Thursday, September 12, 2013

“... AND THE SUN SHINES BRIGHT!”

Wednesday, September 11 -  With skies clearing and the sun peaking out, we headed to Dead Horse Point State Park early this morning. This is a State Park so our America the Beautiful senior pass didn't cover the $10 admission price, but it was well worth it!

dead-horse-point-state-park

We hiked over 10 miles today! The first nine miles were on the Colorado River Trail. We began with the East Rim Trail.

dead_horse_state_park_map

The trail is very well marked with cairns the entire way. The cairns come in all shapes and sizes.

cairns

What spectacular views of the Colorado River and surrounding canyons.

paul Colorado River hike

 Basin Overlook
Basin overlook

We then connected to the West Rim Trail.

marsha hiking

The Neck

The Neck

Meander Overlook
meander overlook

No, Paul, that is not what they mean by overlook!paul overlook

Shafer Canyon Overlook
Shafer overlook

Rim Overlook
rim overlook

Big Horn Overlook
big horn overlook

The hike was a little tiring for our old, out-of-condition knees, but we survived. We did stop for a little lunch of sandwiches and trail mix along the way and carried plenty of water. Thank goodness it was cooler today. If we were still hovering in the high 90's (in the 70's today), we would of found ourselves short on water. We each carried a big water bottle....next time maybe 2 each!

If you plan to hike this trail, it is rather easy. Be sure to have your hiking boots on. Even though you will walk through thick sand, this is no place for sandals.

paul in sand

Dead Horse Point

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!