Month: December 2013

Gemini Bridges and Bull Canyon, Moab, Utah

As I’ve stated in earlier posts, Mountain Dad’s early Christmas gift was this Polaris RZR 4 1000. I’ve never been a big off road vehicle kind of gal, so I was surprised with how much fun I had riding and driving this! I’m no stranger to the outdoors, but taking the RZR out on the trails opened my eyes to how vast the outdoors really is.

Near Moab, Utah are untold acres of BLM land, full of amazing rock formations, ATV trails, biking and hiking opportunities. Thanks to the book Guide to Moab, UT Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails by Charles A. Wells, I am now much more familiar with some of the off road areas near Moab, Utah. Wow, there’s a lot.
Gemini Bridges is about eight miles along a 4-Wheel drive trail starting at a parking area on Highway 191, just 1.3 miles away from Highway 313. The twists and turns of the back country roads offer amazing scenery and we combined our trip to Gemini Bridges with a trip down Bull Canyon to experience the rock walls up close.
It was an amazing trip and inspired me with every turn. I can’t wait to try it out in warmer weather.
Trail Info: Gemini Bridges and Bull Canyon
Length: 7.8 miles to Gemini Bridges, additional 4 miles through Bull Canyon
Time: 2-3 hours
Tips: Get the book for detailed maps, GPS coordinates and directions.

 

Happy Holidays!

This past year I have hiked, biked, kayaked, swam and climbed with my kids, inspired in part by this blog. Writing about Big E and little g’s adventures has been a fun and rewarding part of my life, mostly because of you readers.

As you and your family celebrate this holiday season, I wish you the happiest possible holiday. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Mountain Mom and Tots!

Double Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Arches National Park is one of the few places I’ve been to that feels like a different planet. The red rock walls and sandstone arches are monoliths of a different era.

One of the things I most appreciate about Arches National Park, is the breadth of its hiking options. There the extensive back country with multi-day trails or the parking lot pull outs with quick and easy access. I bet you can guess where we headed with the tots.

Double Arch is a rock formation with not one, but two amazing arches to explore. It’s located at the same parking area as another quick hike to Turret Arch and the North and South Window Arches. All of these arches are within sight of the road and could be seen in about an hour of hiking time. Talk about getting bang for your buck.

Double Arch is a fifteen minute walk from the parking area, plus whatever time is spent scrambling on the boulders. With the tots, Double Arch was an easy, fun excursion where little g pointed out every plant along the way with an “Oh! What That?” and Big E scurried over every boulder along with his energetic cousin.

For me, looking up at the vast row of rock overhead reminded me of my own insignificance. There’s a big world out there, and I’m happy just to explore the parts that I can.

Trail Info: Double Arch
Distance: 0.5 miles
Time: 30 minutes
Tips: It was cold when we went. Just because there are red rocks, doesn’t mean there is heat.

Sand Dune Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Mountain Dad and I have been to Arches National Park many times in our lives, but never with two rowdy tots in tow. In hiking to Sand Dune Arch, I took a tip from my sister-in-law who said it was the best hike for kids in all of Arches National Park. I whole heartedly agree.

The hike to Sand Dune Arch is more like a quick walk between towering red rock walls. Big E and his cousin loved running ahead and climbing on boulders. I thought it would be the best hike ever – short, fun with a destination to motivate us forward – but apparently little g was less excited about it. She cried the whole time and wouldn’t let me put her down.

The actual arch spans a sandy oasis of fun. In the summer, the tall walls surrounding the area ensures shady sandbox play. In the winter, like when we went, it was a little too cool for my comfort.

If you’re visiting Arches National Park with kids, make sure you take them here. If you’re interested in more than just playing in the sand, Broken Arch trail (1.3 miles) connects to Sand Dune Arch trail.
Trail Info: Sand Dune Arch
Distance: 0.3 miles
Time: 15 minutes
Tips: In the warm weather, this offers a shady oasis and is a great place to play.