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

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

Postby shootr » Wed Feb 28, 2018 9:33 pm

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. :snow

So, I hope to share some pics and stories over the next 7 days...Stay tuned!
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Re: Zion, Bryce, and Monument Valley - Beating the Summer Cr

Postby Woodbutcher » Wed Feb 28, 2018 10:05 pm

Have fun, it's a beautiful area. We were there this past June, and had a great time.
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Re: Zion, Bryce, and Monument Valley - Beating the Summer Cr

Postby Nobes » Thu Mar 01, 2018 10:59 am

I look forward to your posts! I am taking my TD up that way in late May.
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Re: Zion, Bryce, and Monument Valley - Beating the Summer Cr

Postby shootr » Thu Mar 01, 2018 6:40 pm

And away we go!
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Re: Zion, Bryce, and Monument Valley - Beating the Summer Cr

Postby shootr » Thu Mar 01, 2018 6:41 pm

Flagstaff was the only real snow we saw, perfect drive otherwise all the way to Zion.
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Re: Zion, Bryce, and Monument Valley - Beating the Summer Cr

Postby shootr » Thu Mar 01, 2018 6:43 pm

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


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Re: Zion, Bryce, and Monument Valley - Beating the Summer Cr

Postby shootr » Thu Mar 01, 2018 6:46 pm

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.
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Re: Zion, Bryce, and Monument Valley - Beating the Summer Cr

Postby shootr » Thu Mar 01, 2018 6:49 pm

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! ImageImageImage
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Re: Zion, Bryce, and Monument Valley - Beating the Summer Cr

Postby Woodbutcher » Thu Mar 01, 2018 7:24 pm

Looks like you two are having a great time. That's what it's all about! Enjoy.
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Re: Zion, Bryce, and Monument Valley - Beating the Summer Cr

Postby shootr » Fri Mar 02, 2018 6:19 pm

Hiked the Narrows - wow, quite spectacular, if a bit arduous...
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Re: Zion, Bryce, and Monument Valley - Beating the Summer Cr

Postby shootr » Fri Mar 02, 2018 6:21 pm

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

Finished the day trying to recover...
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Re: Zion, Bryce, and Monument Valley - Beating the Summer Cr

Postby Woodbutcher » Fri Mar 02, 2018 6:43 pm

You are getting your monies worth, that is for sure. Good looking desert too! :thumbsup:
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Re: Zion, Bryce, and Monument Valley - Beating the Summer Cr

Postby KTM_Guy » Fri Mar 02, 2018 9:12 pm

"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.
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Re: Zion, Bryce, and Monument Valley - Beating the Summer Cr

Postby shootr » Fri Mar 02, 2018 9:13 pm

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!
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Re: Zion, Bryce, and Monument Valley - Beating the Summer Cr

Postby shootr » Fri Mar 02, 2018 9:16 pm

KTM_Guy wrote:"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.
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