Amaris and Fox were well on their way to Flagstaff after miles of mountainous switch backs as the road began to flatten. They were entering the Coconino National Forest, which is home to the largest group of Ponderosa pines, America's most populous pine, and a hidden gem for quiet getaways. Some surprising facts about the forest is its max height of 12,633ft at the top of the San Francisco Peaks, low point of 2,600 feer and nearly two million acres of coverage. A variety of camping, hiking, hunting, and motorsports are available in the area. The forest gave way to an increasingly urban area as the duo approached the home of Northern Arizona University around mid morning. Hungry and ready to stretch, a stop was made at the hospitable Toasted Owl Café for breakfast, caffeine, and work calls.
Pro Tip - Traveling westward while working east coast hours in the summer leads to productive work days with ample time for exploration early afternoon onward
As morning turned to afternoon the @4runner was re-fueled and ready for the 2+ hour drive through Navajo Nation to Horseshoe Bend, which is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Within an hour of leaving Flagstaff travelers will pass through Gray Mountain, population 46 with a gas station, and enter Navajo Nation, which is the largest land area of any reservation in the United States. The next hour of terrain is incredibly unique and, more or less, completely uninhabitable. Stunning spires, red cliffs, and deep ravines from flash floods defined the wasteland for miles. A couple short stops to get pictures let us know just how dry a climate we were in.
Upon reaching Glen Canyon National Recreational area, home of the famed Horseshoe Bend of the Colorado River, the gate guard encouraged visitors to pack plenty of water. The roughly 1.5 mile roundtrip walk to the cliffs is relatively easy with a couple stops for shade cover along the way. While the path's grade is easy when walking in summer, as we were, the environment and heat becomes a formidable opponent.
Seriously, bring ample water.
Throughout the approach there was a nice (hot) breeze that kept the air from becoming too stale. As the bend continued to get closer the wind gusts increased with force and regularity. At last, the trail turned right and downward into an open viewing area where people were relaxing and taking in the cool air form below. To say the area was windy is a complete understatement, the gusts become even more prevalent as one approaches the edge and thousand foot vertical drops. While many of us have seen pictures of the bend, there is a grandness to the area that is difficult, if not impossible, to replicate. With a near exact 1,000 foot (3oom) drop from the overlook to river the height and exposure are gripping.
Once the duo was done enjoying the magnificent views they headed back to the parking lot and onto the Grand Canyon's North Rim via the Kaibab National Forest. While Fox had been to the South Rim a couple times previously neither of us had ever been to the more remote North Rim. The drive back through Navajo Nation and steep climb up route 89a was enjoyable in the mid afternoon. At an overlook on the winding switchbacks someone wanted to remind their fellow travelers that birds are, in fact, not real.
As brown and orange desert blended into greener scenery the truck made a final turn south on route 67. Forests and large open meadows make for a peaceful landscape on the 43.4 mile stretch to reach the North Rim. Depending on one's schedule there are multiple options for overnight stays from camping in the park to cabins through Lodge at Grand Canyon North Rim. Luckily, the park was relatively empty and there were a few other brave travelers enjoying the late afternoon. A hike down to Bright Angel Point and requisite photo session was followed by a sandwich lunch on the lodge's patio. As the sun continued to set shadows danced around the canyon's various tiers of cliffs and vegetation.
During July, 2020 the Bighorn fire was raging in the Santa Catalina Mountains just north of Tucson, AZ. The large smoke cloud in the background is a result of that fire and created a unique environment.
With a nearly two hour drive ahead of them, A&F retraced the 43 miles back to 89a and made the way north west to Kanab, Utah, which would be home for the next two nights. Spending the sunset driving through Kaibab and into the desert of Utah was a relaxing and romantic way to spend the long day's final hours. With a late arrival into Kanab the best rated restaurant still open was the Iron Horse Restaurant and Saloon with a fun atmosphere and wonderful BBQ. During dinner, conversation was struck up with a local who gave advice on the "local's way" to see Zion. The proposed route would skirt the east side of Zion by exiting before Zion's East Entrance onto N. Folk County Road, towards Zion Ponderosa Resort Ranch, with the county road providing excellent views of the valley followed by a less traveled path through Dixie Forest. This recommendation turned out to be such a great surprise and true gift the next day!
Tired from the day and filled to the brim, we made our way to the Flagstone Boutique Inn for check-in and a well deserved slumber. Although the days were long, with miles to go before we slept, the sights we experienced together were truly incredible and brought us closer together. The following day in Zion National Park and Dixie Forest would be the best yet.
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