Thelocallenz traveled out West to the State of Utah, an adventurer’s paradise.  With every twist and turn, the red rocks of Utah did not disappoint.  

My first trip to this area was last year as my best friend, Michele, and I passed through Utah on our way from Colorado to Arizona.  Our destination was Moab and the Arches National State Park. After weeks of online research, I knew that Delicate Arch was a must-see, especially since we only had one day in the park.  On our way to Delicate Arch, we passed some of the most amazing landscapes. A combination of desert and red rocks lined the main road of the park. The winding road beckoned us to keep driving and enjoy the views.  Finally, we arrived at the parking lot of Delicate Arch, armed with backpacks, water bottles, camera gear, and tripods. It was 6pm and we were on a mission to see the sunset through Delicate Arch. However, we had no idea what was in store for us!!  The path started out easy but gradually became increasingly difficult as we started the zig zag path to the top. It was 107 degrees outside at 6pm in the evening. We were each carrying about 10-15 pounds of gear. I think it took us about 2 hours to reach the Arch.  Several people ahead of us turned around halfway up due to exhaustion, and they were only carrying water bottles. We were determined though and we made it, red-faced and sweaty! Delicate Arch was a sight to behold as the sun set around us and the colors of the red rocks changed with every passing minute.  Of course, it is a popular site and we were shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of other people also taking in the sites of this beautiful landscape. I would recommend visiting this park in the fall when the temperatures might not be so hot and the visitors might not be so plentiful!!! As an aside, we hiked down with a flashlight and headlamp and the cooler temps made the descent much more enjoyable.

The second round of travel to the State of Utah came this summer, when my family of 11 took in the sites and sounds of Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.  Zion was by far my favorite. I loved the mix of red rocks, mountains, green trees, and flowing water. We visited the usual tourist favorites: The Narrows, Angel’s Landing, and the Canyon Overlook.  Several of the other popular sites were closed due to rockslides. I personally did not make the hike to the top of Angel’s Landing due to my fear of heights; however, 6 of our 11 braved the mountain ledge all the way to the top.  I enjoyed the views from the bottom while relaxing by the Virgin River. The highlight of the trip was hand’s down Kanarraville Falls in the NW corner of Zion. In my opinion, this is one of the best kept secrets of Southern Utah. The hike starts out not impressive at all as the trailhead is basically at the base of the water treatment area for the town of Kanarraville.  It was hot and dusty. But we persisted and it was worth it! The trail winds along a riverbed, crossing the water several times, before it reaches the most incredible slot canyon. At this point, the remainder of the very short hike through the canyon is in ankle deep water. Just a few feet inside the canyon, we were greeted by the most amazing waterfall. The water rushed down over the boulders but, oddly enough, fell gently into the shallow pool of water below.  We were able to climb to the top of the waterfall by way of a metal ladder and rope anchored to one of the boulders. It looks intimidating; but a slow and steady pace gets you to the top easily. There is another waterfall and shallow pool but it was not near as impressive as the first one. We took pictures and hiked back down, only to stop and take more pictures of the first waterfall. If you are in the area, Thelocallenz definitely recommends a trip Kanarraville Falls.  You will not be disappointed!  

From Zion we traveled to Bryce Canyon.  Unfortunately, just as we arrived at Bryce, it started to rain, so we made the decision to just drive the loop and get out at each overlook to take pictures.  In spite of the rain, I managed to take several great pictures showing the vastness of Bryce Canyon and the beauty that exists within the hoodoos. Bryce was recently named an International Dark Sky Park, so we planned to return that night to take pictures of the night sky.  Again, the rainy weather put a damper on our plans.  

Thelocallenz is excited to share a few of my Utah pictures.  It has truly become one of my most favorites states to visit and photograph.  I hope you enjoy Utah Rocks!!