onthelooselive – Page 8 – On the Loose Live

Picturesque Point Sublime Via Artists’ Point: An Awesome Yellowstone Must-Do

August 11, 2023November 5, 2024livevigorously

Distance: ~2.7 with optional add-ons

Elevation gain: ~350 ft

Difficult: Easy

Enjoy spectacular views and leave the crowds behind in the parking lot at Artist’s Point. Fortunately, few people venture beyond the overlook. In fact, of all national park visitors, it’s estimated that only 10% ever leave the comfort of their car or camper, and of those, only 5% take to the trails. Unbelievable to me, but I’m certainly not mad about it. 😊 Most agree (as do I) that the views are more sublime along this gentle rim-side trail than at the actual destination/dead end of “Sublime Point”.

Most agree (as do I) that the views are more sublime along this gentle rim-side trail than the actual destination/ dead end of “Sublime Point”. It’s mesmerising to take in the multicoloured canyon walls that plunge 1,200 feet below and frame the turquoise, rushing Yellowstone River and waterfall. It’s obvious why photographers and painters and ordinary folks like me can’t get enough of this awe inspiring landscape.

Don’t believe me? Perhaps these pictures will convince you.

Fun Fact: The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is nearly 25 miles long and up to 4,000 feet wide, and 1,200 feet deep.

Happy Trails!

Chasing Waterfalls: Hidden Haven, a Hidden Gem, Brian Head, UT

July 12, 2023December 6, 2023livevigorously

A short, shady stroll with some trail washout and a little scrambling at the end delivers a wonderful waterfall reward.

Great to top off another hike, take a roadtrip leg stretch, or have a lovely picnic spot.

Stay tuned for the videos.

Getting there:

The trailhead parking lot is located on the north side of SR-143, otherwise known as the Brian Head-Panguitch Lake Scenic Byway. Enjoy the entire scenic route if you can.

Happy Trails!

Worshiping Mother Nature: Golden Cathedral, Escalante, UT

June 1, 2023October 29, 2024livevigorously

Distance: ~9-10 miles RT Out & Back

Difficulty: Not easy- most rate it difficult and strenuous due to the distance, elevation gain, deep sand hiking, and exposure. Not for the faint of heart or sand-shy. Four-wheel drive to get to the trailhead is a must!

Elevation Gain: 1,581 ft

A well-hidden gem and one of the most dramatic and magical spots I’ve experienced in Utah. Well worth the considerable effort of driving nearly 30 miles of gnarly fire road and trudging through miles of deep sand. Almost the entire elevation loss/gain is in the first/last 2 miles. Imagine a deep sand slog, followed by a deep sand vertical climb, followed by a steep slickrock vertical climb, and you’ve imagined the final miles of the hike. About 80% of the hike is across exposed, arid desert, so take proper precautions! Dehydration, heat stroke, or worse, are real dangers, especially when the temperatures are high. Neon Canyon is susceptible to flash floods, so check your forecast before you go.

Navigation is a challenge as there is no trail per se. Cairns loosely mark the routes. Route finding, GPS, and backcountry skills are highly recommended.

Check out the magical, mesmerizing reflections at the Golden Cathedral!

Fortunately, the tortuous 4-wheel drive to the trailhead and the deep sand slogging are great crowd deterrents.

On my second visit to this glorious spot, the late afternoon light was dazzling and dramatic.

Getting there, if you dare: From Escalante, drive east on Hwy 12, and turn south/R onto the infamously gnaryly Hole-In-the-Rock Road. Take this unpaved rough road 16.7 tortuous miles and turn left at the sign “Egypt -10 miles”. Believe it or not, the road gets rougher from there. You’ll find the trailhead and its circular dirt parking lot on the left at the 10-mile mark.

Happy Trails!

Zion on Ice, That’s Nice (and Freezing Cold!)

January 29, 2023April 21, 2023livevigorously

Turned into a human popsicle to get you this glimpse of Zion’s winter wonderland.

If you do venture out in the winter, be sure to over prepare. There have been many rescues and unfortunately too many deaths in Zion – mostly from hypothermia and exposure (even in the warmer months). The elements are no joke out here. Crampons are a must in icy conditions. Adequate layers, gloves, hats, etc…Hydratation is just as critical though harder to swallow in the winter (I know).

Happy (and safe) trails to you in 2023!