Zion and Goblin Valley - July 4th

Four day weekend! Took a trip over to Utah for the 4th. Used a web site to plan the trip http://RoadTrippers.com
This is a simple site to use, just put in your starting point and add restaurants, State/National Parks and whatever else that appeals to you. I have to say, I got a little carried away…I had way too many “sites” to visit in four days on the first round. They even have European maps, the attractions are not as detailed as on the U.S. maps but it could be a good starting point. I will have to investigate further.

Screen shot of RoadTrippers.com

We drove all day Thursday to Saint George, Utah. The ultimate destination was Zion, which we achieved the next day, with the Narrows hike being the main excursion. Six miles up the Virgin River (and 6 miles back) in the bottom of the canyon - Kick Booty! And it did, kick my booty. Got lots of good shots, got wet, fell in the river once and almost floated down stream - fortunately the camera made it out alive.

Zion National Park, Utah

On the way home, we pretty much decided we were not able to add the Arches park to our journey - we will have to plan another trip for that awesome photo experience. We did, however drive 30 miles off I-70 to check out Goblin Valley. Pretty much in the middle of nowhere, but it was pretty spectacular!
Goblin Valley, at an elevation of 5,100 feet, was initially discovered by cowboys searching for lost cattle. The area was noted again in the 1920s by Arthur Chaffin, owner of Hite Ferry, as he searched for an alternate route between Caineville and Green River. Awed by the mysterious rock formations, Chaffin dubbed the area ‘Mushroom Valley’ and returned nearly two decades later for an in-depth exploration of the isolated valley. The park was officially designated in 1964. (http://capitolreef.org/goblin-valley.html)

Goblin Valley, Utah