On Day 18, we woke up in Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens with a full day of exploring in Zion National Park ahead of us. Our primary destination was Zion's 'Narrows', a hike up the Virgin River deep into the canyon. (Zion has many great hikes for families.) We walked the few yards from Cliffrose to the park entrance and visitor's center, where we paid our $25 park entrance fee (good for seven days) … [Read more...]
A Pit Stop a Day (Day 17): Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens
July 13, 2010 By
After driving from Park City to Zion National Park, day 17 found us at Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens in Springdale, Utah, gateway to the park. Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens is located in the heart of Springdale, mere yards from the national park entrance. While all of Springdale enjoys an unexpected lushness of greenery and flowering plants (due to water from the Virgin River which flows through … [Read more...]
A Pit Stop a Day (Day 16): Cove Fort, Utah
July 12, 2010 By
On Day 16, we reluctantly left the Westgate Park City behind to enthusiastically set out for Zion National Park. We needed a pit stop en route, and found it in Cove Fort between Fillmore and Beaver along I-15. At first, we thought Cove Fort was a self-guided tour, but after eating our lunch in their large picnic area, we were greeted by a fort guide (docent) and told that entrance to the fort … [Read more...]
A Pit Stop a Day (Day 15): Westgate Park City Resort and Spa
July 11, 2010 By
On Day 15, we traveled down Hwy 89 from Grand Teton National Park to Park City, Utah to stay overnight at the Westgate Park City. The Westgate Park City is a beautiful resort nestled against the base of The Canyons ski resort about five minutes from downtown Park City. Winter is their peak season (no pun intended!), which makes it a great choice in the summer months to beat both high prices and … [Read more...]
A Pit Stop a Day (Day 14): Grand Teton Horseback Ride
July 10, 2010 By
On Day 14, we treated Nate and Calvin to a horseback ride through the Tetons (something they'd been wanting to try since Glacier National Park). Luckily, Colter Bay Village has stables on-site, making it easy! We made reservations at the Activities Center near the Colter Bay Village store (be sure to sign up ASAP: we signed up the night we arrived and got the last three slots for the entire … [Read more...]
A Pit Stop a Day (Day 13): Hidden Falls Hike, Grand Teton NP
July 9, 2010 By
On Day 13, we set off from Colter Bay Village Resort to hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point on Jenny Lake. This two mile (each way) moderate hike culminates near the Jenny Lake ferry boat shuttle dock on the far side of Jenny Lake, where the trail climbs up from the lake, following swift-moving Cascade Creek to Hidden Falls. From there, hikers can continue .5 mile to Inspiration Point, … [Read more...]
A Pit Stop a Day (Day 12): Colter Bay Village, Grand Teton
July 8, 2010 By
Day 12 found us crossing the national park border from Yellowstone to Grand Teton to check in at Colter Bay Village Resort. Located within the park boundary and managed by Grand Teton Lodge Company (go through them when booking), Colter Bay Village Resort comprises of a campground, tent village, and cabin village clustered around the shore of Jackson Lake. The resort also includes a marina, … [Read more...]
A Pit Stop a Day (Day 11): Yellowstone National Park
July 7, 2010 By
Day 11, we drove the short distance on Hwy 191 from Big Sky Resort to Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone crowds swarm the Old Faithful hub of this massive park, so after entering at the West Entrance, we drove north from the Madison hub to Artists' Paintpots, then back-tracked to Firehole River for a wonderful swimming hole. At Artists' Paintpots, you'll find a well-maintained loop trail … [Read more...]
A Pit Stop a Day (Day 10): Big Sky High Ropes Course
July 6, 2010 By
Before we started our session on the High Ropes Course at Big Sky Resort, I wasn't sure whether it would be too challenging for my kids (ages 11 and 8)...and myself! The apparatus--a maze of ropes, logs, planks, and even tires suspended in the high alpine air--was certainly intimidating! But from the moment I saw Calvin and Nate shimmy up the rope ladder to enter the array of elevated challenges, … [Read more...]
A Pit Stop a Day (Day 9): Zipline and Bungee Trampoline!
July 5, 2010 By
We were all excited to wake up at the Big Sky Resort's Summit Hotel and get going with an activity-packed day…without getting in our car for a change! We grabbed a quick bite to eat in the Mountain Mall, then arrived at BaseCamp (located right next door on the plaza) for our first two activities of the day. If you're a guest at Big Sky Resort (or a day guest), you're going to want to spend … [Read more...]
