livevigorously

Picturesque Scenery Abounds Near Panguitch, UT

April 9, 2022livevigorously

It’s amazing how changing your perspective changes your outlook in photography and life in general. The 2 tree pictures below (use the slider to reveal the full pictures) are of the same tree – one shot into the sun, the other from the opposite direction. If you don’t like what you see in your mind’s eye, turn around.

Belly of the Dragon—Quick, Fun Stop for the Kiddos, Near Kanab, UT

April 7, 2022livevigorously

Distance: ~.50 mile

Difficulty: Easy, but watch your footing on the uneven surface in the dark, or use a flashlight or phone to light your way.

A quick stop photo op, the Belly of the Dragon is an old drainage canal originally created to divert water off of highway 89. The sandstone tunnel features cool ripples, making it a fun for the kiddos to explore. If you’re driving by and need a quick leg stretch and the kids are going bonkers, it’s worth a gander. Otherwise, you won’t miss out on much. Unfortunately, graffiti abounds on the sandstone walls.

Getting there: HWY89: 16 miles north of Kanab or 1/2 mile south of Carmel Junction Turn onto the dirt road on the west side and drive a 1/4 a mile to a small parking area on the left.

Exploring a “Little” Known “Wild” Slot Canyon

March 27, 2022April 1, 2022livevigorously

Yep, that’s all the clues you’re getting. It’s getting so hard to find that splendid solitude out there, so I’ve decided not to be part of the “problem.” Even though I have zilch for a following —it’s the principle of it. I’ll keep posting the mainstream hikes, but you’re going to have a work a little harder to find these “secret”, less traveled spots. I’m also available for adventure consulting should you desire a personalized “best of” Utah itinerary for your adventures here.

I’m spoilt, I’ve been to many slot canyons in UT, including the world’s longest, the world’s most renown, and perhaps the shortest and wetest(?). Located in the San Rafeal Swell area (another clue), this one had a colorful allure of it’s own. Options there include a loop hike or out and back. The oak trees at the beginning of the hike are quite dramatic.

Exploring Goblin Valley State Park, Emery, UT

March 24, 2022May 7, 2022livevigorously

When you arrive at Goblin Valley State Park, you know you’re in Utah, but you may think you’re on another planet. Goblin Valley’s otherworldly scenery attracts visitors and filmmakers alike. The movie Galaxy Quest was filmed here.

While the small park offers a mere total of 6 miles of hiking, you may find yourself wandering for hours through the dramatic, twisted hoodoos, goblins, and rock mushrooms. The majority of the hoodoos can be encountered in the Valley of Goblins, an open free—range hiking area of 3 sq miles.

Be sure to check out the Goblin’s Lair (a massive cavern/ slot canyon), the Goblette’s Lair, 3 Sisters, and Molly’s Castle.

If you prefer to take in the unusual views by 2 wheels, you can enjoy the 7 miles of Wild Horse Mountain Biking Trail System.

If you like this sort of thing, you should check out Otherworldly Fantasy Canyon, a roadside geological wonderland, and Caves, Caverns, and Catacombs—Oh My! Cathedral Gorge State Park, Panaca, NV.

Coalpits Wash—Wonderful, Zion Wilderness

February 28, 2022February 28, 2022livevigorously

Distance: ~7RT

Difficulty: Easy with a little scrambling

Anything but the pits, this delightful little hike in Zion Wilderness delivers nature’s solace from the crowds and the concrete. The pinyon pine and juniper tree-lined trail meanders through the open low desert drawing you in along the babbling creek and slowly revealing dazzling views of West Temple and Mt. Kinesava. The trail was named Coalpits because of the dark volcanic boulders that cover the hills to the west. The Wash is the primary drainage for the southern desert section of Zion National Park.

Notes: No dogs. Muddy area after rain or snow. There’s are options to connect to other trails (Chenile Trail, Scoggins). More on this later when I make those connections.

Getting there: UT-9 E/W 500 N – Keep your eyes open for the roadside sign and pullout. No overnight parking.

Happy Trails!