Adventuring To Do List: Southern Utah & Northern Arizona

I confess, I had one heck of a LAZY weekend! And it felt AWESOME! After being go go go for the past six weekends, it felt so good just to be around the house and get stuff done that I have been putting off.  I did head down to the beach yesterday and go swimming to make it feel like I did something. Lets be real, besides the walk down to the water,  all I did was float around and people watch, so relaxing and entertaining.

Anyways my current working season is about half way over and I still have so many things on my To Do list before I move in November. So to mostly get my Dad off my back here is my

Adventuring List:

Antelope Canyon

The famous slot canyons are so ridiculously close to where I live, its kind of embarrassing that I have yet to go. But right now it is crazy town hot, and the tourist are a plenty. This is going to have to wait until Sept/Oct to be checked off.

Navajo National Monument

To be completely honest, Navajo NM was not even on my radar until May. So what is at Navajo NM?? Cliff dwellings! I am pumped to head to NNM hopefully this upcoming weekend.

North Rim Grand Canyon

I have been to the South Rim and to Phantom Ranch (aka the bottom). But I have never been to the North Rim. The North Rim is supposed to be the best of the best, so I hear. I have a weekend planned and campsite reserved for September.

Monument Valley

Who doesn’t want to got to Monument Valley? I have always wanted to go to the photogenic area. I drove through on the highway a week ago and it was gorgeous! I am anxious to head back and really check it out.

Zion

I have been to Zion a couple of times and have done a couple touristy hikes including Angles Landing. Now I want to get away from the roads and crowds and really enjoy what this park has to offer.

Have you been to any of these places?

Any must sees that I missed, and need to add to the list?

Paparoa National Park: More than Pancake Rocks

Hi all!

Way back in January while Bryan and I were on our South Island Road Trip, and had the opportunity to visit Paparoa National Park located on the West Coast of the South Island. Most people make a fast visit to see Pancake Rocks, and continuing on there journey further south to the glaciers. Bryan and I had intended to just see Pancake Rocks and continue on our way like most people, but we quickly realized Paparoa has much more to offer than just Pancake Rocks.

Pancake Rocks

I’ll start off with Pancake Rocks, so you all know what the heck I’m talking about. Pancake rocks are most famous for the blow holes where the sea comes crashing through the eroded rock primarily made of limestone that is layered with a softer, thinner mud-stone layer. erosion of these layers gives the rock a pancake stack look. The formation is primarily made of limestone that is layered with a softer, thinner mud-stone layer. Erosion of these layers gives the rock a pancake stack look (wow, I’m a geology nerd!). Pancake rocks are located in the town of Punakaiki, right across the street from the DOC visitor center. A big hint that you are in the right place is the 3-4 tour buses parked in the street.

Hiking

Paparoa has more than 55 miles of trails to offer. On the drive to Pancake Rocks you will pass gorgeous coast line, spectacular limestone gorges, and wild rivers. The landscape is what made us adjust our plans it was that beautiful! We hiked the Pororari River Track which parallels Bullock Creek.

We also hiked the short Truman Track, the trail takes you through sub-tropical forest and emerges on a rocky beach, with views of the stunning coastline and waterfalls. Read more about the trails here.

Caves

The geology of Pararoa is mostly made up of limestone which is easily eroded by water, this forms the gorgeous gorges within the park and also caves. I have an aversion to caves ever since working a winter season at a cave park, so we did not par take in caving. But there are several caves easily accessible some even just off the side of the road if you want to explore the underworld.

Palm Trees

When I first envisioned New Zealand vegetation I envisioned something resembling a tropical island. Lets just say my vision was nowhere near right. New Zealand is covered in the thickest forest you can imagine and instead of palm trees everywhere there are fern trees. Well that is until you arrive at Paparoa where there are native Nikau PALM trees! While these palms can be found in several areas in New Zealand, but Paparoa was the only place I remember them being in abundance and they really did give the whole area a more tropical feel.

Beaches/ Coast

The West Coast of New Zealand where Pataroa National Park is located is known for being one of the more rainy places within New Zealand. But if you have great timing and are there on a bluebird day, you will feel like you are in a tropical paradise with pristine beaches and to the North and South, and gorgeous beaches to wonder on.

 Have you ever adjusted a trip to enjoy another location more?