IntrepidXJ's Adventure Blog

Las Vegas Trip 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012

Friday had arrived, which means it was time to finally leave Las Vegas. Even though we enjoyed visiting some of the areas outside of the city, we were both looking forward to getting out of the big city. After checking out of our hotel we were back on the road again and pretty soon we were out of Nevada, Arizona and then back in Utah again. Our destination for today was Bryce Canyon National Park, but we decided to get there via the Arizona Strip and through Kanab. We stopped to grab some lunch in Kanab and then carried on until we finally reached Bryce.

When we first arrived at Bryce we stopped by both Sunrise and Sunset Points. The light was pretty flat while we were there, but it was a good scouting opportunity for the following sunrise.

While exploring the area around Sunset Point, I descended the Navajo Trail loop a short ways until it was blocked by a snow drift that I didn’t feel like crossing. We didn’t have much time for hiking this evening, so it’s probably for the best.

Trail Down by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The Trail Ahead by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After a quick stop to check out Inspiration Point we continued on to Bryce Point. I stayed below taking some photos because the sun had poked out through the clouds causing some spot-lighting while Amanda continued up to Bryce Point to wait for me.

Amanda Above by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
 

Las Vegas Trip 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012

After another night at our hotel in Las Vegas we were up early and on our way out of the city and over to Valley of Fire State Park. I was looking forward to visiting this amazing little area and we were planning on spending the full day here. Even though a full day was nowhere near enough time to explore the whole park, we managed to see a lot and took many photos.

The sun came up just as we were nearing the entrance to the park. I loved the way the light was striking the mountains as we drove through this area, so I had to quickly stop and compose a shot.

Golden Morning by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Driving into the golden morning light.

Fire Road by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Road Light by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After finally arriving at the park I quickly went searching for some arches near the entrance…

Arch & Tiny Moon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
 

Here’s another photo from my upcoming trip report to Valley of Fire State Park. Hoping to get the report done early this week! This very colorful section was at the end of a dark and narrow slot canyon. I like the way the gray rocks contrast with the colorful sandstone.

The other night I headed up to the Colorado National Monument again hoping for a colorful sunset after the clearing storms. The colors I hoped for never appeared, but there was this cool-looking storm cloud over the Grand Valley.

You’ll be seeing this photo in my upcoming trip report from Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada, but I thought I would share it a little early on it’s own. I hiked over to the Fire Wave for sunset and took this photo just as the last light was striking the very top of this amazing formation.