Cherry Canyon, in the Virgin River Gorge just southwest of St George, offers a very different canyoneering experience than what you will find closer to St George and in Zion The canyon is limestone, steep, and spectacular Cherry Canyon is not a slot canyon, but is relatively narrow Its short length and low elevation make it a good late fall through early spring outing This is NOT the place to visit in high summer when temperatures would be overwhelmingly hot Also be aware all anchors are currently natural anchors w...

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is known for, well, its Coral Pink Sand Dunes! This is the largest sand dune area on the Colorado Plateau Unique geography, geology, and wind conditions have created an incredible and ever changing dunes area that kids and adults alike will enjoy It is fascinating to see the gigantic dunes and realize they move up to 50 feet a year, all created by a gap between mountains that funnels wind and sand A bit over an hour from Zion National Park, this is a world away in scenery and crowds...

When looking for a long, off-the-beaten-path loop in Capitol Reef National Park, Little Sand Flat caught my eye The attraction, for me, was an old and overgrown track that had been used at one time to drill an exploratory well The track provides an easy-to-follow path from the Cathedral Valley road deep into an obscure and seldom visited northern area of the park The hike did not disappoint! Diverse geology, stunning views, the historic road, and seemingly endless solitude made for an excellent day out Though I had...

I find the Great Salt Lake a fascinating place The scenery and uniqueness of the lake are interesting, but the history and stories of the people who have tried to live and make a life there I find even more fascinating Fremont Island is one of those places on the lake that is steeped in history I had wanted to visit for several years, but visiting requires quite an effort At about 18 miles round-trip from Antelope Island and across the sandbar just to REACH the island, this is an outing for experienced outdoors peo...

My trip report is found at this address: http://2013bluffutah.blogspot.com

Canyoneering Training First and foremost, if your going to start canyoneering, GET TRAINING! Sure, everyone you know does canyons, and THEY most likely don't have training. So why bother?  Canyoneering is an easy sport, as long as things go well on easy terrain. Shirt or hair get caught in a device 1/2 way down an overhanging rappel? Anchor washed out, and there is nothing to build a new one with? Rope doesn't reach? What was supposed to be a pool is now a keeper po....

  March 05, 2014 Unfortunately, Arches now requires permits for canyoneering. Fortunately (for now), they are free and with minimal hassle. I just recieved the follow from the NPS: Officially starting Friday March 7, free day use permits, required for canyoneering in Arches, will be available outside the visitor center at an information/permit kiosk. With the exception of canyoneering in the Fiery Furnace, all canyoneers must fill out a permit, drop the copy of...

November 4, 2017 Great hike!  Windy, cool, sunny! It was a really nice drive into Horsehoe Canyon parking area from Hanksville.  Talked with three other groups/individuals making the hikethat day ...plus a park ranger on the road in.  Great views, mini sand storms in the valley, lots of wind.  All four rock art and pictographs were very nice and very different.  5 Stars!!!!