Miner’s Park Historical Trail- Marysvale, Utah

Travelling north along Hwy 89, we’ve made a stop in Marysvale to ride the Paiute trail system.  Our first ride was to the Miner’s Park Historical Trail.

We crossed over desert scrub and dusty roads, climbing out of town.

We rode parallel to a creek which supported lush Cottonwood trees.

We kept climbing in elevation until we were in the pines.

We traversed a rocky trail to the Miner’s Park Trailhead.  We parked and set out on foot, climbing even higher for a view of this majestic waterfall!

Resting at the trailhead, surveying the landscape, we spotted another waterfall in the distance.

Navigating our way back down from the waterfall, we stopped to explore some of the old mining relics, like this old mill.

Then we walked the narrative trail at Miner’s Park, where the history of gold and silver mining was brought to life with the tools of the trade.

Riding through Revenue Gulch to arrive at the historical site, Caleb negotiated the rocks and hills. 

We made our way back to camp riding near the creek and meandering through this ATV friendly town. 

The trails are vast.  We will be exploring more of the Paiute in the coming week!

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park- Kanab, Utah

We arrived at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park near Kanab, Utah to play in the sand at 6,000 feet elevation!

The dunes are formed by wind funneling sand through the notch between the Moquith and Moccasin mountains. 

The Navajo sandstone receives relatively high amounts of moisture and supports many different plants, including the Kanab Yucca.

The dune field ranges from wide open dunes to sand trails through Pinyon, Juniper and even Ponderosa pine!

We aren’t used to seeing pine trees growing in the dunes but they sure make a nice place to stop and take a break in the shade!

There are many flowers in bloom, like the Evening Primrose.  It wasn’t unusual for us to make a stop on the trail for me to look at the flowers!

The Rough Mulesears cover the semi-stable dunes and are almost in full bloom!

The varied landscape changes around every corner, from open dune to forest sand trail.

Some of the Ponderosa pine’s have signs showing they date back to the early 1700’s.

Of course there are bowls to ride too!

Caleb is practicing his shifting in the soft sand.

We’ve had the RZR in 4 wheel drive more than ever, but Caleb’s quad sometimes needed a boost.

Our campsite has provided a wonderfully shady respite when we’re not out on the trail…

Riding…

Looking at wildflowers…

Or enjoying the beauty of the dunes!

Summer Journey 2012- North Rim Grand Canyon

School is out and we are on the road for our summer journey!  Travelling north through Arizona, we meandered through Marble Canyon on our way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon!

Climbing up to over 8,000 feet, we are back in the Ponderosa pine forest.  We settled in at the DeMotte forest service campground for the popular Memorial Day weekend.  Located in the Kaibab National Forest, it is just 4 miles from the entry station to the canyon.

Under red flag warnings with bold winds, the high temperature at the rim is expected to be 62* today and possibly only 50* tomorrow.  We have entered back into pants and sweatshirt weather!

Completing his first Jr.Ranger program for the summer, Caleb is exploring the canyon’s ecosystem.  From Aspen & Ponderosa pine, Kaibab squirrels & Mule deer, the North Rim offers a laid back view of the Grand Canyon.