Zion National Park
Two weeks and four states of red rock — Zion’s Narrows, Bryce in the snow, the Grand Canyon, and slot canyons that don’t look real. In Laura’s words.
took the kids down the strip and made it to our camp spot for the night
Some things were closed because of snow and ice but what we did see was absolutely beautiful.
Did the Narrows today. Evan was in all his glory. Olivia’s vacation is ruined because she saw a big bird eat a smaller bird and chose to watch it pluck all the feathers. Stephen Baughn and I can hardly walk. This place was absolutely amazing and pictures don’t do it justice. I can only imagine what it looks like when the sun shines down. I imagine the colors come alive.
Well, Bryce Canyon was covered in snow and most things were closed. Still so beautiful.
The landscape was amazing. The hike was amazing. These rocks are so incredible. I feel like you can see layer after layer. I look at butts every hike but Evan was kind enough to turn around so I could see his face. Karen Good Hamilton it’s not as bad as it looks. I made Stephen Baughn take the kids one at a time just in case. The kids gave their best impressions of what their grandmother would be saying.
We went from cranking the heater to cranking the air conditioner. Stephen Baughn and Evan are somewhere in that first picture. These rocks are amazing. Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow and we are not happy about it.
Woke up before the sun. Didn’t get a sunrise which we kind of knew, but we did finish before the rain came. Saw the Colorado River. And of course what would a Baughn vacation be without snow 🙄
Well today started off gross. It was rainy for most of the day but the sun came out for a few good pictures. Decided to go to Colorado and see Mesa Verde National Park. It wasn’t on the list but pretty neat. Then we drove to New Mexico. Then to Arizona and back to Utah. Got a geocache in every state. Ended the day at Natural Bridges National Monument. Very cool little area. Off to our spot for the night in the hopes the we can have a fire. Evan “needs” s’mores.
Lake Powell. Marble Canyon. Horseshoe Bend.
Because yesterday wasn’t enough, we saw more of these amazing slot canyons. Made it to the Grand Canyon and let me tell you, it is grand! Watched the sunset and off to find somewhere to camp for the night.
Last hike of trip. It was a rough one but a good one.
🌤️ Weather we had: Highs around 37°F, lows around 23°F, with 6 snowy/rainy days (3.9” total) — which is why so much was closed for snow and ice.
🍽️ Stops & places
From our Google Maps “Spring Break 2023” list — a Four Corners loop through Utah, Arizona, Colorado & New Mexico.
- Antelope Canyon (Lower / Navajo Tours) — the glowing, wave-carved slot canyons near Page, AZ; the “more of these amazing slot canyons” from the trip.
- The Wave & Wire Pass Trailhead (Coyote Buttes) — the famous undulating sandstone (permit-only); we camped nearby at Stateline.
- Horseshoe Bend & Lake Powell — the Colorado River’s big sweeping bend; Marble Canyon just downstream.
- Bearizona Wildlife Park (Williams, AZ) — drive-through wildlife park on the way to the Grand Canyon.
- Four Corners Monument — geocache in all four states in one stop.
- Moqui Cave & Goosenecks — roadside oddity museum + the goosenecks of the San Juan.
- Moab Canyon Pizza Co. & Sweet Cravings Bakery + Bistro (Moab) — refuel stops after the canyons.
📷 More from our camera roll
