Utah Adventures

Spring break is a holiday that many cherish to take some time to rewind, relax, and reflect on life. This spring break unlike those in college and this past year at HT marks the end of my employment. Yes, that’s right, I am currently unemployed and so proud of it! This means that I am that much closer to starting the PCT. April 26^th cannot come any sooner… although I still have some things to purchase and my food drops to send out so it can wait the three weeks. This spring break I really wanted to spend my time venturing in Utah. I absolutely love this state for its vast open land, tall rock and some untouched spires, and the color. Utah is such a unique state unlike anything I had ever seen before out east where I grew up. I went to Zion National Park for the first time in the fall of 2010 and fell in love. So for this break, Red Rocks, Zion, Bryce and an unexpected trip to the Mojave sand dunes filled the last 9 days along with the wonderful company of four of my friends Eben, Carolyn, Adam, Jack and my boyfriend Ryan.

After climbing at Red Rocks outside of Las Vegas, four of us ventured off to St. George, which for some reason Eben and I really enjoy this town just on the boarder of Utah and Arizona and Nevada, to find a place to camp for the night. The next day we traveled into Zion in which I was really excited to show Ryan to. He had never been there before and this is by far my favorite national park I’ve seen in the United States. From towering sandstone rock walls, to desert flora, exposed hikes, and committing canyoneering routes, this park excites me in so many ways. I have yet to climb some of the big walls in Zion but once I learn how to aid climb you will definitely see me suspended up there.

We spent three days in Zion hiking Observation Point, Angels Landing, and the Subway. The four of us met up with two of our friends Adam and Jack, which of course are the most entertaining duo you can find at High Trails. From performing camp skits, serenading random strangers and heckling animals, we filled our memories with constant laughter.

The last two days of our trip after visiting Bryce Canyon and Zion were spent at the Kelso sand dunes in the Mojave National Preserve. I would recommend checking this preserve out to anyone traveling to southern California or the Las Vegas area. Ryan and I walked out onto the 700 foot sand dunes by full moon light and were amazed by the size and unexpectedly the sound the dunes made. When the sand would slide down the side of the dune, it would make a low humming sound like a jet flying above. I had never heard anything like this before but would encourage anyone to explore this rarity themselves.

I absolutely love traveling and my past job allowed for many explorations throughout Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona and Mexico. I’ve been blessed to see places like Zion, Arches, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, although I feel more blessed from sharing these experiences with such a variety of beautiful people in my life. Great experiences and memories really develop from whom you are with rather than where you are.