Zion, Bryce, and Monument Valley - Beating the Summer Crowds

[shootr]

Tomorrow morning we hit the road - 8 hours from Phoenix to Utah for a week of hiking and relaxing. We do something for our anniversary every year - this time it was deemed neccessary to tune up the Escape Pod and get back to nature - even if we freeze our desert-dwelling buns off.

So, I hope to share some pics and stories over the next 7 days...Stay tuned!

[Woodbutcher]

Have fun, it's a beautiful area. We were there this past June, and had a great time.

[Nobes]

I look forward to your posts! I am taking my TD up that way in late May.

[shootr]

And away we go!

[shootr]

Flagstaff was the only real snow we saw, perfect drive otherwise all the way to Zion.

[shootr]

Wow, just driving in we pulled over several times to hike around and just take it in.

[shootr]

Bummer - Zion booking site said loop C in Watchman was for tents and "small camping vehicles". They claim that meant trucks with those bed mounted campers, not teardrops.

We argued politely for a bit, then accepted a space in the RV a loop. $20 more with power (we don't use power) - but appreciate they could accommodate us - and the view ain't half bad.

[shootr]

Walked over to pick up our drysuits for tomorrow's hike at the Narrows, and unwind a bit before dinner...

Time to build a fire and roast some weenies!

[Woodbutcher]

Looks like you two are having a great time. That's what it's all about! Enjoy.

[shootr]

Hiked the Narrows - wow, quite spectacular, if a bit arduous...

[shootr]

Also saw Weeping Rock, the Patriarchs, and lots of deer.

Finished the day trying to recover...

[Woodbutcher]

You are getting your monies worth, that is for sure. Good looking desert too!

[KTM_Guy]

"small camping vehicles" A teardrop fits that to a tee.

I would love to do the Narrows, I hope the foot surgery I just had will get me there at some point. But 16 miles in one day might be to much for my old body.

[shootr]

Talk about lucky timing:

The shuttles are only running on weekends until next week, then only shuttles all days after that. So today we were able to leisurely drive the scenic route all the way to the Narrows. Made getting into and out of the gear way more convenient, plus didn't have to carry everything else since we could leave it in the truck.

Lots of road construction at the south entrance by the campgrounds - we bypass all of it and can walk to the outfitters and brewery.

After seeing the traffic at the trailhead parking, and in town from the construction, I can't imagine coming at peak season - we'd get nothing done due to the crowds.

It had to be pushing 65 today - unbelievable weather so far. Storm supposedly coming Sunday when we're in Bryce, but preliminarily right now, I think it'll be a dusting.

Saw a group of deer in the camp tonight - got pics with my good camera so have to wait until we get back to post them.

Teardrop is warm and cozy. No insulation so this was the first time we had condensation - not bad but it was there.

New reading lights and bed warmers performing great (posts in other threads) - not even using the warmers tonight. New deep cycle cutting the mustard - barely used any in 2 days.

Definitely getting out bang for the buck!

[shootr]

"small camping vehicles" A teardrop fits that to a tee.

I would love to do the Narrows, I hope the foot surgery I just had will get me there at some point. But 16 miles in one day might be to much for my old body.

We just did 2.5 miles up from the bottom trailhead. About 3.5 leisurely hours total - but some spots were a little hairy. No slips or falls - so my camera gear survived.

We went and checked out the original campsite - plenty of room so not like we'd of been hanging into the roadway. No shore power and no generator - really makes no sense. Weirder still is here at the RV loop, there's 2 different campers that do fit the category - do not sure why they are paying the extra to be here. Plenty of openings at c loop.