Difficulty: Easy +, depending on your fitness level and altitude acclimation
Elevation: 9,174 – 9,519 FT
Named after the Bloods family, a pioneering family who homesteaded the area (not for what’s circulating in your veins or the lake color), the Bloods Lake trail is a short, pleasant stroll through the woods with a gradual incline on the smooth terrain of a well-groomed trail (trail runnable).
I wanted to make this shortie longer, but there was far too much snow beyond this lake. If you arrive after snow melt or have snowshoes, you can continue on to Lake Lackawaxen, named after its namesake river in Pennsylvania (2.6 miles, 1 way), Clayton Peak (2.7 miles, 1k FT elevation gain, 1 way), and Peak 10420 (2.5 miles, 1 way). Even if you hit them all, you won’t be able to get much mileage here.
This area is part of the Bonanza Flat Conservation Area, which was saved from development in 2017 thanks to a collaborative effort of various organizations and individuals. While that is indeed something to celebrate, they are recouping their costs aggressively, presumably to “manage increasing use, reduce congestion, and protect the area”. This is the most expensive trailhead parking scheme I have EVER encountered. They charge by the hour! It’s $5 per hour on weekdays and $8 per hour on weekends. Apparently, those who are privileged enough to live in the 84060 Park City zip code can apply for a free parking permit.
I paid $16 in advance, hoping I would make it to Clayton Peak and back. Deep snow stopped me at Bloods Lake, so I finished my hike within an hour with no recourse for a refund. Was it worth $8, yes – $16, no. As you can tell, I find this fee system utterly obnoxious. Though the silver lining is that it does motivate you to keep a fast pace, which I like- lol.
Getting there: The trailhead is one of several hiking trails along the super scenic Guardsman Pass.
Notes: Parking fills early on the weekends! Exorbitant hourly parking fees ($5 per hour on weekdays and $8 per hour on weekends)!
Distance: ~33 Miles Elevation Gain: 1,047 Ft Terrain: A mix of road & off-road
After a delicious buffet breakfast at the Octant Hotel, we saddled up, donned our new “Top Bike Tours Portugal” jerseys, and began our first day’s biking adventure.
We followed our wonderful guide, Pedro, [Top Bike Tours Portugal], into the lovely countryside via a maze of paved roads and gravel, dirt, and sandy paths. Encountering engaging vistas and a surprise around every corner.
At our morning rest stop, we were treated to our first glimpses of street art. The sea breeze foreshadowed that we would soon be at the captivating coast!
Soon we would be pedaling alongside the sea and taking scenic breaks to immerse ourselves in the rugged, ravishing natural beauty around each corner. Other than sharing it with a few hikers, we had much of the breathtaking scenery all to ourselves.
I kept thinking, “Wow, this must be the best part”, and it would just keep getting better and better. As would each moment, hour, and day of this epic bike adventure!
We enjoyed a leisurely lunch stop in the charming, fishing village of Porto Covo (population 1,400), where white-washed houses and restaurants with brilliant blue trim perch atop a hill overlooking the raging Atlantic Ocean and the rugged Alentejo western coast. I enjoyed the freshest tuna salad drizzled with the delicious local olive oil, and my friend had clams in garlic butter. (Fortunately, he was generous enough to share a couple of those sumptuous morsels.)
We would see many more hikers in the days that followed as our biking route encompassed segments of the Fisherman’s Trail, which is part of the Rota Vicentina, a network of hiking and biking routes throughout southwest Portugal, spanning the beautiful Alentejo and Algarve regions. The Fisherman’s Trail is a 78-mile-long coastal trail that’s described as one of the most stunning coastal trails in the world. (Indeed, I’m convinced!) Known for its spectacular seaside scenery, including dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming fishing villages, the route follows the wild Atlantic coastline from Porto Covo to Cabo de São Vicente.
After our tasty lunch, it was onward towards Vila Nova de Mil Fontes (population ~6k). However, first came a steep, rocky descent and a short dirt climb, which the e-bike group navigated with a little trepidation. Most had not ridden off-road before, and many were caught off guard by the “technical” challenges we encountered.
The view from our room at the Vila Nova de Mil Fontes Beach Hotel did not disappoint. The village was founded in 1486 by a royal charter granted by King João II and is located where the Mira River meets the sea.
After a refreshing post-ride libation (a Caipirinha for me), we took a relaxing stroll on the beach. (I developed my taste for this quenching cocktail on my cycling trip in Cuba and was delighted to find that they’re popular in Portugal too.)
Meet the friendly, well-fed feral felines of Vila Nova de Mil Fontes. (Say that 5 times – lol!)
Fun to share this awesome adventure with my yogi and hiking friend, Bradley! Here’s before and after cleaning up for dinner, and officially in full vacation mode! (Things came together as they often do for me, “Last minute Lydia”, about 2 weeks prior to “take-off”, and Bradley spontaneously jumped in to join in the fun. (Luckily, we were able to get in some saddle time prior as the rides were more challenging than advertised…Let’s just say that 16% grade hills were not an anomaly.)
That evening, we enjoyed our group dinner at a charming restaurant where we both “accidentally ordered” a fish casserole. Each individual serving was enough to feed a family!
On our after-dinner walkabout along the cobblestone streets of the old town village, we discovered the cliffside fortress/castle (built in 1599 by Filipe II of Portugal to fend off the constant pirate attacks on the village). We’d seen it earlier from the beach below, but it was so much more enchanting at night.
What an amazing day! I was so excited to see what tomorrow would bring.
Happy Active Adventures from Vila Nova de Mil Fontes!
If you missed my previous arrival day post and it’s not obvious at this point, yes, I wholeheartedly recommend Top Bike Tours Portugal. If you’re thinking about booking a tour with them, don’t hesitate! And please tell them I sent you. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to message me.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending upon your fitness level
This is definitely one of the more engaging official trails in Zion and now one of my favorites. From the trailhead, it begins as a tame, wide-open, flat route.
After a mile or so in, stop and look back for a glimpse into a dark canyon below.
As you continue along the trail, you’ll be treated to distant views of Zion, but don’t forget to watch your step as you descend the rocky trail into the lightly forested valley.
After reaching the other side of the valley, the climb will begin in earnest along the remnants of a concrete trail, zigzagging up to higher ground. It’s a friendly grade and easy terrain for fast hiking or trail running. It’s reminiscent of Walter’s Wiggles on Angel’s Landing, but the big difference is that you’ll likely have it and most of the hike from Stave Springs all to yourself!
This was my favorite part of the hike—a great workout with great scenery! (The picture above was taken on the return trip down.)
Once you reach the zenith, the views into Zion Valley are spellbinding, but you’ll want to keep your eye on your footing as you traverse along the slim cliff rim. (If you’re subject to vertigo and have a strong fear of heights, this might not be the hike for you.)
As you approach Observation Point, you can see Angel’s Landing below and across from you, a very cool perspective! This hike doesn’t have the rugged, chained, cliff-hanging social media over-posted appeal and crowds, and that’s exactly why it appeals to me.
Looks like angels are landing on Angel’s Landing. The picture above is taken from the trail along the rim. How dangerous is it? Might depend upon whom you’re with… In 1997, James Bottarin was accused of pushing his wife, Patricia Bottarini, off the cliff to her death here. Choose your hiking (and life partners) carefully!
Yes, Observation Point Views are grand, but in my opinion, they are no better than what you see en route, so you can always skip the last 1/2 mile or so if you want to skip the crowds.
There are two downsides: one is the long drive to reach the remote Stave Springs Trailhead, which is actually an upside, as it keeps the humans away. The second is the crowds you’ll encounter at Observation Point, who have taken the easier, shorter, less engaging route from East Mesa. It can be a shock to the system, especially after enjoying the splendid solitude of the Stave Springs route. Select the hike that suits you, but please note that both trailheads have limited parking, so arrive early to secure a spot.
If you’re lucky, you might encounter some of the locals.
Driving back through Zion and capturing golden light is always a delight.
Getting there: Use the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort address for your GPS: Twin Knolls Rd, Orderville, UT 84758. Once there, signs will direct you to the trailhead. It’s a gravel road with a couple of rough spots by the small parking area. High clearance recommended.
Distance: Short: 1-5 miles; you can combine trails to make a longer loop
Sometimes, we take the people and things closest to us for granted. That’s the case for me and my local Anasazi (Ivins) and Tukupetsi trails (Santa Clara). These easily accessible, connecting trails are short (runnable and mountain bikeable), featuring the intriguing Land Hill petroglyph site, a fenced-in farmstead ruin once used to store food and herbs, and grand views in every direction.
I like these trails best when the Cottonwoods light up the rugged desert landscape with their vibrant flash of yellow, tracing the meandering (and meager) path of the Santa Clara River below. You can find me there, chasing leaves and golden light in my annual frenzy to catch it just right.
Take in the panoramic views of Red Mountain, Pine Valley Mountain, and, on a clear day, as far out to Zion from the ridge.
I will only post a couple of petroglyph pictures. I’d like you to be able to discover them for yourself.
Here are some highlights from the Tukupetsi side in Santa Clara from the vantage points of the upper and lower trails.
And more from Fall 2025.
Notes: Remember to leave no trace and respect all ancient petroglyphs and ruins. Please do not touch, step, sit on, or deface them. Oils in your hand can damage them, as can debris from your shoes. Perhaps think of them as outdoor museum art and appreciate their mystery.
These easy, short, fun hikes are offered by onthelooselive yoga and hike retreats and day adventures.
Elevation Gain: 650 ft (You’re starting at about 6,100 ft)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on your fitness level
I finally made it to the spectacular 200-foot, double-tiered Stewart Falls! What took me so long?
(The truth is, I’m guilty of prioritizing marvelous Mount Timpanogos via the Aspen Grove or Timpooneke routes when I’m up here and rarely have time to fit in this quickie.) This time, I fit in Lake Blanche in the morning and made this my afternoon destination. A bit of driving, but worth it.
This lovely, runnable, single-track trail through the forest is especially enchanting in the Fall, with the Aspens at the height of their color. You can’t beat the splendid reward of this shortie
Make a day of it; check out the beautiful grounds of the Sundance Resort, grab a bite, and browse the shops.
Turns out Stewart Falls is just as splendid in the summer. In fact, with the snow melt, it really rushes and mists, and you may get to see additional falls!
Getting there: The trail begins at the Aspen Grove Trailhead parking lot. The entrance fee is $10 or free with a National Park Pass. This lot fills early, and they do ticket cars along the street. Pay close attention to the “No Parking” signs; they’re easy to miss.
On the Loose Live 