Watchman Trail

This trail started out of the campground.  There weren't many flowers out this time of year but we did run across some along this trail.  The Indian Paintbrush were pretty.

Walking up the trail provided nice view of the Towers of the Virgin and the West Temple.

 Looking for wildlife:

 Then we found this deer right in front of us, no need for binoculars!

 Hike: Watchman Trail
Trails Used: Watchman Trail

Distance:  4.53 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Overall average: 2.2 mph
Overall Time: 2 hr, 03 min
Total Ascent: 1153 ft.

Driving from Goblin Valley State Park to Zion National Park

It was a good day to leave as the wind was blowing and the dust was flying.

Highway 12 was a wonderful scenic road.  It dropped off on both sides and 

had great views.

We stopped on a pass for a bathroom and snack break.  We had to let Poppa out of his cage.

We drove through Capitol Reef National Park but didn't stop.

Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail

 Our last stop before heading out was a stop at the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail.  The fossilized remains of the Sauropods can be found in the rock around this area. 

Enjoying the view with her best friend:

Crazy boy:

We stayed at the Devils Garden Campground inside the park.  It was a beautiful location with many campsites nestled within the rocks

 

and many even had nice views.

 

We were lucky enough to be visited by these pink flamingos.  The kids spent the whole first day debating whether they were real or not.  When they disappeared and reappeared the next morning they were even more flummoxed.  It's safe to say that 'Flamango Mango & Shrimpy Pink' have since been captured and are thriving in their new home in Fort Collins.   They don't appear to be going anywhere!

 

A trip anywhere with the four of us would not be complete unless we had completely filled up the back cab of my truck.  Isn't the girl scout motto 'always be prepared?'

 

Luckily the husband and my father had cut lots of firewood prior to our trip.  Our days were in the 50's but it was 30's in the morning and evening.  A fire was a must.  We would have been in trouble had we relied on the campground to have wood for sale.  They were out all three days we were there. Apparently the boy scout motto is also 'always be prepared!'

We ate pretty well on this trip. 

Look at that butter coating the bagel!

We were glad when someone was able to nap but the hubby and I would have preferred it to be one of the kids...not grandpa!

Rocking the Rock (Grey Rock, that is!)

 After a long uphill we still had to conquer 'The Rock.'  We still can't believe the kids did the whole hike and with minimal complaining!  It was long and steep.

 

The hike was through the an area of previous wildfire this summer.  Sad to see all that barren land!

 

The ladies in their fine hiking attire:

 

 View from the top:

 We made it!

Grey Rock
Trails Used: Main trail up and down
Distance: 6.31 Miles
Overall average: 1.0 mph
Moving Time: 6 hrs, 14 min
Total Ascent: 2484 ft.
Maximum elevation: 7533 ft.

Sad...our last day in Glacier!

Hiked down to St. Mary Falls.  The water was a beautiful blue color (like Mexico) that comes from glacial lakes. 

Then we headed to Virginia Falls. 

We weren't expecting a falls this impressive. We were glad that we made the trip!

One of my favorite pictures:

Hike: St. Mary and Virginia Falls

Trails Used:  St. Mary Falls to Virginia Falls and back

Distance: 4.04 miles

Difficulty: Moderate
Overall average: 1.9 mph
Overall Time: 2 hrs, 07 mins
Total Ascent: 1111 ft.

Finished up our Junior Ranger sheets:

Checked out Running Eagle Falls on the Two Medicine entrance:

 Hike: Running Eagle Falls

Trails Used:  Running Eagle Falls Trail at Two Medicine

Distance: .7 miles

Difficulty: Easy
Overall average: 1.6 mph
Overall Time: 0 hrs, 27 mins
Total Ascent: 211 ft.

 

Pretty area but I'm not sure the 2 hour (the more direct route happened to be closed that day-it would have taken off at least 1/2 an hour) drive there was worth it.  The East Glacier Park entrance was very cute. It's one of the better entryways into the park.

That night the clouds and moon were setting up interesting photo opportunities for me:

After all the talk of bears in campsites this ended up being the only wildlife we saw at Rising Sun:

Leaving the park the next morning:

Views of Saint Mary Lake:

Good bye Glacier, we will be back!