Petrified Forest National Park

While parked  at Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff, we made a day trip to the Petrified Forest.  Glenn had always wanted to visit.  We had a great day.

A short distance out of Flagstaff, we also wanted to visit Walnut Canyon National Monument.  What a neat surprise.  This place has cliff dwelling ruins very visible from the visitors center.  The also have hiking trails in the canyon.  We weren't prepared to walk a long distance but we did venture down the trail a little ways.  I took a few pictures of the ruins and canyon. 

At viewing this ancient Indian dwelling, I saw a cat like animal (we decided it was a mountain lion) meander into the middle opening.  Shortly after the mountain lion went in, I saw a smaller round furry animal come out of the dwelling. I guess he decided the mountain lion could have the whole space.  Lol. 

I told the rangers what I saw.  They were excited and set up a video camera to catch a video of the inhabitants.  Glenn had the camera but not the long lens, so no picture, but it was rather exciting.  

After that short visit, we traveled a little bit on old Route 66.  

We arrived at the Petrified Forest right before it started to rain. But, the rain just made the petrified wood glisten and the colors pop.

You are allowed to walk along the trails, but don't you dare pick up any fragments.  In fact, at the entrance gate, you are asked if you have any rocks.  We did have a rock Glenn found in a RV parking lot that looked interesting.  The ranger couldn't decide if it was petrified wood or not, so we had to check at the visitor/museum for clarification.  It wasn't.....they didn't think.

The rangers likes it when it rains because it washes more of the buried trees and fossils.  For the most part, the trees are left where there become exposed. 

Agate Bridge. In 1911, people would stand on the log.  It was supported in long time pass, 

but today it would just be left to erode over time. 

   Tepees

At the end of the road, an old Studebaker guards Route 66 in remembrance of days gone by. 

It was getting dark by the time we started back to Flagstaff, but Glenn made a short detour to view the famous "Standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona".  Made famous by the old Eagles song,

 "Take It Easy"

Grand Canyon - North and South Rim.

Wow, what week!  We have seen so much this last week. I can't decide which is more beautiful; the North or the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

On August 20, we drove from Zion NP to the North Rim, which wasn't too far.  We made camp at the only full hook-up campground near the park (Jacob Lake) and after a little lunch, we drove into the park.  

We arrived at the Grand Lodge on the North Rim to get our first full look at the canyon.  The lodge was built, so we were told, to get a "Wow" experience view of the canyon.  They succeeded!  I know I said "Wow"!

     From the lodge, we took a short walk out to an observation point.  

    Beautiful, beautiful view.

We drove from the lodge out to Imperial Point. The views were spectacular!

By this time, it was getting late, so we headed back to base camp. Not too far from the parks north entrance, we saw a herd of Bison. 

    Watering hole. 

The next day, we decided to check out the town of Kanab. Many western movies and shows were filmed around Kanab. To name a few, Gunsmoke, Wagon Train, Duel at Diablo, Fort Yuma, the Carson City Kid starring a childhood favorite, Roy Rogers. 

We ate at a cowboy restaurant surrounded by old western buildings that were used in some of the western sets.

Back on the road to base camp... And

....Not far out of the small town of Fredonia, AZ, there were three Navajo ladies selling handmade jewelry. 

No pic, but they had some beautiful jewelry, clay pots and dream catchers.

Back at camp, we rested a bit because we wanted to catch the sun going down back in the canyons.

   

This was taken at Cape Royal. 

   Angels Window. 

     I took so many pictures, it is hard to choose just one. 

Now to the South Rim.....

We hooked up the camper and traveled to the South Rim the next morning, passing by the Vermillion Cliffs and crossing the Colorado River at Navajo Bridge.

Our next camping spot was at Cameron, AZ.....nothing here to wright about, but the South Canyon did not disappointed. I had been told the North Rim was prettier, so I didn't know really what to expect.  I loved them both.

    We first visited the Desert View Watchtower 

   View from Watchtower point. 

   Navajo Point

I do think the South Rim has more turnouts than the North Rim.  Each one is amazing beauty. 

Since we had the dogs with us, we weren't worried about being gone too long from the camper, so we stayed until sundown.

   They really are good travelers and sleep most of the time.  

Sunset in the Canyon....

      ....no words

Ending of a perfect day at Mather Point.

Zion National Park

August 18 and 19, 2015

Our visit to Zion National Park was amazing. We camped on the east side of Zion at Zion RV Campground.  The entrance is probably just a mile from the campground. 

As you enter the park from this side, not too far down you see a formation called Cherkerboard Mesa.

Erosion has accentuated the texture of ancient sandunes.

Not far and just before the first tunnel...

....we saw a group of mountain sheep.

One was resting in the shade. 

    Must be better feeding grounds on the other side of the road. 

This park is beautiful!!

After you go through two tunnels; one of which is through the mountain about a mile and 1/4, the terrain changes.  From the east side, the scenery opens up to huge mountains in front of you. 

   The opening at the base of this mountain is a window of the tunnel. This was zoomed in. 

The park has a free shuttle bus service that takes you to area that pov's are not allowed to go without a permit.  We hopped on the bus at the Museum and traveled along the Virgin River.  One stop is so you can get a good view of the Three Patriarchs. There are eight stops to access hiking trails. 

      Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

On another stop, we got out and hiked about a .6 of a mile. 

  The path led to a few waterfalls and emerald pools. Here Glenn is walking through the trickle

  of the falls. 

Water is coming off the mountain. Sure was refreshing after our hike up. 

   This is a popular place for rock climbers. 

On our second day into the park, we saw more mountain sheep. 

  Two were sparing.    

We really enjoyed this park but then again, we have enjoyed all the National Parks we have visited on this trip.  Bryce and Zion are probably our top two. 

Now it is on to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.