Parks and Recreation | The Zesty Traveler

Zion National Park Angels Landing

by The Zesty Traveler | Nov 28, 2010 | Parks and Recreation

: Looking back down towards the beginning of the trail before we headed into the next section in Refrigerator Canyon up to Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park.

: This is the view from where I stopped. The trail continues up the spine to the left to reach the pinnacle of Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park.

: The spine that will take you to the very end of the trail at the top of Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park.

The one trail that I said I absolutely wasn’t going to do….Angels Landing. Guess how well that worked out? Our first full day in the park, the first trail we ventured on was Angels Landing. Right from the start though I will tell you that my fear of heights got the best of me and I wasn’t able to make it all the way up to the top, but I did make it about 3/4 of the way. (more…)

Zion National Park – Know before you Go

by The Zesty Traveler | Nov 27, 2010 | Parks and Recreation, Tips

: Obligatory picture of the park sign 🙂

: See boot print to the right for an idea of the scale. This was in Zion National Park.

: The east side of Zion National Park.

: Zion National Park Sandstone Cave on the east side of the park.

: The Virgin River in Zion National Park.

It is different to travel through Zion National Park during the high season than the off season. That sounds like an obvious statement but the primary difference is that during the off season you are able to drive your own car anywhere in the park where there is a paved road. During the high season your driving privileges in the park are restricted. (more…)

Zion National Park-Pioneer Lodge

by The Zesty Traveler | Oct 23, 2010 | Lodging, Parks and Recreation

: View from Pioneer Lodge pool outside of Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah.

We took a trip out to visit Zion National Park for an extended weekend over Labor Day and it took my breath away just as much as it had on my first visit. I have my pictures from the last trip that I look at from time to time but even with those memories it doesn’t hold a candle to seeing the raw beauty with your naked eye. (more…)

From the Road: Alcatraz

by The Zesty Traveler | Aug 8, 2010 | Nature and Conservation, Parks and Recreation

Alcatraz is an infamous (or perhaps notorious) island operated by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. You can of course tour the island and facilities and who wouldn’t want to?! I was advised and just about everything you read about Alcatraz tours will also advise you to buy your tickets early. (more…)

From the Road: Kuleto Estates

by The Zesty Traveler | Jul 3, 2010 | Parks and Recreation

As we were enjoying our breakfast at Beltane Ranch, we met a couple on their honeymoon. They had been in the area for a few days before we arrived and had the opportunity to check out several vineyards. We asked for a recommendation and they suggested we check out Kuleto Estates. With that we called and made our appointment for a tour. (more…)

From the Road: Benziger Vineyard

by The Zesty Traveler | Jun 30, 2010 | Nature and Conservation, Parks and Recreation

When we left Beltane Ranch our first stop was Benziger Vineyard. It is a beautiful vineyard with impressive landscaping, most if not all of which is part of their sustainable agriculture process. Benziger practices biodynamic, organic, and sustainable farming methods. They are a family oriented vineyard with several generations involved in various stages of the process. (more…)