Day 1: Our Midnight Arrival
Our Midnight Arrival
We arrived in Las Vegas on a late night flight on the cheap airline Frontier. It was an odd departure, leaving from Austin's South Terminal at 9 pm. We had had a full day getting ready for our trip before we left for Vegas. And then our trip to Vegas was delayed about half an hour.
So around 12:30am Austin time (10:30pm Vegas), we arrived in Vegas. We caught a Lyft to the hotel, and arrived at the front desk, exhausted and tired. As we made our way to our room, walking through the smoke-filled casino filled with sad-looking gamblers, I feared I had made a big mistake planning a vacation for our teenage boys in Sin City. I sank into bed that very first evening, despondent. Fortunately, I was wrong, as we proceeded to have an amazing trip ;)
Day 2: Explore Las Vegas
The Venetian
The next morning, after sleeping in a bit, we hauled ourselves out of bed and out of our hotel room to explore the Strip. We started across the street at the Venetian. I had heard there was a 9:45am gondolier parade. If there is, we never saw it, but it was fun gawking at the indoor canals and exploring the shops. We enjoyed Kalifano, a shop specializing in sculptures made from recycled metal parts and Houdini's Magic store, which had fun tricks and gags.
Caesar's Forum Shops - Fall of Atlantis
From the Venetian, we crossed the street to see the Fall of Atlantis show in Caesar's Shops.
Dave and I had seen the show years ago and wanted to show the boys. The dialogue remained as garbled and hard-to-understand as always, but the fire and water show was still a lot of fun.
The Flamingo
After seeing the Fall of Atlantis, it was lunchtime and we were all hungry. We found a small food court that had Panda Express (Kyle's favorite) Chipotle (my choice) and Pizza. With something to eat for everyone, we enjoyed a quick meal
We then headed down to the next casino, Flamingo, to explore their wildlife habitat, complete with flamingos and pelicans.
This is a small area in the middle of the casino that most people probably just pass through, but we really enjoyed exploring all of the various creatures.
Bellagio
We continued on our way across the street to watch the Bellagio fountains. This is a spectacle to behold, with huge fountains timed to old-time music. It made us laugh and smile and even gasp a few times.
The next morning, after sleeping in a bit, we hauled ourselves out of bed and out of our hotel room to explore the Strip. We started across the street at the Venetian. I had heard there was a 9:45am gondolier parade. If there is, we never saw it, but it was fun gawking at the indoor canals and exploring the shops. We enjoyed Kalifano, a shop specializing in sculptures made from recycled metal parts and Houdini's Magic store, which had fun tricks and gags.
Caesar's Forum Shops - Fall of Atlantis
From the Venetian, we crossed the street to see the Fall of Atlantis show in Caesar's Shops.
Dave and I had seen the show years ago and wanted to show the boys. The dialogue remained as garbled and hard-to-understand as always, but the fire and water show was still a lot of fun.
The Flamingo
After seeing the Fall of Atlantis, it was lunchtime and we were all hungry. We found a small food court that had Panda Express (Kyle's favorite) Chipotle (my choice) and Pizza. With something to eat for everyone, we enjoyed a quick meal
We then headed down to the next casino, Flamingo, to explore their wildlife habitat, complete with flamingos and pelicans.
This is a small area in the middle of the casino that most people probably just pass through, but we really enjoyed exploring all of the various creatures.
Bellagio
We continued on our way across the street to watch the Bellagio fountains. This is a spectacle to behold, with huge fountains timed to old-time music. It made us laugh and smile and even gasp a few times.
We then headed inside the Bellagio and checked out the beautiful hand blown glass flowers decorating the ceiling of the registration lobby. Doing the math, we realized that each flower probably cost around $500... Which quickly led to us imagining what would happen should one fall on us.
I had read about the Conservatory inside the Bellagio, which was decorated for Christmas with its "Majestic Holiday magic", so we went to check it out.
The seasonal exhibit, titled “Majestic Holiday Magic,” featured the return of Queen Bellisima, and takes guests on a journey into her enchanted icy kingdom. The south bed houses the queen’s favorite family of Polar bears, playing and welcoming guests as they walk enter the Conservatory.
Towering at a height of 30’, the north bed features the queen’s castle, guarded by her majestic rotating soldiers.
Lastly, the west bed holds the main attraction for the year. The holiday tree stands 42’ in height and 18’ in diameter, and is adorned with many beautiful ornaments.
Next to the tree stands Queen Bellisima herself, wearing her holiday best. The queen is ready for the holiday season, and is excited to welcome guests into her enchanted kingdom.
We talked briefly with the gardener on staff, whose full time job was replacing the flowers that were wilted. Apparently the Bellagio has a staff of 120 horticulturists to manage the grounds and conservatory.
We learned that the poinsettias were replaced every two weeks and the flowers every week.
I had read about the Conservatory inside the Bellagio, which was decorated for Christmas with its "Majestic Holiday magic", so we went to check it out.
The seasonal exhibit, titled “Majestic Holiday Magic,” featured the return of Queen Bellisima, and takes guests on a journey into her enchanted icy kingdom. The south bed houses the queen’s favorite family of Polar bears, playing and welcoming guests as they walk enter the Conservatory. Towering at a height of 30’, the north bed features the queen’s castle, guarded by her majestic rotating soldiers.
Next to the tree stands Queen Bellisima herself, wearing her holiday best. The queen is ready for the holiday season, and is excited to welcome guests into her enchanted kingdom.
We learned that the poinsettias were replaced every two weeks and the flowers every week.
Running around the bottom of the huge tree was a large model train.
Leaving the Conservatory, Kyle needed a rest for his back, so we stopped to watch another Bellagio show from a different vantage point. Honestly, we watched the show at least four times during our stay, and it always amazed us.
Cosmopolitan
From there, we headed to the Cosmopolitan, to see their 2 million dollar glass chandelier. While not overly impressed, it was located near a Starbucks, where we sat for a bit, enjoying hot chocolate and coffee.
New York, New York
Rejuvenated, we then walked to New York, New York. Dave and I had ridden the roller coaster there years ago, and had really enjoyed it, so we decided the kids would to. It had been years since either boy rode a roller coaster. Kyle felt the roller coaster made him a little too uneasy (the part where it turned and did a loop), but later decided that 'a little fear was a good thing' and that the roller coaster was his favorite part of our strip exploration that day.
Afterward, we checked out the Nine Fine Irishmen pub, which I had read had a bar that had been carted over for Ireland piece by piece. We enjoyed Irish nachos (thick potato chips with beer cheese sauce and corned beef - Yum!!) and a Guinness before walking back to Treasure island.
Neon Museum
We had 7:40pm reservation at the Neon museum, something Dave really wanted to see. We had tried to see it last time we were in Vegas, but all the spots were reserved. This time we planned ahead to reserve our tour.
This tour turned out to be the highlight of the Vegas portion of our trip. The hour-long tour was a combination of Vegas history, details about the art of neon, and truly just appreciating the artisanship of the various signs. They had a total of fifteen lit signs, and innumerable ones that had not yet be renovated. Despite the cold, the late hour and the ten plus miles we had alread walked,we were pumped with excitement from the tour. Our Boston-born guide gave out details in a voice almost too fast to follow, but he was knowledgable and willing to answer all of our questions.
We had 7:40pm reservation at the Neon museum, something Dave really wanted to see. We had tried to see it last time we were in Vegas, but all the spots were reserved. This time we planned ahead to reserve our tour.
This tour turned out to be the highlight of the Vegas portion of our trip. The hour-long tour was a combination of Vegas history, details about the art of neon, and truly just appreciating the artisanship of the various signs. They had a total of fifteen lit signs, and innumerable ones that had not yet be renovated. Despite the cold, the late hour and the ten plus miles we had alread walked,we were pumped with excitement from the tour. Our Boston-born guide gave out details in a voice almost too fast to follow, but he was knowledgable and willing to answer all of our questions.
Liberace
Dry Cleaning
Chief Hotel
Random
Fitzgerald
Binions
MilkMan
Martini Glass
Yucca
SushiYama
Although it was late when it finished, we had not had dinner, so we decided to checkout an off strip sushi restaurant that was recommended to us by a Lyft driver. It was the perfect end to a perfect fun day. The restaurant had an all you can eat menu, everything on the menu was included for one, fairly low price. We let the boys choose whatever they wanted to eat. We enjoyed our dinner, reminiscing about our fun day. After having fallen asleep late the previous night worried the trip would be a bomb, I fell asleep the second night thrilled that we had all had such a fun time.
Although it was late when it finished, we had not had dinner, so we decided to checkout an off strip sushi restaurant that was recommended to us by a Lyft driver. It was the perfect end to a perfect fun day. The restaurant had an all you can eat menu, everything on the menu was included for one, fairly low price. We let the boys choose whatever they wanted to eat. We enjoyed our dinner, reminiscing about our fun day. After having fallen asleep late the previous night worried the trip would be a bomb, I fell asleep the second night thrilled that we had all had such a fun time.
Day 3: Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam
We arrived at 8:30am, about a half hour before the park store opened. There was already a decent line for tickets.
Unfortunately, the park was under renovations, so the only tour offered was the Power Plant tour, and not the longer, more extensive Dam tour. We were the third tour to head down, and we were very glad we arrived early, because the was already a two and a half hour wait for tours at that point!
The whole dam was built with the idea of hosting visitors, so the floor is made from nice tile, and there are decorative accents all around the place!
While we heard some others in the crowd were less the impressed, we actually really enjoyed the whole demonstration and it really brought home the topography the caused the dam to be built.
We then headed over to the Hoover Dam visitor center - and spent a good hour exploring and learning. There was an in-depth history of the incredible undertaking and engineering feat of building the dam.
There was an explanation of the dam was built using small blocks that allowed the cement to cure quicker
There were examples of how the turbines worked to created energy.
There were details about the various parts of the dam. One display showed the various jobs employed by the dam, with salaries included. One interesting fact was that the dam employed 5,000 people, but 20,000 showed up to apply for the positions.
The final section of the Visitors Center was an observation deck at the top, where we marveled at everything we saw - the electric wires, the pulley system that was still in place. As we were leaving, we noticed a guard by the stairwell down (holding a huge rifle). As we headed down the stairway, he asked if Dave was an engineer because "he'd never seen anyone take such an interest in the dam". Dave called that Read style :)From there, we explored the side of the dam; we had learned in the Visitor Center that the sides of the dam contained overflow drains, and we wanted to check them out. Once again, we were amazed by the engineering marvel.
Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
We then headed back to our car to an upper parking lot to explore the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge that had been built in 2010... Another engineering marvel. We enjoyed walking across the bridge, and the viewpoint it gave us of the dam.
Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
Boulder City
We then went into Boulder City, right outside the Hoover dam, to grab some pizza for lunch.
Historic Railroad Trail
When we had finished, we headed back toward the Hoover Dam for one more stop.
I had read about a trail that led through the huge tunnels that had been carved out of the mountain to allow the trains to get to the Hoover dam. While we were all pretty exhausted by that point, the boys willing tromped along with me to check the tunnels out.
The trail out to the tunnels had some pretty views of cliffs and Lake Mead.
We then went into Boulder City, right outside the Hoover dam, to grab some pizza for lunch.
Historic Railroad Trail
When we had finished, we headed back toward the Hoover Dam for one more stop.
I had read about a trail that led through the huge tunnels that had been carved out of the mountain to allow the trains to get to the Hoover dam. While we were all pretty exhausted by that point, the boys willing tromped along with me to check the tunnels out.
The trail out to the tunnels had some pretty views of cliffs and Lake Mead.
Exhausted, having once again walked ten miles, but thrilled with what we had seen, we headed back to the hotel, following the trail with the setting sun.
Paris Casino Eiffel Tower
After a brief rest in our hotel room, we went to the Paris Casino to ride the Eiffel tower, something Dylan really wanted to do.
We waited about half an hour in line, then took the elevator up. We arrived at the top and enjoyed the view of the city of lights as well as another Bellagio Fountain show.
Paris Casino Eiffel Tower
We waited about half an hour in line, then took the elevator up. We arrived at the top and enjoyed the view of the city of lights as well as another Bellagio Fountain show.
Las Vegas Sign
And after having toured the Neon museum, we now had a better understanding of the neon in the museum, and were familiar with the owner of the sign: YESCO.
Fremont Street - sort of
Then came the lowest part of our trip. Tired and hungry, we headed to an off-strip buffet I had read about... Only to arrive at 8:40, and find the buffet had closed at 8:30. Disgruntled, we found a close by Taco Bell; not an ideal dining spot, and a particular dislike of Dylan's, but it was what we found. We really wanted to show the boys Fremont street, and since the following evening was New Year's Eve, and Fremont street was closed for a NYE party, if we wanted to see it, tonight was our last chance. So we went to visit it that evening. The street was crowded, there was an incredibly loud band playing, lots of cigarette smoke and we were incredibly tired... A perfect storm. Let's just say we lasted about five minutes on Fremont street, Kyle threw up, we grabbed a brisket sandwich for Dylan, and then left to return to the hotel. An unfortunate end to an amazing day.
Then came the lowest part of our trip. Tired and hungry, we headed to an off-strip buffet I had read about... Only to arrive at 8:40, and find the buffet had closed at 8:30. Disgruntled, we found a close by Taco Bell; not an ideal dining spot, and a particular dislike of Dylan's, but it was what we found. We really wanted to show the boys Fremont street, and since the following evening was New Year's Eve, and Fremont street was closed for a NYE party, if we wanted to see it, tonight was our last chance. So we went to visit it that evening. The street was crowded, there was an incredibly loud band playing, lots of cigarette smoke and we were incredibly tired... A perfect storm. Let's just say we lasted about five minutes on Fremont street, Kyle threw up, we grabbed a brisket sandwich for Dylan, and then left to return to the hotel. An unfortunate end to an amazing day.
Day 4: New Year's Eve in Las Vegas
The next morning was New Year's Eve. We had a lot of choices of what we wanted to do, and mutually agreed to explore the southern portion of the Strip that we hadn't gotten to the first day.
Mandalay bay - Shark Reef
We took the monorail to MGM Grand and then the tram to Mandalay Bay and bought tickets to Shark Reef. Again, we explored Read style,meaning we took over two hours, on a display most people breeze thru in half an hour. There was a small touching area with stingrays that entranced Kyle. An octopus holding a PVC pipe that I fell in love with, a jellyfish tube and more. Probably the best part was the large shark room.
Huge 1.3 million gallon, two-story aquarium filled with Nurse Sharks, large turtles, Reef Sharks, Rays, Sawtooth sharks and more. We found a spot on the floor and just sat and watched the incredible scene. The previous three days had been full and busy, and it was very relaxing to just chill and watch the aquarium for a bit.
We then went on the Polar Express, a small display about the arctic areas.
It had some fun interactive displays, ad well as a "4D experience" that was a little silly, but still pretty fun.
Kyle was thrilled that a casino would spend the time and space to put up a display basically warning about the dangers of global warning.
Shops
We the explored some of the near by shops, including the Hershey store, with its Statue of Liberty made from Twizzlers and the M&M store. But the favorite attraction had to be the Coca Cola store. In the soda fountain area, they offer a selection called the "International", which gives a sample of sixteen Coca Cola products from around
the world. Plus they have a "Float" sampler with eight American Coke products, each with a dollop of ice cream to make it a float.
We were pleasantly surprised at how much we liked the Grape Fanta float. And were all incredibly disgustedly the Beverly, from om Italy that tasted like grapefruit rind. It felt good to sit and chill for a bit and try all the different flavors.
Silverton Casino - Seasons Buffet
For New year's Eve dinner, we decided to return to the off-strip casino from the previous night. The kids really wanted to try a Vegas buffet, and this place had a really delicious sounding Seafood buffet with lobster and crab. Having learned our lesson yesterday about the danger of late meals, and concerned about traffic on the strip later that day, we decided to head directly from the Southern strip to the buffet, around 4pm. We got to the casino early and I had read that there was a small buffet discount for Silverton Casino Player's Club members. So,with time to spare, Dave and I signed up for the free card... And were told that, as part of the sign up, we were given two 50% off coupons for the buffet. Sweet!! Then, while waiting in line, an older gentlemen asked if we all had coupons to the buffet. We told him we had two coupons. It turns out he was a local, with plans for the night, but he had been comped two free buffet passes. So he got Dylan and Kyle in for free. So, for the price of one meal, all four of us enjoyed lobster, fish, crab and more. And to make the deal even sweeter, they handed out NYE tiaras, hats and beads. It felt like a total win.
Mandalay bay - Shark Reef
It had some fun interactive displays, ad well as a "4D experience" that was a little silly, but still pretty fun.
Kyle was thrilled that a casino would spend the time and space to put up a display basically warning about the dangers of global warning.
Shops
We the explored some of the near by shops, including the Hershey store, with its Statue of Liberty made from Twizzlers and the M&M store. But the favorite attraction had to be the Coca Cola store. In the soda fountain area, they offer a selection called the "International", which gives a sample of sixteen Coca Cola products from around
We were pleasantly surprised at how much we liked the Grape Fanta float. And were all incredibly disgustedly the Beverly, from om Italy that tasted like grapefruit rind. It felt good to sit and chill for a bit and try all the different flavors.
Silverton Casino - Seasons Buffet
For New year's Eve dinner, we decided to return to the off-strip casino from the previous night. The kids really wanted to try a Vegas buffet, and this place had a really delicious sounding Seafood buffet with lobster and crab. Having learned our lesson yesterday about the danger of late meals, and concerned about traffic on the strip later that day, we decided to head directly from the Southern strip to the buffet, around 4pm. We got to the casino early and I had read that there was a small buffet discount for Silverton Casino Player's Club members. So,with time to spare, Dave and I signed up for the free card... And were told that, as part of the sign up, we were given two 50% off coupons for the buffet. Sweet!! Then, while waiting in line, an older gentlemen asked if we all had coupons to the buffet. We told him we had two coupons. It turns out he was a local, with plans for the night, but he had been comped two free buffet passes. So he got Dylan and Kyle in for free. So, for the price of one meal, all four of us enjoyed lobster, fish, crab and more. And to make the deal even sweeter, they handed out NYE tiaras, hats and beads. It felt like a total win.
Mirage Volcano and the Wynn
We then headed back to our hotel to rest before the NYE fireworks. Dylan and I wanted to explore a bit more, so we went to check out the Mirage's volcano at 8pm. It was truly amazing with fire, fountains and music.
I had also read about the Christmas village display at the Wynn and also wanted to check that out, so Dylan and I walked down the strip to check it out. Walking on the Strip on New Year's Eve was a really fun experience, because all auto traffic on the Strip was closed. And since it was still early, the place wasn't packed. So we leisurely strolled down the street, enjoying the party goers and festive atmosphere.
The Wynn was amazingly beautiful with lighted waterfalls and the gorgeous Christmas village. And probably the nost fun was the combination of party goers. There were the families, all bundled up to enjoy the fireworks in freezing temperatures. But there were also the nightclub goers, in their fancy outfits of sequins and heels.
We the headed back to the hotel to show Dave the Volcano display, but for whatever reason, the show didn't work. He got to see one small blast from the volcano, and then in ended. Disappointed, we returned to the hotel to warm up.
NYE Fireworks
We had scoped out the top of the parking garage to watch the fireworks from. After Kyle's Freemont experience, we were afraid the strip might too much for him. So we found a less busy spot to view the fireworks.
So a half hour before midnight, we left our warm hotel room and went up the elevator to the top floor of the Treasurer Island Parking garage, It was cold and windy, but as it turned out, the parking garage was probably the best view on the Strip. We had a full view down the Strip, and were able to see all seven of the firework displays.
There were about 50 or so people who also had the same idea, so the atmosphere was festive, but not overwhelming. And the fireworks display was amazing!!!
We then headed back to our hotel to rest before the NYE fireworks. Dylan and I wanted to explore a bit more, so we went to check out the Mirage's volcano at 8pm. It was truly amazing with fire, fountains and music.
I had also read about the Christmas village display at the Wynn and also wanted to check that out, so Dylan and I walked down the strip to check it out. Walking on the Strip on New Year's Eve was a really fun experience, because all auto traffic on the Strip was closed. And since it was still early, the place wasn't packed. So we leisurely strolled down the street, enjoying the party goers and festive atmosphere.
The Wynn was amazingly beautiful with lighted waterfalls and the gorgeous Christmas village. And probably the nost fun was the combination of party goers. There were the families, all bundled up to enjoy the fireworks in freezing temperatures. But there were also the nightclub goers, in their fancy outfits of sequins and heels.
We the headed back to the hotel to show Dave the Volcano display, but for whatever reason, the show didn't work. He got to see one small blast from the volcano, and then in ended. Disappointed, we returned to the hotel to warm up.
NYE Fireworks
So a half hour before midnight, we left our warm hotel room and went up the elevator to the top floor of the Treasurer Island Parking garage, It was cold and windy, but as it turned out, the parking garage was probably the best view on the Strip. We had a full view down the Strip, and were able to see all seven of the firework displays.
There were about 50 or so people who also had the same idea, so the atmosphere was festive, but not overwhelming. And the fireworks display was amazing!!!
Day 5: Drive to Bryce Canyon
We had planned to drive straight through, with no stops, trying to get to the Visitor's Center before it closed at 4:30pm. However, when we saw this view, we just had to get out of the car.
Then we arrived on the outskirts of Bryce Canyon and we saw the view below.
The park opened in the 1930s, with a grand opening right at this small auto tunnel.
We arrived at the park around 5pm - after the Visitor's Center closed, but we knew we'd have time to get there the next day... and no one would have wanted to skip the few stops we made along the way.
We did briefly head to the Sunset Point Overlook, but quickly realized that, with the low winter sun, the best time to view the canyon would be much earlier than sunset. The view was still amazing. Although none of us were dressed for the incredible cold, we did briefly admire the canyon before scurrying back to our car and checking into our hotel.
Day 6: Explore Bryce Canyon
A Cold StartWhen we woke the fifth morning, we took a quick look at the thermometer, and decided that we'd get a slightly slower start to the morning :o)
We had spent a lot of time (and money) preparing for this trip. And today, all of the preparation paid off.
We had purchased warm jackets for the boys, insulated waterproof boots for all of us, warm hats and waterproof gloves. We all packed long johns and sweaters.
After bundling up, we found the cold weather to be totally doable.
In fact, with some exertion, we found ourselves to be not just comfortable, but warm.
Queen's Garden and Navajo Trail
One of our best purchases were our foot traction devices (commonly called crampons). These were like snow tires for our feet. On icy trails, these foot gear made all of the difference.
So, before too long, and despite the cold, I just couldn't wait any longer. We put on all of our cold weather gear and headed to the Visitor's Center to get some information.
Much of the park was closed, both because of the winter conditions, but also because of the government shut down. While we were disappointed to miss the Ranger programs, we enjoyed the lack of crowds.
The ranger recommended two hikes for us. First, he suggested we head down
Dave said it best: "Bryce Canyon is one of the most visually captivating places I have ever seen, and the snow just made it better. We hiked 5+ miles in 15-20F temperatures and enjoyed every minute of it. "
The hike down into the canyon was amazing.
The views were incredible.
We felt like superheroes :o)
After descending down into the Canyon via Queen's Loop, we then started back up via the Navajo Loop.
The trail had some fun "doorways" carved into the trail.
Near the top of the trail, we walked past Thor's Hammer.
The steep trails were icy, but with our crampons on, we walked easily and comfortably up them :o)
Inspiration Point
But by far, the walk to Inspiration point was the most breath taking.
Inspiration Point is the "Iconic" view of the park. It is perched high above the rows of hoodoos.
A small path to a lookout point along the way to Inspiration trail.
Inspiration Point is easily accessible in the summer via car - there is a parking
It was awesome!!!
Mossy Cave trail
It was early afternoon by the time we finished hiking the Queen's Loop / Inspiration Point / Rim trail combination. We were all hungry, so we went into town to grab a quick lunch.
When we had visited the ranger's station, they had recommended on other trail for the winter visit: Mossy Cave. Kyle was just about done in, but after hearing the description (and refueling with lunch) he decided to give it a go with us.
While Mossy Cave does not have the amazing vista of Bryce Canyon, it was (for the boys) a much more interactive experience.
On the way to the cave, there was a small frozen stream, which the boys spent time sliding on.
There was a frozen waterfall...
...that they could climb behind!
And then there was Mossy Cave - during the summer, most likely filled with moss and waterfalls, but during the winter it is a spectacle of ice!
Probably the most awesome part of the cave was that quiet sound of the water gurgling behind all of the ice.
We then took a quick detour to find a geocache. Unfortunately, with limited cell access, and six inches of snow on the group, we were unable to find it. We did, however, come across this great scene of wild turkeys in front of the Park sign!
Red Rock Canyon
We were all tired, but the car was warm and comfortable, and the lighting was perfect. So we decided to take a quick drive back to the entrance of the park to get another look at the Red Rock Canyons there.
Evening Stars
The night sky was amazing, but the temperatures were crazy! We braved the -2 degree night briefly to try and look for the comet, but unfortunately never found it.
The previous night we had had a... less than delicious... meal in town at "Restaurant" (jokingly named by us, as they had a huge "Restaurant" sign out sign, but no actual Name sign.) We decided to try a different restaurant. After finding it was closed "until Tomorrow", we grabbed a quick sandwich from Subway to end our night.
Day 7: Travel to Zion National Park
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| Kyle found his "Favorite Place on Earth" in Zion National Park |
We arrived at the park coming from the East via Route 9 (I think the more typical entrance is from the South). In some ways this may have been the best way to enter the park.
Just outside the park, Dylan spotted what we thought was an eagle perched in a tree, but later identified it as a juvenile hawk.
Upon arriving, we took a quick photo at the entrance.
We passed by Checkerboard Mesa. With the snow cover, it was easy to see where it got its name!
There were a few long horn sheep grazing along the road - and in the road. They showed little fear of us -- or hurry to get off the road.
About six miles from the entrance to the park, we saw a sign for Canyon Overlook trail. We decided to stop and check it out. Little did we know, this was one of the most recommended trails in the park!
For those afraid of heights (me!), this trail was a little scary, with steep drop offs, and narrow paths.
But the views were definitely worth it.
This is one of the only trails that gives a top down view of the canyon.
The entire hike probably took around an hour.
It was only a two mile round trip, but it was a pretty hefty climb up, icy paths and steep drop offs, it took a little time getting back down...
and of course, we spent a lot of time up top!
Zion - Mount Carmel Tunnel
Immediately after the Canyon Overlook Trail was the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. This 1.1 mile long tunnel is truly amazing, cut out of the rock side, it has cut outs along the side, that provide briefly glimpses of the amazing scenery on the other side of the mountain.
Pine Creek Trail
After the tunnel were a large number of extreme switchbacks. At the bottom of one of the switchbacks, we saw off in the distance what looked to be a cliff with huge icicles. A small turnout and path seemed to lead to it. We decided to stop and check it out... and so found Kyle's "Favorite Place on Earth"
I did find this brief description on Utah.com, which is fairly apt: "Pine Creek Waterfall is located within the Pine Creek Canyon itself, below the ravine that runs between Mount Spry and East Temple, and beside the switchbacks that allow the highway to climb up to the western end of the Mount Carmel Tunnel. The hike itself is very short, though rugged, complete with boulder and sand obstacles, and a lot of water."
It then mentions that this is a fine swimming hole... not so much in the winter, But it is a great place to find some ice!
While Dave was busy taking pictures of the icicles, the boys were exploring deeper into the trail. They found a small frozen waterfall.
Dave spent some time capturing the sights with his camera, and the boys were sliding around on the ice. I was watching them all, when I noticed something in the distance. "Hey, is that another big water fall back there??"
The was no easy path, but with some bouldering, climbing and sliding on ice, we managed to wind out way back to "Kyle's favorite place". A frozen pond, huge frozen waterfall and canyon views in the back ground. It was awesome!
It was truly a magical place, quiet and remote, with amazing scenery, and lots of frozen ice to skate around on!
The ice made some interesting geometric shapes!
On the way back, Dave captured this amazing view of the canyon wall reflected on the ice below!
It was past lunch time by the time we made it back to the car. We were all pumped with our trail "find", but hungry. So we finally headed into the main part of the park, to catch a quick bite to eat in Zion lodge.
Lower Emerald Pool
After lunch, we wandered across the street to check out lower Emerald Pool. Most of the trail was closed, due to heavy ice conditions.
The pool and waterfall were beautiful (though with the much heavier crowds, and controlled viewing of the waterfall, it sort of fell short of our Pine Creek hike!)
Weeping Rock
Our final hike for the day was Weeping Rock.
The trail was treacherous - covered with thick ice, especially slippery now with melting water on top. Most hikers were smart enough to keep from crossing the ice and falling. Fortunately for us, we strapped on our crampons and easily crossed the ice path with no worries.
By this time, it was late afternoon, the temperatures had risen to 45 degrees, and the afternoon sun was shining on the cliff side. Weeping Rock is known in the summer for its waterfalls, and in the winter for its icicles. Due to the warm temperatures - the warmest we had seen in days - the hot sun was melting the icicles - and they were coming down in huge explosions.
At one point, a huge 50 foot section of the ice wall came down in an avalanche of ice and snow. It was extraordinary to watch.
We spent over twenty minutes just watching and listening to the ice fall. We kept hoping the four huge icicles at the top of trail would fall, but we finally gave up and returned to our car.
Oscar's Cafe
After checking into our room and chilling for a bit, we headed in to town to check the highly rated Oscar's Cafe. It was a bit of wait for indoor seating, but after thirty or so minutes, we enjoyed our Mexican meal of enchladas with green chiles.
Day 8: Explore Zion National Park and Drive back to Vegas
Our last day in Las Vegas.
We had a four hour drive back to Las Vegas, and we needed to make a 3pm flight.
Due to a little sleep in, and the fact that none of us wanted to chance missing our flight home, we only did two small hikes in the morning.
Menu Falls
I had read about Menu Falls on the internet. It is the location of many weddings within the park and considered the most "peaceful" place in Zion. There was not a whole lot of information on where to find the trail head - no roadside sign and nothing on the official park map. After a bit of driving around, we finally found the small turnout a little north of the Shuttle 8 parking lot. The Falls were only a short walk from the turnout.
Court of the Patriarchs
Another very short hike, about 50 yards. We parked, hiked the short bit up to the view point.
The ride home to Las Vegas was fortunately uneventful, though there was some
great views along the way!
All in all, I would have to say this was a highly successful trip. It was somewhat odd, starting with the crazy lights of Las Vegas, and ending with the peaceful stars of Zion. Looking at Dave's pedometer, we average over eight and a half miles of walking each day (excluding the two travel days), with a few days over ten miles.
Hopefully the boys will remember this trip for a lifetime!
We had a four hour drive back to Las Vegas, and we needed to make a 3pm flight.
Due to a little sleep in, and the fact that none of us wanted to chance missing our flight home, we only did two small hikes in the morning.
Menu Falls
I had read about Menu Falls on the internet. It is the location of many weddings within the park and considered the most "peaceful" place in Zion. There was not a whole lot of information on where to find the trail head - no roadside sign and nothing on the official park map. After a bit of driving around, we finally found the small turnout a little north of the Shuttle 8 parking lot. The Falls were only a short walk from the turnout.
Court of the Patriarchs
Another very short hike, about 50 yards. We parked, hiked the short bit up to the view point.
The ride home to Las Vegas was fortunately uneventful, though there was some
great views along the way!
All in all, I would have to say this was a highly successful trip. It was somewhat odd, starting with the crazy lights of Las Vegas, and ending with the peaceful stars of Zion. Looking at Dave's pedometer, we average over eight and a half miles of walking each day (excluding the two travel days), with a few days over ten miles.
Hopefully the boys will remember this trip for a lifetime!
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