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Things To Do In/Near Boulder Utah

August 24, 2016/0 Comments/in Hiking in the Grand Staircase, Things near Escalante, Things to do in Escalante /by Slot Canyons Inn

Boulder Utah is a small town that is located 48 minutes from Slot Canyons Inn. It’s a pretty unique place with some really fun and interesting activities to do with your kids if you find yourself in that area. We have compiled a list of 6 things to do while in or near Boulder Utah.

Welcome sign - Boulder, Utah
Photo Credit: Dan Deamer on flickr

1. Devil’s Garden

If the name doesn’t capture your attention then maybe the description will. Devil’s Garden is located within Arches National Park. The scenery here is unique and stunning all in its own way. With several arches being scene from the trail this make a fun and interesting hike for the whole family with a lot of exploration that can be done.

2. Burr Trail

Burr Trail will take you from Scenic Highway 12 all the way to both Capitol Reef National Park in the north and Bullfrog in Glen Canyon to the south. The first portion of the trail to Capitol reef is paved for about 30 miles, and the rest is dirt road that takes you through some amazing and stunning scenery with several canyons that you can stop at to hike and explore.

3. Anasazi State Park & Museum

This is one that the kids will probably enjoy most with being able to learn about and explore and ancient native village that ages back to about 1160 A.D. and possibly housed up to 200 people. The park includes a museum where you can view ancient artifacts from that time era. There are more than 100 remains of the village here and some have been structured to where you and your loved ones can even go in and explore.

4. Escalante Petrified Forest

This is a really cool park that surrounds a lake with hikes that take you to hilltops covered in petrified wood with spectacular views. The park offers tons of fun water sports and fishing at Wide Hollow Reservoir. This is a fun place for the entire family to enjoy.

5. Utah Canyons

Located near Escalante Petrified Forrest, Utah Canyons is seriously meant for the true canyoneers. The landscape of these canyons is what is absolutely breathtaking. Such unique rock formations and slot canyons. This is definitely a place for the serious adventurers.

6. Escalante National Monument

And of course everyone in the area should experience the Escalante National Monument. This is a huge area of beautiful rock formations and slot canyons and more that is extremely exciting to explore, camp, fish and more! You can’t miss out on this experience!

Escalante Petrified Forest – State Park

August 3, 2016/0 Comments/in Things near Escalante /by Slot Canyons Inn

Escalante Petrified Forest is located at Wide Hollow Reservoir (a short 12 minute drive from Slot Canyons Inn) where boating, fishing and swimming are popular. There is plenty of fun to be had while visiting the park! With the reservoir, hiking trails and exceptional camp sites there is surely something for everyone to enjoy here.

Camping

There are two camp grounds at Wide Hollow, the Wide Hollow camp site and the Lakeview RV camp site. Both sites border the reservoir and offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding landscapes. The Fee for Wide Hollow site is $16 and Lakeview is $20. Lakeview offers RV hook-ups with some pull in sites and some back in sites. With all the camp sites you will want to check for availability and make reservations ahead of time, especially in the more popular months; summer-fall.

Hiking

Enjoy taking short hikes through the hills above Escalante with captivating views of the valley. Though the views are not generally what bring visitors, its the wood! That’s right, hence the name Petrified Forest. As you hike around you will find piles of petrified wood near the trails. Be careful though, it is said that the wood is haunted and taking it from the park will cause you bad luck!

Petrified Forest Trail. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. Utah
Photo Credit: Roig61 on flickr

The trails wind through groves of what once were growing trees during the prehistoric times! There are two loops to hike, the short loop which is perfect for kids and is fairly easy, about a mile long. Then there is Sleeping Rainbow Trail which is longer, steeper and rockier. Definitely for the more advanced and adventurous hikers. Although Sleeping Rainbow is more difficult, it is well worth the effort. This is where you will find the most petrified wood, with the growth rings and bark perfectly preserved!

Water Fun

Bring a boat, or rent a canoe! This reservoir is the perfect place to cool off during those summer months. Plenty of room to tube, water ski and more! Enjoy swimming and playing water sports with loved ones. Bank fishing is especially popular here for trout and bluegill. The best time to visit is in the spring when the water elevation is relatively higher than the rest of the year.

Visitors Center

When you go to the Visitors Center you get the opportunity to see fossilized marine creatures and dinosaur bones! You can also get more information on the hiking, boating, camping and other activities that are permitted inside the park.

Staying Hydrated & Safe In The Heat – Grand Staircase Escalante

July 21, 2016/0 Comments/in Hiking in the Grand Staircase, Things to do in Escalante, Tips For Hiking /by Slot Canyons Inn

Summer is reaching its peak and that means the heat is on! This also means that while hiking, camping, backing and visiting The Grand Staircase you will want to stay extra hydrated to avoid dehydration. Remember, this is a desert landscape, so temperatures can rise and not having enough water can be detrimental to your health here. Sun safety in general is very important here in the desert.

Thirsty Silhouette
Photo Credit: RIGHTBRAIN on flickr

Top 5 things to survive these dry and barren conditions:

1. Bring plenty of water to drink.
2. Wear a hat to protect your face from sun damage.
3. Try keeping all outdoor adventuring to early mornings or evenings, avoid mid-day temperatures.
4. Hang out in the shade as much as possible.
5. Wear plenty of sunscreen.

Unfortunately not everyone is prepared for the deserts arid conditions, and many people die each year due to heat stroke, dehydration and all in all poor practice of sun safety. To avoid these situations drink plenty of water while out hiking and camping in the area. Try to avoid drinking alcohol or coffee if possible, and if you have consumed that, then make sure to drink even more water. Start your day out completely hydrated to avoid being already deficient in water in turn causing you to need to drink more while out.

Look for the signs of dehydration to put a stop to it before it gets out of hand, such as a headache. Some more symptoms include; dry eyes, nose bleeds, irritated/dry throat, lungs feeling dry and muscle cramps. It is pertinent that if you start getting dehydrated you drink water immediately and continue to drink 4-6 ounces every 15-20 minutes to help rehydrate you. If your symptoms are worsening – EVEN A LITTLE BIT – you will want to stop hiking and find shade immediately to cool off and rehydrate in. If your symptoms get worse you may need to get to a doctor as soon as possible. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FINISH A HIKE IF YOU ARE NOT WELL HYDRATED – This is what causes fainting, vomiting (in turn making you more dehydrated) and vertigo and worse, death.

Please try to be as prepared as possible when exploring around these areas and stay hydrated. The desert can be an unforgiving place especially in these climbing temperatures. Safety and health must always come first when exploring any kind of outdoor recreational center.

Have a safety plan in place for if you or anyone in your group experiences any sort of dehydration, heat stroke or heat exhaustion symptoms.

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