For our first hike, Maya planned for us to go to the Narrows. Despite all the people around us walking in huge waders with giant sticks getting in the way, we knew our casual hiking gear and books would suffice for this adventure. Maya was fully embracing the mountain man mentality with me. That being said… the water got above the nipples and was feeling a bit chilly when trekking through the shade of the canyon walls, but we survived and thrived! My heart went out to the man doing it with no shoes, he is the true mountain man.
The second day, we took it a little slower and took Dobby on the Pa'rus Trail, which is the only dog-friendly trail in the park. We got to walk along the river and ate lunch next to the water. As the days were breezing by, I was glad to have a slow moment like this with Maya before she left.
The third and final day in the park was planned to be hiking Angel’s Landing, but we both didn’t get the permits via the lottery so we settled for hiking at least the closest we could get before the permit was required. I was huffin and puffin up those switchbacks! It was easier though, since the majority of the trail was paved, which I found disconnecting and sad. I want by feet on the native dirt and rock. Maya and I enjoyed our PBJ’s, staring in awe at the cliffs surrounding us. It really is Godly. I genuinely wish that the park itself didn’t feel like we were at Disneyland. It was the most congested, poorly managed, and rudest people I have come across yet. I was honestly disappointed I would be stuck for another week after Maya left while I waited for my axel to arrive for the trailer.
After some tough goodbyes again, I dropped Maya off at the. St. George airport and returned to camp. When we were initially driving to the park, I was immediately astonished at all the mountains and rocks around. The color is so vivid. I decided it was time to break out the bike for the season and take a cruise with Dobby to the park to have some lunch. Most people close to me know my reluctance to wear a helmet on a bike, but I recently saw a video online of someone being run off the road while skating, and it made me think twice. I bought a bike helmet immediately. I was not going to take the risk of fucking up this beautiful mind of mine. I biked 14 miles to the park when I realized I had left my National Park pass in the trailer, so I stopped at a park outside the entrance to lay down and enjoy the sunshine.
The bike ride felt so great, I missed it so much. I checked out some options for dogs in Bryce Canyon, but again and understandably, it was limited. I decided to take Dobby and the bike up to Bryce Canyon for a day trip, where we biked from Bryce Canyon to Red Canyon and back for a total of 30 miles. After not biking for months, then doing two rides back to back made my legs shake, but in the best way. I was so happy to have Dobby on my back for the rides.
After finally having my axel on the trailer fixed, it was a wrap on being in the Springdale area and time to continue east with a stop at Capital Reef next.
DropBox Link for Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park Pictures: Zion and Bryce Canyon
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