If you follow us on Facebook, you know we are in the RV traveling around the West. If you’re not into social media, this update is for you.
We headed out a couple of weeks ago with our eyes on Eastern Nevada and Utah and so far were on track with those plans with just a couple of hiccups.
After a overnight in Las Vegas we took the road less traveled and visited several state parks in Eastern Nevada. We found a spot to settle in for a few days at Cathedral Gorge. A great little campground with electrical hookups for the RV. The park is great for exploring on foot as there are many narrow slots in the cliffs one can enter and follow to the end.
Cathedral Gorge
After several days, we pulled up stakes and continued north with the intent of exploring Great Basin National Park. One of the least visited parks, it’s out in the middle of nowhere. We had been there once before in the fall for just one night and we always wanted return. Turns out the fall is the best time to visit as most of the park was closed due to the heavy snowfall this year. We were really disappointed as the camping was limited so we overnighted in a gas station RV park and figured out where to go next.
I found a interesting looking campground on-line near Nephi, Utah, so we were off. In researching the possibilities of hikes and things to do near our selected campground, the Mt. Nebo Loop road looked like a great place to explore. With lots of trail heads and Forest Service campgrounds, we figured we could spend 4 or 5 days there. After reading that the campground often fills up in the early afternoon we made our way there post haste. Turned out there was no need to rush and there was only one other camper present. Why is this? Well, due to the winters heavy snowfall ours was the only campground open and the Loop road was closed. Where have we heard this before.
A WALK IN PROVO CANYON
Next we spent a couple of nights near Provo where we picked up a few things at Costco. We also met up with friends Jeff and Lynne, who both volunteer with me on the USS Midway. We were then off to Moab, one of our favorite spots in the Southwest. Moab is popular and at times you have to arrive early to score a prime camping spot. Most of the public campgrounds are operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and reservations are not accepted. There are 637 camping spots in the greater Moab are, so you can usually find a spot. You can opt for a private RV park, but expect to pay $70 and up for a spot. Since I refuse to pay that, we most always opt for the BLM camps.
One thing we noticed right away upon arriving in town was the it was way more crowded than usual. We keep our fingers crossed and we lucked out with a site at Goose Island Campground, just a couple of miles from town and right on the river. When I mentioned to the camp host about the crowds, he told me that on the weekend everyone of the 637 campsites was occupied. Town was a zoo, and the line to get into Arches National Park stretched to about 300 yards. That being said, we were still able to get away from the crowds.
Besides many marked hiking trails, like to Corona Arch, there are other choices if you just want to explore. Many times we just find some canyon off the side of the road and start walking. It’s one sure fire way to avoid the crowds and over the years we have found some really beautiful places. We found two such canyons and walked them both.
First the hike to Corona Arch
Up the Moki Steps
Then the ladder
Colorado River
Jug Handle Arch
Unknown Canyon Hike
This One Didn’t Return
From Moab, we will head south to Bluff, but that will be in the next episode.
