Utah

The amazing colors of Utah's Kolob Canyons, just east of Zion National Park.

Friends have told me that Utah is a state to see and explore. Mormon theocracy aside, the land is home to a vast number of national and state parks that offer amazing mountain ranges, giant red rock formations, rich green fauna, and immaculate asphalt highways.

Road Trip Part 1

The road trip started with a hasty exit from our congested wedge of Southern California and quickly gave way to wide open spaces of Nevada, then a blink of northwest Arizona, followed by the rugged frontier of Utah.

My first real taste of the Wild West rose before me at the base of the Virgin River Gorge, where an immense mountain range juts raggedly along Arizona’s state lines with Nevada and Utah. This particular span of Interstate 15 took all my attention as the roadway snaked through an incredible pass of sheer rock walls. I felt small in the car, hurtling up through huge mountains, zipping by the slow-going big rigs and their heavy loads. The kids were totally zoned out, watching a DVD in the back seat. I remember those days, only I was usually reading a book or antagonizing my sister.

I was practically giddy after the gorge faded behind us. That was some driving!

Oh, Zion

Along our route, Marla pointed out various parks and looming mountains. At the eastern end of Zion National Park we swung a right off the highway and onto a 5-mile scenic tour through the Kolob Canyons. Light rainfall helped pop all kinds of crazy colors in the canyon. The red rocks and green pine trees drew my breath up in wonder of it all. My camera couldn’t do it justice, but I took the pictures anyway. I made a note to return to Zion for more exploration. I only saw the park’s afterthought. Marla told me the big park would blow me away.

A place to rest

Our destination on this day was American Fork, a suburb community about an hour south of Salt Lake City. Here lives Marla’s lone sibling, Paul, and his family. They were our hosts for two nights. The house was full of childrens’ laughter and adult chatter on important matters like homemade yogurt, wall colors … and the Utah Jazz, of course.

Paul is an avid outdoorsman, so he offered up a small hike not far from his house. Marla demurred and opted for some peace and quiet from the melee. I found myself with a child on each hand as we made our way up a peaceful trail with creek water rushing alongside. The older children forged ahead, eager to make it to the waterfall before anyone else. They had visions of deep pools of water where they could swim and play.

Welcome to Utah, kids, land of icy mountain runoff! It became quite evident that the waterfall and subsequent pools were frigidly cold. I assumed the watchful adult role, while the kids squealed and dipped in shoe-clad feet. I dared to creep up close to the towering twin falls, but kept my bathing suit under wraps. No frozen Sami bits, please!

It was a pleasure to meet Paul’s family: his wife, Diana and children Fernando, Little Diana, Aldrin and baby Ingram. They gave up their beds for us visitors, made a place for us at their dinner table(s), and showed us parts of their town. Paul taught me how to make homemade yogurt, which I still have yet to try. I will, though, Paul, soon!

Photos from Utah:

The amazing colors of Utah’s mountains, along the eastern edge of Zion National Park.

A quick detour off Interstate 15 took us on a scenic driving tour of Kolob Canyons.

I saw the mountain in the middle and immediately called it “Plumber’s Crack.”

I pose for the camera with the Plumber’s Crack mountain behind me.

A rainbow broke through the gloomy skies en route to American Fork, Utah.

I test the camera and my general “hiking” ready appearance.

Rugged shoes? Check! Family members prep for the hike up the mountain.

Big brother Harry leads Little Diana up the trail toward the waterfall.

I liked this rustic plank bridge over the creek.

The creek that ran past our trek up to the waterfall.

A family portrait: baby Ingram, Diana, Sandy and Little Diana.

Look at that expression! Sandy was dismayed at the chilly, forbidding water.

After getting chilled in waterfall water, Sandy played on rocks to warm up.

Sandy and I stand near the twin waterfall near Paul’s house. It was cold!

Are we tough enough to proceed? Yes, but we didn’t have time to make the climb.

Michael and Sandy give me stony expressions near an immense rock fall.

Sandy and Sam get goofy on a trail near American Fork.

Sandy and I experiment with my camera’s timer and tripod.

A river runs through one of many Utah canyon parks. This was close to American Fork.

Turn the page: The Road to Yellowstone