Chasing My Joy

March 27, 2021

Southern Utah Spring Break – Day 7 – Goblin Valley State Park

While we were disappointed in not getting to see Bryce Canyon we had the best time exploring Goblin Valley State Park.

The goblins or hoodoos are so interesting and the exploring them was lots of fun.

It was like a big playground for the kids, they could have stayed there all day!

If you are ever in the Moab area this is a great stop if you have time. There is lots of camping in the area!

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March 26, 2021

Southern Utah Spring Break- Day 6 – Capitol Reef National Park

Today is another new park for us, we have never visited Capitol Reef before.

We were told that it was not the best of Utah’s Might 5. We actually loved Capitol Reef. There were fantastic views and the rock formations were amazing.

We went to the visitors center to stamp our passports and get a map.

We stopped at the Gifford house where we had to pick up one of their famous pies. It’s really neat that you can go in and pick fruit in the orchards when they are in season but obviously March is a little early for that.

We also made time to say hello to the horses, Emmy has a deep love of horses, she can’t wait for the day she gets to ride one.

We drove out the scenic drive then down to Capitol Gorge Trail.

This was an easy 2 mile hike along a wash with lots of interesting things to see.

The kids loved seeing being in the gorge and did well on the easy trail.

We really liked checking out the petroglyphs.

We were sad that it was too cold out for a picnic but we enjoyed the views from the car and ate lunch while we drove out.
After lunch we decided to tacked the Hickman Bridge Trail. Emmy had it made in the backpack but Cannon did amazing hiking on this 2.2 mile moderate hike.

We were so glad we decided to do this trail, it was a highlight to get to hike through the natural bridge!

The hike was really fun with lots of cool features along the way, it is a bit steep so Emmy was in the pack but Cannon did really well.

It was really cool getting to walk through the arch.

Our last stop was at the Petroglyphs, the kids loved running along the board walk and the images of people and big horn sheet were amazing.

There might not be as many epic hikes here as other national parks but we found it majestic and very kid friendly!

After our hike we went to pick up our trailer and head east to Bryce Canyon. We drove straight into a storm, with low clouds and blowing snow.

We made the difficult decision that we would likely not enjoy camping or visiting Bryce Canyon in that weather. We cut our loses and turned back east. If we could wait it out a couple days the weather would be lovely but we have work and school to return to.
We are sad that we won’t make all 5 of Utah’s National Parks but I guess it’s just an excuse to have to come back.

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March 25, 2021

Southern Utah Spring Break – Day 5 – Travel Day Torrey Utah

Before leaving the Moab area we wanted to get one more hike in. We traveled back into Canyonlands National Park to hike the Whale Rock Trail. It was recommended for the views and kids tend to love it as you get to climb up a bunch of slick rock.

It was a very beautiful hike.

There were some steep sections and if you are afraid of heights this one might not be for you. The views were amazing and the hike was fun! It was also so nice to get moving and some energy out before our dive.

Luckily it’s only a little over two hours between Moab and Torrey where we are staying for the evening and the drive was very pretty.

We took time to go grocery shopping and do a little laundry.

The view from our site was pretty great!

Just one night here before moving on. This was our only night in an RV park with water, electric and hookups. While the views were good we very much prefer camping off grid! We are still learning what we need and don’t need for traveling with the trailer.

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March 24, 2021

Southern Utah Spring Break- Day 4 – Canyonlands National Park

Of all the times we have been to Moab over the years we have never visited Canyonlands National Park.

I can’t believe we have never made it into this park before, but it was so exciting exploring it with the kids for the first time.

The views here are incredible and photos will never do it justice!

I loved all the cliff side views and kid friendly hikes.

We visited the famous Mesa Arch

This was the most crowded part of the trip and the arch was awesome to see. I was a little worried with two wild little kids and giant drop offs into the canyon but it was all okay.

The overlooks are so so impressive!

Emmy took an afternoon nap in the car while we enjoyed a scenic drive then we came back for an afternoon hike.

We loved the White Rim trail it was gentle and very kid friendly.

What a beautiful enchanting place, I feel so lucky to have gotten to visit this park with my kids.

Tomorrow – One more hike in Canyonlands then off to Capitol Reef.

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March 23, 2021

Southern Utah Spring Break- Day 3 – Arches National Park

Arches is one of my favorite places in the world! I have such good memories of visiting Arches and it’s so fun to share it with Cannon and Emerald.

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March 22, 2021

Southern Utah Spring Break – Day 2 – Moab

For day two we are traveling from Fruita to Moab. We were happy to have an easy short drive so we had time to enjoy the sunrise and our campsite a little in the morning.

For a very long time I have loved Moab, Cory and I can’t decide if this is our fourth or fifth visit to the area. Now that we know some awesome places to camp we have vowed to come out here at least once a year!

Out of pure luck Cory’s Aunt and Uncle were also camping in Moab at the same time as we were, they live in up near Salt Lake.

They already had an amazing camp site set up so we were able to join them and share in the views.

after setting up camp we explored the trails and enjoyed the sunset.

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March 21, 2021

Southern Utah Spring Break – Day 1- Travel Day Fruita CO

Our first day is mostly driving across Colorado and staying the night in Fruita, Colorado.

Luckily the kids are pretty good in the car and the drive was uneventful and beautiful.

We did have to seek out a pet store because we forgot Humpry’s harness.

We found the most beautiful campsite.

I love Fruita and hope to spend more time there in the future. I loved running the Desert Rats Trail Marathon here.

we ran out our wiggles then settled in for the night.

Already so grateful for this trip.

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