Wandering Around: Beautiful Hikes pt.1

Wandering Around

Beautiful Hikes pt.1

Utah...
_____________________

Hello beautiful people!

This is the first of many new posts on this blog! I have been adventuring in some pretty spectacular places around Utah and I wanted to share some pictures and experiences from a few of my hikes with you. So far this summer, I've hiked Angels Landing, Lake Blanche, Stewart Falls, and Heughs Canyon Trail. Enjoy!

____________________

There is something about hiking that makes me so happy! I love being surrounded by God's beautiful creation. Whether it's the exploration or the exercise, I always feel a sense of peace and accomplishment as I take in the fresh air and unreal surroundings. It's almost always hard for me to leave after I get to the destination because I would love more than anything to just stay there in the calm and quiet which gives me one of those few moments in life where I am completely speechless and completely content. I know it sounds cheesy, but it is genuinely 100% true. Being completely immersed in nature inspires me to be more creative. His creation makes me happy. 

Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity...

― John Muir

Heughs Canyon Trail

After realizing that half of the mountains were still covered in snow, we changed our plans and settled for Heughs Canyon Trail (still, a very beautiful find). Utah hiking tip: save higher elevated hikes for July and August. 

This hike was fairly easy with a great setting. It was very quiet and peaceful which is, in my opinion, one of the best parts of hiking! The trail follows a creek all the way to the top, where you reach a waterfall. Let me clarify that when I say "fairly easy", that could be misleading. It might be difficult for some! The incline begins immediately and it never really levels out, and towards the end you reach big rocks that you have to boulder over if you wish to continue. The total hike is about 3.5 miles. We couldn't figure out how to get to the waterfall, but I'm definitely planning on going back to try and reach it! The view at the top is breathtaking and worth the climb.

____________________

Lake Blanche Trail

This was such a beautiful hike. Around every corner I was awestruck at the breathtaking views. I was completely overwhelmed with how beautiful God's creation is while walking along this trail. The trail is difficult, 7 miles total, and strenuously uphill the entire way. It's definitely a work out, but it's worth a little sweat. With the view at the top, along with the visible waterfall and beautiful lake, you've got yourself one amazing reward. About half way down while walking through the supper-photogenic aspen trees, we ran into a moose family! They were very beautiful, but minded their own business just several yards off the trail. 

Technically, I don't think swimming is allowed in this lake. However, there were a few people jumping in to cool off! Also, I highly recommend bringing your camera because there are countless picture opportunities on this trail!

____________________

Stewart Falls Trail

This is a beautiful, leisurely hike to a very photo-worthy waterfall. It's 4.2 miles, rated as easy, and family friendly! At the begging of the hike you're submerged in a beautiful forest, but most of the time the trail overlooks a valley. This hike is located on the scenic Alpine Loop which is a highly recommended drive whether you do this hike or not.

Don't forget those cameras! Because it's easily accessible and not too strenuous, it's a great hike to spend time taking some great pictures.

___________________

Angels Landing

Last stop on Wandering Around: Beautiful Hikes Part 1 is Angel's Landing, located in Zion National Park. If you ever get the chance to visit Zion, I highly recommend this unique hike! It's fairly strenuous during the never ending switchbacks, which is most of the hike. Walter's Wiggles, as they call it, is the last and most steep of the switchbacks and takes you directly to Scout Lookout which offers an unforgettable view with a great place for lunch and maybe some family "look mom I made it" pictures. This is usually where some families might end the hike, mostly because the next portion of the hike is not for the faint-hearted, which is usually where the "look mom, I didn't die" picture is taken. Okay, maybe it's not THAT extreme, but you definitely need to be up for an exciting challenge!

Quick tip: if you're going any time during the summer, please bring more water than you think you'll need!

The last half-mile or so is steep and you should not do this part if you are afraid of heights. On either side of you while climbing there are thousand foot drop offs and you momentarily have to rely on a chain if you don't want to fall off the mountain. This part of the hike is one-way traffic, so if you don't want to share the chain, go very early in the morning to beat the crowd!

On the bright side, as long as you're still staying focussed on the path, the view is absolutely breathtaking. It peaks at 5,785 feet and round trip it's about 5 miles. The red rocks in Zion are incredibly beautiful and the look out from the very top is totally worth the climb. Just take lots of beautiful pictures... and don't fall.

Thanks for taking your time to read about some of my recent adventures! Hope you all have a fun and safe 4th of July, and don't forget to get outdoors!

Love you guys, go make your life spectacular.

Kristen Emily