hour in the river since we had spent all morning climbing around Angels Landing, but it was SO refreshing that we really enjoyed it. Even if you don't feel like getting wet, the 1 mile, paved hike on Riverside Walk leading you to the start of the Narrows is still worth doing.

Angels Landing: Zions National Park

Difficulty: Hard

5 miles round trip

I can honestly say that I have never done a hike quite like this in my entire life, and probably never will again. I am surprised that I did as well as I did, considering that I get scared on a ferris wheel (much to my children's enjoyment). When I first saw the spine of rock that we were going to climb up, I told Aaron that I didn't know if I was going to be able to do it, but in the end there was only one part that I peed my pants a little - the rest I was surprisingly calm. This is NOT a hike to do if you are terrified of heights, or have small children with you, but if you are daring and ready for an adventure - holy cow, this hike is for you!!

Emerald Pools: Zions National Park

Difficulty: Easy

2 miles round

This is a very easy hike in the Zions National Park. It is one of the most popular hikes due to it's ease, beauty, and the fact that it is right across the street from the only lodge located within the parks boundaries. We did this hike the night we arrived, to stretch our legs after being in the car all day. It's a great little hike and perfect if you're hiking with little ones.

South Kaibab to Bright Angel via the Tonto Trail: Grand Canyon National Park

Difficulty: Hard

13.5 Miles

This was our first time to the Grand Canyon, and Aaron and I really wanted to experience everything it had to offer. Since we flew into our destination, backpacking was out, so we only had one day to get in as much as we could. Let me put a warning all over this hike: DO NOT attempt to do this unless you are in great shape, are an experienced hiker, and are very prepared with a lot of water and adequate food. (as a matter of fact, there are signs all of the internet and all around the park that warn hikers against doing this). If, however, you are amazing like we are (insert a winking smiley face here), read on and plan your adventure. If not, well then just sit down and enjoy the ride along with us as I share our experience.

Spruce Canyon: Mesa Verde National Park

Difficulty: Easy

2.5 Miles round trip

After hiking to Petroglyph Point, you can lengthen out your hike another 2.5 miles to have a total of 5 miles. If you were to just do one hike or the other, I would definitely do the Petroglyph Point trail, but taking the Spruce Canyon trail is a great way to lengthen out your hiking time and be able to head to the canyon floor.

Petroglyph Point: Mesa Verde National Park

Difficulty: Easy

2.5 Miles Round Trip

Most of Mesa Verde is seen from view points on the road, but there are a few simple, short hikes that you can do that are definitely worth your time. Our favorite of these hikes was the Petroglyph Point Trail. Great views of the canyon, cliff dwellings, and of course the petrogyph wall are all part of this awesome little hike: there is A LOT to see in just 2.5 little miles!