Outdoor Adventure Trips 2010

What is included and not included in the $99 Snow Canyon Trip

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Trip includes...

An outdoor, adventurous, 4 day, 3 night weekend getaway with other healthy-minded, active, outdoor enthusiasts!

Campsites at Snow Canyon State Park include quality, modern bathrooms (including showers). This is a beautiful, well maintained State Park.

Delicious, healthy meals are provided including three dinners, two of which are Sheryl's Dutch Oven Signature Dinners - Lasagna and Chicken Enchiladas.

Other benefits include companionship, opportunities to make many friends with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts, carpool assistance, and experienced hiking and outdoor adventure guides.

We have plenty of drivers so if you want to carpool with someone, let me know.

Camping and hiking arrangements are provided.

Practicing Emergency Preparedness skills and trying out new products are all part of the training.

Perfect your skills and knowledge in Dutch Oven cooking, camping, hiking, emergency preparedness, survival skills, preparing and cooking healthy meal choices outdoors, etc.

We have much experience in the beautiful Snow Canyon area of southern Utah and have studied, researched, scouted out, hiked, planned, and organized ahead of time so when you arrive, you can enjoy it to the fullest without any "down time".

Expect 4 hours driving time, one way, from SLC.

Don't want to camp? Book a motel in Ivins or St. George. (Motel expenses are extra. They are not included in $99 price. Cost of trip doesn't change if you camp or stay in a motel.)

Not included in this trip:

Gas expenses to and from our destination. We encourage people to carpool to keep expenses down. We will assist you with these arrangements.

If you carpool, expect to pay for your portion of the gas expense. (generally around $30 RT depending on our destination). Pay gas expenses directly to your driver.

State Park entrance fees - check w/ me first since these fees may be waived.

Rentals, souvenirs, spending money, extra food, etc.

Basic Itinerary for our Mini Utah Weekend Getaways

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You can come down later OR leave early, whatever you prefer.

Thursday

8:00 am: Meet up with others. Carpool at this time, for those who are carpooling. Meet at the Overnight Park n Ride near 7200 So. I-15. Plan to arrive at our destination around noon.

Once we leave SLC, we only stop for fuel and quick bathroom breaks.

Arrive at our destination around noon. Explore, set up camp, eat, relax, free time, etc.

12 noon – 6 pm: Explore some easier hikes if you like. It's not mandatory to hike at all. For those who want something other than hiking, there is plenty to do.

*Bring a sack lunch & snacks to eat until Dinnertime.

6 – 7 pm – Dinner

7 – 10 pm – Campfire. Evening hike or exploring may be offered. Discuss tomorrow's activities.

Friday

6 – 7:30 am – Early morning photography opportunities

7:30 – 8:30 am: Breakfast

Prepare a Sack Lunch

8:30 am – 4:30 pm – Hiking and exploring or choose your preferred activity.

4:30 – 6 pm – Relax and/or prepare dinner

6 – 7 pm – Dinner

7 – 10 pm – Campfire. Evening hike or exploring may be offered. Discuss tomorrow's activities.

Saturday

6 – 7:30 am – Early morning photography opportunities

7:30 – 8:30 am: Breakfast

Prepare a Sack Lunch

8:30 am – 4:30 pm – Hikes offered or enjoy other activities

4:30 – 6 pm – Prepare dinner

6 – 7 pm – Dinner

7 – 10 pm – Campfire. Evening hike or exploring may be offered. Discuss tomorrow's activities.

Sunday

6 – 7:30 am – Early morning photography opportunities

7:30 – 8:30 am: Breakfast

Prepare a Sack Lunch

8:30 – 9:30 am – Break down camp

11 am - Check out

FREE DAY! Some in the group may head home early while others may want to hike and explore before leaving. It's up to you and those who are in your car.

What to bring on this trip...

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Camping gear:
Tent
Tarp
NOTE: Only those we have predetermined need to bring a tent and tarp.
Sleeping bag
Pad – Prefer a Thermal Pad (2" - 4") essential for warmth/comfort.
Pillow
TIP: Store these items in STUFF SACKS.

MESS KIT (Plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork, spoon – NON-breakable) Plan to clean your own dishes.

FRUIT to share with group: Fruits that are in season i.e. bananas, pineapple, cantaloupe, grapes, strawberries, oranges, apples, etc.

SACK LUNCH for the first day – Bring food to last until dinnertime at 6 pm.

Lip protection
Pocket Knife
Foot/heel cream – living in Utah makes heels dry & rough
Flip Flops/Sandals (NOT for hiking)

Hiking shoes or good lightweight athletic shoes
Hiking socks (i.e. Smartwool Brand, etc.)
Long pants

Clothing TIP: Avoid cotton fabrics including denim for hiking. Clothing that is easy to layer will work well for all types of weather. Wear fabrics that are comfortable, stretch, wick and breathe well.

Shirts - long and short sleeve
Sleepwear – bring something for your head for cooler nights.

TIP: Do NOT sleep in the same clothes you hike in.
Underwear

Sweatshirt or warm jacket
Windbreaker that is rain resistant
Sunscreen
Bug Repellent
Hat with a wider brim and neck protector
Water bottles – 2 ½ liters worth (fresh water is available at our site)

TIP: Think like an ONION. Bring and wear clothing that you can layer. Wear thinner, lightweight, polyester fabrics. Be prepared for all kinds of weather.
Backpack/Fanny pack
Personal toiletries – (hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toilet paper, tissue, etc.)

Body/Hand Lotion
Wet wipes
Sunglasses
Head lamp/flashlight
Spending money
Gas money for your driver (Approx. $30 RT)

Wood for campfire – Everyone plan to help provide wood as needed, when we get there. Wood bundles are available for approx. $4
Matches
Camera
Swim Suit/Towel - you may or may not use a swim suit on this trip
Camping Chair

OPTIONAL:
Walkie Talkie/2 Way Radio
Ear Plugs
GPS
Trekking poles/walking stick - highly recommended
Acoustic guitar/harmonica

Cell phone for emergency phone calls
Journal/notepad/pen/pencil
Frisbee, simple small games
First Aid Kit – ibuprofen, band-aids, etc.
Map

Healthy Meals that are provided

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Breakfast

Freshly Ground Whole Wheat Pancakes with real Maple Syrup and/or Whole Grain Hot Cereal Breakfast Bar

Hot Cereal: Cracked Wheat or Six Grain Rolled Mix
Add any of the following toppings:
Craisins
Raisins
Shredded Coconut
Chocolate Chips
Walnuts
Peanuts
Pecans
Cinnamon
Maple Syrup
White Sugar
Brown Sugar
Honey
Strawberries
Apple Slices
Banana
Dried Fruit
Fresh Fruit
Milk
Lunch

Sandwich makings:
Bread
Peanut Butter
Honey
Jam
Fresh Fruit
Trail Mix of Dried Fruit and Nuts
Granola Bars
Dinner

Chuck Wagon Dinner

Grilled Salmon w/ Dill
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
White Chicken Chili (also Vegetarian)
Dark Green Leafy Tossed Salad w/ Dressing
Cobbler or S'mores

Mexican Dutch Oven Dinner
Enchiladas - Chicken and Vegetarian
Fresh Tossed Green Salad w/ Dressing
Chips w/ Salsa
Peach or Apple Cobbler

Italian Dutch Oven Dinner
Lasagna w/ Meat or Spinach Lasagna (Vegetarian)
Dark Green Leafy Tossed Salad w/ Dressing
Garlic Bread
Apple or Peach Cobbler

NOTE:
Provide your own drinks

Don't like the menu? No worries, just bring your own food.

Activities available at Snow Canyon State Park

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Activities to Enjoy
Hiking
Star Gazing
Tracking and Stalking Animals
Exploring Plant life
Nature Photography
Bike Riding
Shopping in nearby towns
Nature Walks
Campfires
Socializing
Site seeing
Scenic Drives
Meet new people
Relax
Read
Meditate
Emergency Preparedness Training
Sleep
Horse shoes
Play games
Eating
Dutch Oven Cooking
Campfire Cooking

The Swiss Alps Adventure Trip - check out this Youtube Video

2010-02-18T19:21:00.000-08:00

Aug. 5 - 13, Haute Route, Switzerland, Hiking Adventure Trip, Experienced Hikers only

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View photos of upcoming trips at this new link...

2009-12-29T20:53:00.000-08:00

http://2010miniutahadventurevacations.blogspot.com/

A few of our camping trips last year...

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$99 Utah Weekend Adventure Vacation, The BEST vacation deal in SLC! Basic itinerary

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If you are new, plan to attend the "Trip Orientation Meeting".

A week before EACH Utah Weekend Adventure Vacation we encourage you to come to the Trip Orientation meeting. During this one hour meeting, we'll finalize details i.e. confirm who is driving and who is carpooling, make sure everyone knows who they are traveling with, confirm who brings a tent and who doesn't need to, who is staying in a motel rather than camping with us, get better acquainted with everyone, learn what each person hopes to accomplish on the trip. If you can't attend, we'll email the detailed info to you after the meeting. Meeting location is in Holladay, at or near my home (approx. 5000 So. 3000 E. 84117)

Thursday

8:30 am: Meet and greet everyone. Load everyone into their assigned cars for carpooling. When traveling to southern or central Utah, we meet at the Overnight Park n Ride near 7200 So. I-15. (Sometimes we meet a little earlier than 8:30 am if we are driving further. I like to get to our destination around noon.)

NOTE: It's OK if you can't leave Thursday morning. Let me know when you can leave and we'll find out if any others are leaving later also. Cost of the trip is the same regardless of when you arrive.

Once we leave SLC, we only stop for fuel and quick bathroom breaks.

Arrive at our destination before noon. Explore, set up camp, eat, relax, free time, etc.

12 noon – 4 pm: Explore some easier hikes with us if you like. It's not mandatory to hike on any of our trips. For those who want something different, there is plenty to do.

*Bring a sack lunch & snacks to eat until Dinner at 6 pm.

4 – 6 pm – Learn Dutch Oven Cooking skills by helping Sheryl with the Dutch Oven Dinner preparations (Chicken and Veggie Enchiladas)OR enjoy free time.

6 – 7 pm – Dinner

7 – 10 pm – Campfire. Evening hike or exploring may be offered. Discuss tomorrow's activities.

Friday

6 – 7:30 am – Early morning photography opportunities

7:30 – 8:30 am: Breakfast - Freshly Ground Whole Wheat Pancakes w/ real Maple Syrup or Whole Grain Hot Cereals w/ assorted toppings including fresh fruit.

Prepare Sack Lunches

8:30 am – 4:30 pm – Hiking and exploring or choose your preferred activity.

4 – 6 pm – Learn Dutch Oven Cooking skills by helping Sheryl with the Dutch Oven Dinner preparations (Lasagna - Meat and Vegetarian)OR enjoy free time.

6 – 7 pm – Dinner

7 – 10 pm – Campfire. Evening hike or exploring may be offered. Discuss tomorrow's activities.

Saturday

6 – 7:30 am – Early morning photography opportunities

7:30 – 8:30 am: Breakfast - Freshly Ground Whole Wheat Pancakes w/ real Maple Syrup or Whole Grain Hot Cereals w/ assorted toppings including fresh fruit.

Prepare Sack Lunches

8:30 am – 4:30 pm – Hikes offered or enjoy other activities

4 – 6 pm – Help with Dinner preparations: Grilled Salmon w/ Mashed Potatoes and White Chili (Vegetarian or Chicken) or free time.

6 – 7 pm – Dinner

7 – 10 pm – Campfire. Evening hike or exploring may be offered. Discuss tomorrow's activities.

Sunday

6 – 7:30 am – Early morning photography opportunities

7:30 – 8:30 am: Breakfast - Freshly Ground Whole Wheat Pancakes w/ real Maple Syrup or Whole Grain Hot Cereals w/ assorted toppings including fresh fruit.

Prepare Sack Lunches

8:30 – 9:30 am – Break down camp

11 am - Check out

FREE DAY! No hiking guide services offered by Sheryl on Sunday. Some in the group may head home early while others may want to hike and explore before leaving. It's up to you and those who are in your car.

Tips for Safe Camping

SALT LAKE CITY -- Forest officials want to make sure campers know how to stay safe.
Tips they offer for safe camping include:
* Don't leave food or leftovers out overnight.
* Pick up fruit peels, as they tend to attract ants, mice and even hungry deer.
* Never keep coolers, lotion or perfume in your tent, and always pick up garbage.
* Remember that when putting out your campfire, "if it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave."

Safety rules for hiking:

* Drinking a gallon of water per day is advised.
* Stay on marked trails.
* Hike with others in our group.
* If someone is injured, stay with them until they are safely back to camp.
* Bring extra water or a water filter, in case someone else needs it.
* Pay attention to weather conditions and adjust your plans accordingly.
* With warmer temperatures, hikes are scheduled in early mornings and/or early evenings to avoid heat exhaustion.
* Bring and carry a small first aid kit.
* Be prepared and keep your eyes open for others who may need help.
* Know your own physical strengths and weaknesses and adjust accordingly.
* Only do what YOU feel comfortable in doing. Don’t let yourself be talked into doing something don’t feel good about.
* Speak up if you have any problems, concerns or if you are injured – even a little bit. Let us know. There are many advantages of hiking with a group. We can help each other and save EVERYONE a lot of time and money.
 If you have a problem or concern, let me know. We will try to resolve it quickly - whatever it is.

Tips for Safe Camping

2009-07-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

SALT LAKE CITY -- Forest officials want to make sure campers know how to stay safe.

Tips they offer for safe camping include:

* Don't leave food or leftovers out overnight.
* Pick up fruit peels, as they tend to attract ants, mice and even hungrey deer.
* Never keep coolers, lotion or perfume in your tent, and always pick up garbage.
* remember that when putting out your campfire, "if it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave."

Fremont Indian State Park Adventure Vacation, June 26 - 28, 2009

2009-06-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Gail for sharing her photos:

Gail's Photos

High Uintas Adventure Vacation, August 2009
Thanks to Jerry for sharing his photos:

http://cid-3820b447b93a85ca.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Uintas%20Aug%2027-30

Fremont Indian State Park Outdoor Adventure - June 26 - 28

2009-06-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

Agenda for Trip:

Leave SLC at 3 pm Friday
Arrive at Fremont State Park at 6 pm.
Check in, set up camp. Explore the place.
Bring your own food for Friday night.

Eat dinner
Evening trail exploring, photography and a little R and R.
Star Gazing instead of a campfire. Incredible sky!!

7 am Saturday morning, Breakfast started. Freshly ground whole wheat pancakes w/ strawberry jam and whipped cream.
Make lunches.
Pack up bikes on car and head out to explore the paved bike trail along the Sevier River.

Eat lunch at destination: Big Rock Candy Mountain.
7+ mile bike trail - one way.
Explore trails in the area - including Lemonade Springs
Stop along the way and take photos.
Shuttle back to our cars or ride back on bike.

Sat. afternoon: explore the trails, check out Freemont Museum, Cove Fort and other nearby Indian Sites

4:30 Preparing dinner of Salmon, Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Spinach Salad straight from the garden, homemade Ice Cream
After dinner, when it's cooler, explore a more trails, photo opt, visit scenic areas nearby.
Later on: Campfire and more star gazing

Sunday morning: Eat breakfast, make lunch, break down camp
For those who want to hike more can do so.
I'll be heading out for SLC to get back to my church meetings before 1 pm.

View our Photos from Capitol Reef/Kodachrome Trip, June 2009

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Gail's Photos, click here

Willis Creek Narrows - Absolutely Beautiful - Join us on the Capitol Reef Trip, June 11- 14, 2009

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Willis Creek Slot Canyon Hike

June 11 - 14, Capitol Reef and Kodachrome Basin Hiking/Camping Trip

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June 11 – 14, 2009
$75/person

Two Featured Hikes on this Trip:
Sulfer Creek and Willis Creek
Both are cool comfortable water hikes
Any adult who can hike 6 miles/day is qualified to do our featured hikes

There are plenty of other hikes and activities to do if you prefer not to hike these trails.

Willis Creek

Sulfer Creek

Thursday, June 11

8 am: Meet at 7200 So. I-15 Park n Ride to carpool and leave SLC
11 am - 12 noon: Arrive at Capitol Reef National Park
12 - 1 pm: Set up at Fruita Campground in Capitol Reef Nat. Park
1 - 6 pm: Explore, hike, scenic drives, sight see, eat, sleep, etc.
6 - 7 pm: Dinner
7 - 9 pm: Sunset Hiking
Hikes this day include: Fremont River, Goosenecks, Sunset Point, Chimney Rock, Hickman Natural Bridge
List of Capitol Reef Hikes

Friday, June 12

7 - 9 am: Breakfast, Make lunches, break down camp
9 am - 1 pm: Hike Sulfer Creek, stop and eat lunch along the way
1 - 2 pm: Visitors Ctr at Capitol Reef, visit Torrey, sight see, any last minute hikes before leaving
2 - 6 pm: Travel “All American Hwy 12” to Boulder Mountain, up thru Dixie Nat. Forest, drop down to Boulder, over the Hogback, depending on the weather and the group we could Hike Upper Calf Creek Falls - 1 hour, continue on to Escalante, Cannonville, Kodachrome State Park where we’ll set up camp.
6 - 7 pm - Dinner
7 - 9 pm - Sunset Hiking, relax, explore, etc.

Sat., June 13
7 - 8 am - Breakfast and make lunches
8 - 9 am - Travel to Willis Creek
9 am - 5 pm - Explore and Hike mainly Willis Creek, Some may explore Sheep Creek and Bull Valley
6 - 7 pm: Dinner
7 - 9 pm - Sunset Hiking, relax, explore, etc.

Sunday, June 14
7 - 9 am - Breakfast, make lunches, break down camp
You are on your own at this point to either stick around or head for home.
Take the fast way home or hike, explore, drive home the scenic way, etc.
I attend an LDS church service in Cannonville from 10 – 11 am before heading home.

GETTING THERE:
Midvale, 7200 So. I-15
Midvale to Scipio: 111 miles, 1 hr. 40 minutes (9:30 am)
Scipio to Sigurd: 32 miles, 37 min. (10:15 am)
Sigurd to Torrey: 60 miles, 1 hr. 17 minutes (11:30 am)
Torrey is approx. 10 miles from our campsite at Capitol Reef National Park

MEETING PLACE THURSDAY MORNING, JUNE 11, 2009: 8 am: Meet in Parking Lot, 7200 South exit, just off I-15, WEST side of McDonalds Restaurant, EAST of I-15, far SOUTH end. McDonalds is practically next to the freeway on the East Side. NOTE: If you need to come down later, that’s fine.

COST INCLUDES: Eight delicious meals and snacks, camping accommodations for 3 nights, experienced guides, carpool assistance. We ask our hikers to help with meals and camp set up and break down.

Escalante Trip 2009 - Check out our photos!!

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Laura's Photos

Jodi's Photos

Sheryl's Photos, Part 1, More coming

Jerry's Photos

Sarah's Photos

Tiffani's Photos

Gail's Photos

Join us on our Maui Adventure Trip, October 2009!!

2009-04-25T22:14:00.000-07:00

Check out my photos from last years trip! (October 2008)

http://picasaweb.google.com/smcgloch/Maui2008?feat=email#slideshow

http://picasaweb.google.com/smcgloch/Maui2008PartTwo?feat=email#slideshow

http://picasaweb.google.com/smcgloch/Maui2008PartThree?feat=email#slideshow

Join us for our Capitol Reef Adventure Trip in June 2009!

2009-04-25T22:13:00.001-07:00

Sheryl's Photos from June 2007 and 2008

http://picasaweb.google.com/smcgloch/CapitolReef?feat=email#slideshow

Gail's Photos:

http://cid-000ee81aacc7914d.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Capitol%20Reef

"Heart of England" Adventure Trip, was $2495, NOW just $1995 w/out airfare.

2009-04-17T11:59:00.001-07:00

The Heart of England Trip
Walking in the Cotswolds
June 27 - July 6, 2009

This trip was originally priced at $2495 but has been reduced to $1995!
We're still booked in the same exquisite hotels and are enjoying the incredibly beautiful Cotswolds countryside. Nothing has changed in Oxford, Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Windsor except the price!!

Join us on this incredible walking trip!!

Right now, the dollar is especially strong against the pound. That means our dollars go a long way in England. When my good friend and guide, Greg, was in England last April the dollar was worth only 50 cents. Today it's worth nearly 70 cents --a 35% jump!

Since he books all of our international trips months in advance and locks in prices in local currency, he is able to pass along special savings when currency fluctuations work in our favor.

URGENCY! To reserve your place on this trip you need to get a $250 deposit in to us by April 24, which is the end of next week.

Escalante Trip Itinerary: April 30 - May 3, 2009

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Thursday:
Thursday, April 30, 8 am, Prepare to leave SLC

7:55 am: MEET AT 7200 So. Parking Lot, west of McDonalds, East of I-15, far South end of parking lot.

CALL ME, Sheryl, on my Cell when you are going thru Panguitch: 801-278-5313. So I know how close you are to Red Canyon.

1st Hike (12 noon-ish, Thursday) Red Canyon, http://www.zionnational-park.com/red-canyon-recreation.htm, http://www.zionnational-park.com/red-canyon-utah.htm,

To get there: Travel south on Interstate 15 past Beaver to UT 20. Head East on UT 20. Turn south on UT 89, travel thru Panguitch (don't speed thru Panguitch). Follow UT 89 south to UT 12 (All American Scenic Highway). Travel along UT 12 to Red Canyon. If you like, follow my car to Mossy Cave so you won't miss it along the road.

2nd Hike (2 pm-ish, Thursday) Mossy Cave Trail and Waterfall, Bryce Canyon National Park, http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/bryce_canyon/mossy-cave-trail.html, http://www.zionnational-park.com/bryce-canyon-mossy.htm,

Arrive at Escalante State Park/Petrified Forest: 4- 5 pm, Set up camp, get ready for dinner. http://www.utah.com/stateparks/escalante.htm,

3rd Hike (before OR after dinner), Close to our campsite, enjoy the Petrified Forest Hike which takes you past large specimens of petrified wood and dinosaur fossils.

6 pm: Mexican Enchilada Dinner

7 pm: Campfire

8 pm - Discuss Friday’s Adventures around the campfire

Friday:
7 – 8:30 am: Campfire, Breakfast and help get lunches ready

8:30 – 4 pm:
Option #1: Hole in the Rock Road, Devil’s Garden, Peekaboo/Spooky Slot Canyons (weather permitting) Not everyone will be doing the slot canyons.
Slot Canyon info: http://www.utah.com/video/?place_id=6446&expand_menu=1&expand_video=1,

Option #2: (Those not spending all day at the slot canyons, 27 miles down Hole in the Rock Road:) Devil’s Garden, Hole in the Rock Road, Scenic All American Hwy 12, Calf Creek Falls Rec. Area, Indian Ruins at Anazazi State Park in Boulder, Drive along the Hog Back, Burr Trail near Boulder, incredible views overlooking Capitol Reef, etc., Hwy 12 Overview: http://www.utah.com/video/?place_id=6446,

6 pm: Italian Lasagna Dinner

7 pm: Campfire

8 pm - Discuss Saturday’s Adventures around the campfire

Saturday:
7 – 7:45 am: Campfire, Breakfast, Pack a lunch.

8 am: Leave for Calf Creek

8:30 – noon:
Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls: http://www.utah.com/hike/calf_creek.htm,
Faster, stronger hikers may want to do Upper Calf Creek Falls also: http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/grand_staircase_escalante/upper_calf_creek.html,

OR just relax! You don’t have to get up early to hike. Feel free to sleep in, pack leisurely, visit the Escalante Visitors Center near Escalante State Park, explore the town of Escalante, Ride the Hogback to Boulder, soak your feet in the slickrock creek at Calf Creek Recreation Center. Everything in this area is SO spectacular and VERY different from Northern Utah!

12 noon to 12:30 pm: Eat Lunch at Calf Creek Waterfall OR when you get back from the waterfall at the picnic area near the Calf Creek Parking Lot.

12:30 - 1 pm – Head back to Escalante State Park, pack up all camping gear, briefly visit Escalante Visitor's Center (15 - 20 min.), Travel 40 miles west to Kodachrome Basin State Park, http://www.desertusa.com/kodut/du_kodut_vvc.html,

3 pmish – Arrive at Kodachrome Basin State Park, set up camp, hike and explore. My favorite hikes in the park:

 Panorama Trail: 3-mile, round trip goes to the Ballerina Slipper. I REALLY like this hike and plan to do this one!
 Big Bear Geyser/Cool Cave Trail: Medium 2-mile trail is an add-on to Panorama Trail.
 Angel's Palace Trail: Easy, 1/2-mile trail to Angel's Palace. I also LOVE this one for a short quick hike. This is like Angel's Landing in Zion NP, but easier and not as high.
 Eagle's View Trail: 3/4 mile each way to Eagle's View Overlook. Steep, eroded and exposed -- definitely worth the climb, but not an easy hike. (This hike was closed last year when we were there, due to erosion)
 Shakespeare Arch Trail: Easy, 1/4-mile goes to Shakespeare Arch.
 Grand Parade Trail: Moderate 1-mile trail.

4:30 - 5 pm: Chuck Wagon Dinner

5:30 ish - Panorama Trail (weather permitting) especially for the sunset photos.

8 pm - Relax around the campfire, moonlight hike if you like, etc.

Sunday:

7 – 9 am: Campfire, Breakfast, make your lunch, pack up

9 am – noon: Hike, explore, relax, pack up, leave for SLC

10 – 11 am: For those who want to attend an LDS Church Service in Cannonville.

12 Noon – Generally everyone is ready to head for home.

#1: The Fastest Route Home: Option #1: Same way we came: Hwy 12, Panquitch, Hwy 89, UT20, north on I-15 to SLC

#2: The Scenic Route Home (adds a little more time but not much) Hwy 12 to Hwy 89, Stay on Hwy 89 to Hwy 28 to Nephi, then I-15 north to SLC

#3 Travel the entire All American Scenic Byway: Highway 12. Go to Cannonville, head east on Highway 12, then south, passing, Escalante, Calf Creek Falls Area, Over the Hogback, Boulder, Dixie National Forest over looking Capitol Reef, Torrey, Bicknell, Salina, Scipio, then I-15 and home.

Arrive in SLC Sunday afternoon/evening: (give or take a few hours)

Escalante Outdoor Adventure Trip

2009-04-06T15:16:00.001-07:00

Calf Creek Falls, the large photo above, is a hike I recommend all of us doing. It's one of our favorites on our Escalante Trip with the most impressive scenery! Approx. 2.5 miles one way, fairly level, sandy trail with a BIG reward at the end of the trail: an amazingly beautiful 120 ft. colorful waterfall.

View our 2006 - 2008 Escalante Trip Photos:
http://picasaweb.google.com/smcgloch/EscalanteOutdoorAdventureTrip20060708#

For a bit of excitement on this trip, SOME of us will be doing 2 slot canyons called Peek a Boo and Spooky. I hire my good friend, Frank, from Escalante, who works for the BLM, to take us through these slots. The video above is a taste of Spooky, which is the more challenging of the 2 slot canyons. The guy filming this video didn't like it as much as I did. I think I loved it because of who I went through it with - caring people who helped each other out along the way. These claustrophobic slots are not for everyone and there will be plenty of people NOT doing the slots so don't worry since another great hike will be going on during the slot canyon hike.

Photos of Zion National Park Hiking/Camping Trip - April 2 - 5, 2009

2009-04-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

Sheryl's Photos:
http://picasaweb.google.com/smcgloch/ZionNP25April2009?feat=email#slideshow

Gail's Photos:
https://cid-000ee81aacc7914d.skydrive.live.com/play.aspx/Zion%20NP%202%20-%205%20April%202009?ref=1

Sarah's Photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9398397@N07/collections/72157616403130996/

Rick's Photos:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=zfw2mag.bv74ucjs&x=0&h=1&y=8rld6m&localeid=en_US&cm_mmc=site_email-_-site_share-_-core-_-view_photos_button

Jerry's Photos:
http://cid-3820b447b93a85ca.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Zion%202009

Sue's Photos:
http://picasaweb.google.com/GadgetGS/SusanMaesZionTripPhotos?feat=email#

Photos of Snow Canyon Hiking/Camping Trip - Feb. 2009

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Jerry Yamashita's Photos:
http://cid-3820b447b93a85ca.skydrive.live.com/albums.aspx
Fred Palmer's Photos:
http://picasaweb.google.com/FredPalmer1942/SnowCanyonStatePark21309?authkey=fErmq60jN6s&feat=email#
Aaron Kaggie's Photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35707711@N06/
Gail Sander's Photos:
http://cid-000ee81aacc7914d.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Snow%20Canyon%2013%20-16%20Feb%202009

Snow Canyon State Park, Southern Utah Feb. 09

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Snow Canyon Hiking/Camping Trip Feb. 2009

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Join us! Zion National Park Trip! Court of the Patriarchs, Walter's Wiggles, Angel's Landing are just a few hiking options

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Zion National Park Hiking and Camping Trip will be AWESOME as always! April 2 - 5, Easy, Moderate and more difficult hikes are ALWAYS offered. Hike as little or as much as you like!

Zion National Park Hiking/Camping Trip, April 2 - 5, 2009

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Zion National Park - Angel's Landing is not for everyone. Many other easier hikes in the park.

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Zion National Park - Amazing views on top of Angel's Landing

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Zion National Park - Walking on top of Angel's Landing!

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Zion National Park - Last years trip. Hiking up Angel's Landing. Join us for 2009

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Zion National Park - Walter's Wiggles - heading up to Angel's Landing

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Zion National Park - Starting up Angel's Landing - 2008 Trip.

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Zion National Park Hiking & Camping Trip - April 2 - 5, 2009

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Designated in 1919, Zion is Utah's oldest national park. Most park facilities are located in the Zion Canyon area, and it attracts the most visitors. The Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace sections are good choices for travelers who want to see the park's backcountry. All three areas feature Zion's trademark soaring towers and monoliths. The park is known for its incredible canyons, including The Narrows, which attract canyoneers from around the world. Hiking possibilities are endless. With nearly three million visitors per year, Zion is Utah's most heavily used park.

The Virgin River has gnawed through native sandstone to create the incredible scenery found in Zion Canyon. The river itself now serves as a natural corridor for exploring the park. There are several easy, self-guiding trails along the river, along with more challenging hikes where the river and its tributaries cut through narrow canyons. For those with strollers or in wheelchairs, the Riverside Walk(Gateway to the Narrows) is suitable for all ages. More adventurous or strenuous hikes include Angels Landing and The Narrows. No matter what type of hike you are looking for you are sure to find it at Zion National Park.

Snow Canyon State Park Hiking and Camping Trip - Pics from our Feb. 2007 trip

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Snow Canyon State Park - Pics from Feb. 2007

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Snow Canyon State Park - Pics from our Feb. 07 Trip

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Snow Canyon/Southern Utah Adventure Trip, Feb. 13 - 16, 2009

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Red Navajo sandstone, capped by an overlay of black lava rock, makes photography, hiking, biking and camping in Snow Canyon State Park a double treat. Early spring and fall use of the park is especially appealing due to southern Utah's moderate winter climate. Two recent volcanic cones are found near the head of the canyon.

This strikingly colorful canyon is 11 miles northwest of St. George. Facilities include a 35-unit campground, modern rest rooms, hot showers, electric hookups, sewage disposal station, a covered group-use pavilion and overflow camp ground.
Elev: 3200 ft.

Snow Canyon sits at the junction of the Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau. The climate is typical of that of a desert climate. In the higher elevations the climate tends to be both dry and cooler. In the lower elevations the climate is also dry, but the temperatures are much warmer.

According to the map from the Ranger station: Created in 1959, Snow Canyon has a long history of human use. Anasazi Indians inhabited the region from AD 200-1250, utilizing the canyon for hunting & gathering. Paiute Indians used the canyon from AD 1200 to the mid- 1800s. "Mormon Pioneers" discovered Snow Canyon in the 1850s while searching for lost cattle. The canyon has been the site of Hollywood films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Electric Horseman, and Jeremiah Johnson. Originally called Dixie State Park, it was later renamed for Lorenzo and Erastus Snow, "Prominent Pioneering Utah Leaders".

Grand Staircase Escalante Adventure Vacation, April 30 - May 3, 2009

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To the right is Willis Creek, a "family friendly" slot canyon in the Grand Staircase Escalante area.
Below is Lower Calf Creek Falls - 126 foot cascade, reached by a 2.75 mile trail - one way

Above is Anazazi State Park, in Boulder, Utah.
In the 1870s, geologist Clarence Dutton described the Grand Staircase as a "huge stairway ascending out of the bottom of the Grand Canyon northward with the cliff edge of each layer forming giant steps." The steps rise 5500' from the floor of the Grand Canyon to the edge of the jagged Paunsaugunt Plateau at Bryce Canyon. The distinct steps are the Vermilion Cliffs, the White Cliffs, the Gray Cliffs and the Pink Cliffs.

Above is Escalante State Park, where we camp. An amazing Petrified Forest hike borders the campsite. Before we visit our favorite slot canyons (Peek a Boo and Spooky) we stop at Devil's Garden down Hole In The Rock Road. Upper and lower Calf Creek Falls are also incredibly beautiful favorite hiking desinations. On our way to Southern Utah, we'll hike in Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Kodachrome Basin State Park. The Grand Staircase Escalante area is extremely unique and rare when it comes to outdoor adventure, unlike anything else you'll ever see in other parts of the world. My good friend in Escalante, who works for the BLM and knows this land well, is our guide and helps us explore this amazing, awesome, area in a safe way.

And yes, there is time to soak up the sun and just sleep!

Capitol Reef National Park Adventure Vacation, June 11 - 14, 2009

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Fish Lake National Forest Adventure Vacation, July 9 - 12, 2009

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Mt. Timpanogos Weekend Vacation, July 30 - Aug. 2, 2009

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When you reach the top, you'll be at 11,749 feet above sea level!! It's a 4,389 foot climb in 15 miles RT. You don't have to go all the way but it's one GREAT hike!! It was easier than I thought it would be. I've always been intimidated with hiking this mountain but it's NOT short and steep, rather it's a longer, more comfortable climb. There are many hikes we do that are short and steep but this is not one of them. Everyone should experience Mt. Timpanogos even they want to hike a mile and half to Scout Falls and stop there! It's all gorgeous and spectacular! A "must do" hike every August! The colorful wild flowers are out in force for only a short season so bring a camera and try to capture some of the beauty!

American Fork Canyon just 30 minutes from SLC.
Trekking poles and 2-way radios are invaluable.
If you can't get to Switzerland to hike the Alps this year, go hike Timp!! It's the next best thing and the ONLY hiking trail in Utah that comes the closest to hiking the Alps in Switzerland!!

About Timp: Mt. Timpanogos is 14.8 miles RT to summit, 13 miles RT to saddle, 4,389 ft. to summit, elev. at trailhead is 7,360 ft. Mostly shaded below 8000 ft. Fully exposed to sun above 9500 ft. The trail has plenty of traffic on weekends but hardly any on the weekdays! At least 4 liters of water required. Not that many places to filter water above 8000 ft. Hiking time 6 - 11 hours. Plan to take some time and enjoy the views on the saddle and on the summit. Allow yourself plenty of time to get up AND down. Coming down the mountain can result in injurys if you don't pay attention to the trail since you are more tired and may not be as careful as you were early in the day.

This hike is one EVERYONE should experience - if only for a short 1 hour hike to Scout Falls. Get acquainted with Mt. Timp!! This is the "Grand Daddy of them all" when it comes to hiking trails! No one is required or expected to go to the saddle or summit. Just enjoy this magnificent mountain!

High Uintahs Weekend Vacation, August 27 - 30, 2009

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HIGH ELEVATION Vacation!! PLENTY of beautiful, mountain lakes! Nice, cool temperatures! We'll stay above 9,000 ft. while visiting Trial Lake, Mirror Lake, Picturesque Lake, Kamas Lake, Lofty Lake, Reids Meadow, Naturalist Basin, Lilly Lake, Butterfly Lake, etc. Stay Sunday if you like.

Only 90 minutes from SLC.

Bear Lake/Logan Canyon Weekend Vacation - Sept. 10 - 13, 2009

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