powmia
Silver Cacher
Caches Found/Hidden xxxx/x
Posts: 208
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Post by powmia on May 5, 2008 18:29:05 GMT -9
Another magnificant earthcache area.
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Post by FrostG1anT on May 5, 2008 19:17:53 GMT -9
Of all the National Parks in the Four corners area, Bryce Canyon is the most incredible. It doesn't have the intense awe-factor of the Grand Canyon, but Bryce has the uniqueness of being very approachable and easily explorable and in less than 8 hours the entire area is hike-able. From up close the hoodoos and spires are so intense and the more time you spend there the more they change. When a good wind kicks up the entire area has an other worldly appearance to it. Suddenly there is an entire fantasy city raised into the air. In the high heat the mirage can be dazzling.
While you are in the area head for Zion, as it is the most diverse of the Four Corners parks and has several Earthcaches in it. Red Canyon is another spectacular Park and is very near Bryce.
If you are heading for Arizona, make sure and go through Salt River Canyon, it is so worth the drive. Take the time to go to the reservation if you go that way. The highway winds through the entire canyon. It has similar awe-factor to the Grand as it just sort of appears out of nowhere in front of you and then disappears after you have driven out of it. If you are in Arizona, visit Dome, it has some cool history and is a rather odd place.
White Sands Missile Base in New Mexico is another great place with amazing history. If there is not an earthcache in Trinity I think I will have to make one as Trinity is a truly awe-filled location. It is only open to the public for two weekends a year. I believe it is one weekend in May and the first weekend in October. There is a little rock shop just outside the gates where you can purchase some Trinitrite (this is the substance created from the sand, gypsum, and soil in the bowl that was Trinity when the nuclear bomb was detonated).
You are in beautiful country, some of my favorite. Enjoy the voyage and thank you for sharing.
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powmia
Silver Cacher
Caches Found/Hidden xxxx/x
Posts: 208
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Post by powmia on May 6, 2008 5:27:13 GMT -9
While you are in the area head for Zion, as it is the most diverse of the Four Corners parks and has several Earthcaches in it. I did 3 in Zion NP. Below is the great arch of Zion. I will attempt some in Arches and Canyonlands NP soon.
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Post by NorthWes on May 6, 2008 8:00:32 GMT -9
Awesome photos! Keep 'em coming! I was through Zion back in 2001, and plan to return in a couple of years to tour Grand Staircase/Escalante region, Bryce etc., perhaps as an add-on to one of the wife's training classes in Las Vegas.
You're racking up some premium earthcaches out there!
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Post by ladybugkids on May 6, 2008 14:24:18 GMT -9
That Bryce Canyon shot definitely captures the essence of the area!
I bet it's getting warm down there. I remember baking in Zion at 102 degrees, which made hiking the river through the slot canyon on the north end all the more refreshing.
FrostG1anT's suggestion to drive Roosevelt Dam to Salt River Canyon to Globe is a good one, though I've never tried to tow a trailer through there.
Have a good time!
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