The road to Zion NP

Black Canyon RV Park, Colorado

May 3 nights

The trip to Cimmaron, Colorado was exciting. The app on my phone recommended a highway route. The RV GPS took a more direct route. We chose the GPS route. Initially, I thought we made a mistake, and I was grumpy. The road was rough, narrow and remote. Suddenly, as we rounded a foothill, the view revealed cliffs, mountains and rivers. Absolutely stunning. It was a beautiful scenic drive and a great introduction to Colorado.

Holy Guacamole! I picked a winner when I chose this camp. It’s hard to tell sometimes when you’re looking at campgrounds online. This place has great reviews, and they are all true. The facilities are spotless, good wifi and the view is spectacular. We were surrounded by mountains. We went on a lovely little hike up the street at Morrow Dam. I think Steve is beginning to embrace the hiking lifestyle.

Monday and Tuesday, we went to Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP which I had never heard of. The canyon is steep and deep ranging from 1,700’ to 2,700’ deep. Some places on the canyon floor only receive 30 minutes of sunlight per day. The drive along the rim has majestic views. Most of the lookouts required a short walk to the viewpoint. We were in and out of the truck many times to take in the remarkable sights.

Tuesday afternoon, my son Mike called. My heart skipped a beat. Mike seldom calls so I knew this probably would not be good. His father-in-law Gary passed away that morning. Shocking! He just celebrated his 80^th birthday. Gary has been to our house many times for holiday celebrations. He will be missed.

My daughter-in-law, Jessica, is close with her dad. I can’t be there to help. Of course we’ll send flowers, but it feels like a feeble attempt at compassion. Having lost my Dad in 2023 I feel for her. I will miss my Father for the rest of my life. You always think you have more time.

Ballard RV Park, Utah

May 4 nights

It was a short drive under bright blue skies to Southern Utah. Verdant mountains give way to the desert and wind sculpted towers of terra cotta stone. This park is basically a gravel lot with hookups. They have planted trees which will be nice in a few years. Southern Utah is desert and mesas and buttes and windy.

We spent Thursday in Arches NP. Not surprisingly we saw quite a few stone arches.

The following day we went to Dead Horse Point SP. We stopped along the way to see some dinosaur footprints. It was nifty. At the state park the Colorado River has carved a winding, broad 2000’ deep valley. It’s not a narrow canyon like Black Canyon.  Standing on top of the cliff you can see all the way to the Colorado Rockies.

Saturday, we relaxed. I finished planning our trip home. Unless I change my mind, which could happen. Right now we’re heading to Zion.

Zion River Resort RV Park, Utah

May 4 nights

Sunday was a dreary, rainy day. We traveled to the campground under grey skies. The RV park is tidy and neat although congested. Zion is a popular tourist area, so it is to be expected that real estate is at a premium. I expect the Grand Canyon will be the same.

Monday morning, we woke to bright blue skies. We drove to Kolob Canyons at the Northern end of Zion NP. We had a nice little hike on the rim of a canyon. Afterward we checked out Grafton Ghost town. It was a few miles off the main drag, eventually becoming a dirt road. I was starting to think the GPS was mistaken when we drove around a bluff and came upon it. Several buildings have been partially restored, and they are open. It was fascinating. Grafton was a Mormon settlement that was abandoned because of conflict with the Indians. The cemetery is up the street. Also, partially restored by a local organization. I’m impressed that a group of local people care enough to restore this remote village.

The next day we got up bright and early to get a spot in the Zion NP parking lot. It fills up early and you must park in town if you don’t get in. We brought our electric bikes and had an excellent time. We rode our bikes the entire scenic drive. No passenger cars are allowed so it is a fantastic ride. The e-bikes are so fun! You can get as much exercise as you want, and when you get tired the bike helps you out. We went hiking as well. On our hike deer were alongside the trail. They are accustomed to people as long as you don’t bother them. Afterward we rode into town and got an ice cream. We were both tuckered out by the end of the day.

Wednesday, we rest and get ready for the Grand Canyon. We had planned to go to Bryce Canyon NP, but our get up and go failed us. Oh well you can’t do everything. We’ve seen quite a few canyons in the last couple of weeks. I hope the Grand Canyon lives up to its reputation. We’ll see.