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I'm so excited to have Ashely from Tiny Shiny Home here today to give us the lowdown on boondocking in Southern Utah. If you are new to the term boondocking, it means camping/parking a trailer or RV on BLM land free of charge for a max of 14 days. These open land areas have no restrooms or camping amenities, but if you find the right spot it can be pretty amazing. Read on to find out how to find the perfect boondocking site and what Ashley and her family of 6 loved most about their 14 days in Southern Utah. Utah was never on our radar when we first started traveling full-time 3.5 years ago. There weren’t even plans to drive through our first year on the road. Had it not been for an unfortunate event, we may have skipped over Utah. After our friends rescued us from the mud at Lake Mead, they had invited us to stay with them and some other full-time friends on the ridge of the Virgin Dam just outside of Hurricane, UT. That was our very first boondocking experience and from that point on we were hooked. So I guess you could say, Utah has inspired us to spend most of our time off the grid, boondocking in some of the most beautiful places we have ever seen. Image by Tiny Shiny Home While we agree that most all of Utah is beautiful, Southern Utah has captured our attention. If you’re looking to experience some of the most amazing national parks and monuments, free camping, epic hikes, and epic views right outside your RV, then southern Utah is for you! La Verkin/ Virgin area has so many great boondocking options and town is so close for water, dump, and supplies. Plus you’re only about 30 minutes from the entrance to Zion National Park! While we loved visiting Zion, it was really the Red Reef area that captured our attention. Check out this post Hiking Red Reef Trail - Southern Utah We could not get enough of the red rock hikes and amazing sunsets and seclusion that comes with visiting in late October. There haven’t been many places that make me look at property prices but this place had me on Zillow far too often. So, let’s talk about camping in this area! While I can see the advantages of reserving a site at one of the two campgrounds in Zion National Park for easier access to the park and trails, we aren’t much for making plans ahead of time. Plus we love being alone out in nature, so boondocking is our top choice when it comes to looking for a place to stay. Lucky for us, there are SO MANY OPTIONS near Zion. We snagged this cute little spot near the Virgin Dam and stayed for our full allotted 14 nights! It. Was. Magical.The sunsets, the seclusion, the views… So if boondocking is your thing, Virgin, UT needs to be on your bucket list. And if you’re new to boondocking (camping without hookups) then click on this guide to help you find your first boon docking spot. FIND THE PERFECT BOONDOCKING SPOT 4 quick ways to scout beautiful, safe, off-grid camping locations. Within just a 2 hour drive from Hurricane, Utah, you can see all of these magical places… Cedar Breaks National Monument 1 hour, 17 minutes Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park 1 hour, 22 minutes Zion National Park 21 min Snow Canyon State Park 45 minutes Bryce Canyon National Park 2 hours, 11 minutes Red Cliff National Conservation Area 30 min Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument 1 hour 30 minutes Grand Canyon North Rim 2 hours Glen Canyon National Recreation Area/Lake Powell 2 hours Valley of Fire State Park 2 hours Lake Mead National Recreation Area 2 hours I’m sure there are more than what I listed, but all of these places are reason enough to find your perfect campsite near Virgin, Ut. And I can’t forget the people! We hosted our very first meet-up while boondocking here. We ended up with 20 people coming by to chat, eat some pie, and enjoy a fire. It’s true that when you travel full-time, there are days that get a little lonely, but this community is amazing. With little notice, we were able to have several people come by and talk about the highs and lows of full-time travel. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone! So much so that we have no pictures of the event! That’s when you know you’re having a good time. And we can’t say thank you enough to Arika. Thank you for taking us on a beautiful hike and snapping some pictures of our little family. We will treasure these for years to come! I cannot say enough good things about our time spent here in Utah, and Zion Adventure Photog was a big part of making our time here so memorable. Thank you! - Ashley Longlecker Make sure to follow Ashley and her family on their adventures at Tiny Shiny Home and on their Instagram.

The Narrows in Zion National Park is one of the most famous adventure hikes in the park because well, it's amazing!!! The trail starts as you step off the paved Riverside Walk trail, and start wading up the Virgin River into the canyon. The walls close in quick and you are surrounded by 1000 foot cliffs. In the summer this hike is the perfect reprieve from the intense summer heat but this hike can even be done year round with special gear. LENGTH OF THE HIKE To get to the turn around point at Big Springs (a permit is needed to go any further) it is 4.5 miles one way, including the paved hiking on Riverside Walk. To make it to the famous section in The Narrows called Wall Street it is 2.5 miles one way. DIFFICULTY OF THE HIKE The difficulty of The Narrows lies in all the climbing up, over, and around all the big and small rocks in and out of the river. It is easy to twist an ankle or scatch up your legs pretty good on this hike if you're not careful. With that being said it is a family friendly hike if you have good little hikers that love the water. It's even worth it to go up just a short way if you are nervous about how your kids will do. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION + SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE LOCATION OF THE NARROWS To get to this trail you will get off on the very last shuttle stop, Temple Of Sinawava. It's a 40-minute scenic shuttle ride from the visitor center and only accessible via the shuttle the majority of the year. You will hike the Riverside Walk trail to get to the start of The Narrows. Always practice Leave No Trace principals and leave the places you visit the way you found them. Better yet, bring a clean-up bag with you and leave it BETTER than you found it! TRAIL DETAILS FOR HIKING THE NARROWS The majority of the trail you will be hiking in knee-deep water along the Virgin River and crossing from one side to the other depending on the rocky condition and depth of the river. Around every corner, you will be greeted by views that will take your breath away. If you make it 2.5 miles in you will come to the famous Wall Street section of The Narrows. This is the tightest section of the slot canyon. A little further up you will reach a small slot canyon offshoot called Orderville Canyon. This canyon can be explored for a short distance. You will know you have reached the turn around point when you come to an area called Big Springs that has waterfalls coming right out of the walls on the west side of the canyon. Past this section is by permit only. Scroll through for tips and additional information. GOOD TO KNOW FOR PLANNING YOUR HIKE At the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop, there are water fill stations and bathrooms. Make sure to use the restrooms here. If you do need to go pee in The Narrows it is better to do it in the water than on the shore. If you need to go #2 while in The Narrows you MUST pack it out. WHEN TO HIKE THE NARROWS IN ZION The most comfortable time to hike The Narrows is in the Summer and early fall when the temps are warm and the cold water of the Virgin River is a refreshing respite from the heat. Summer is definitely the most popular time to go and the crowds get pretty intense. You can hike The Narrows in the winter to avoid crowds but you will need special gear, see below. During spring runoff (typically April-May) and after a rainstorm, the water levels in The Narrows get too high and the park service closes the trail. Storms are frequent during the monsoon season in July & August. Always pay close attention to the flash flood warnings issued by the park. This is a really great article about hiking The Narrows in the winter GEAR FOR HIKING THE NARROWS If hiking The Narrows in the summer you will need good hiking shoes, preferably boots, that you are ok with getting wet and have really good traction. If you are unsure about your shoes you can rent hiking boots specifically made for hiking in the water from a number of different outfitters in Springdale. My favorite here. You can also rent a walking stick. The walking stick is great to help with balance and checking water levels in the river. I especially recommend taking a walking stick if the water is at all muddy from a recent storm. The walking stick will be invaluable. During the winter a full-body drysuit, special canyoneering shoes, neoprene booties, and a walking stick are a must. TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Always leave these places better than you found them and pack out all your trash. Do not make mud drawings or handprints on the walls of the canyon. Do not carve or scratch your name or anything else into the rock formations. Do not build cairns or other decorative formations out of the stones. If you need to pee do it in the water and if you need to go #2 then pack it out. If hiking The Narrows in the summer try to be on the first shuttle out in the morning. This is your only shot at having a little bit of solitude. On your hike back out, as you pass hoards of people, you will be so glad you got up early. Always pay attention to the flash flood warnings issued by the park. Take plenty of snacks and water for the hike. In the earlier and later parts of the summer bring a sweatshirt to pull out if you get cold. Be prepared that this is a very slow hike. Crossing the water and carefully navigating the rocks takes time. Wear clothes that are comfortable to hike in when wet. Chaffing from hiking in uncomfortable wet clothes is not fun. I often see people even hiking in swimming suits. Happy Hiking, Arika CHECK OUT THESE RELATED BLOG POSTS

At this point in my photography journey, I have been lucky enough to capture quite a few surprise proposals, but Katie and Lauren's proposal was extra special with a double surprise. So much magic and love between these two. Read on for the full story and to find out what made this proposal extra special. "About this time last year (October), I had recently gotten out of a bad relationship, which led to me doing some very quick apartment-hunting. After couch surfing for a few weeks, I found a perfect little unit in a neighborhood near downtown St. Pete. As luck would have it, my new apartment building was directly next door to a couple of my close friends. After I had gotten settled into my new place, my neighbors (Jess and Toni) hosted a game night at their apartment. When I walked in with my bottle of wine and whichever board game I had grabbed, I said hi to everyone, and was also greeted by the huge, goofy, amazing smile of someone I hadn't met before. This was the first time I met Lauren - she seemed so happy and overjoyed to be in that room and immediately came and gave me a hug. A couple of months went by, and Lauren and I continued getting to know each other in the context of our group of friends. We'd all go out to the movies together, get drinks, and we did an escape room once (which, I found out later, was specifically planned by Lauren to be lab-themed because she knew that I am a huge nerd, and this was her way of very sneakily flirting with me). The thing was, I don't think either of us had the confidence to tell the other that our friendship was slowly turning into something more. Heck, we even tried to date other people during this time - all the while trying to ignore the fact that we'd be better off together. But FINALLY, last New Years' Eve, all of that changed. Lauren's birthday is on NYE, and she, Jess, Toni, and a couple of other friends were planning on going out downtown to celebrate. I was trying to decide on plans for the night, and I remember Lauren texting me "think of what would make you happiest to start the new year." So, naturally, I tagged along with the group. When it came time for the ball to drop, Lauren and I looked at each other during the countdown, and I knew I had made the right decision on how to spend the night. As cliche as it was, our first kiss was on New Year's Eve! From that moment on, we were pretty inseparable - she became my best friend, my lover, my partner, and the person I knew that I didn't want to ever be without. We've been traveling, rock climbing, camping, hiking, adventuring, and going through all of life's curveballs together, and I knew that she was my soul mate... I never really believed in that type of thing until I met her. She makes me laugh until my stomach hurts, supports me so selflessly, and she loves me in the most honest and genuine way. I remember the moment when I thought "wow, I am so incredibly in love with this woman, and I need to marry her". We had planned a week-long trip to go to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park at the end of August, and I knew that would be the perfect time to pop the question. With the help of an amazing photographer/Zion guru, I chose to set up a surprise proposal during a sunrise hike at Canyon Overlook in Zion. The morning of the hike, I pulled Lauren out of bed at 4 am to get to the park (this girl did not even complain... she's an angel). The plan was (unknown to Lauren) to meet Arika in the parking area near the trailhead so that she could hike out in front of us to be ready to capture our moment. The entire plan felt like a sting operation - the night before I barely slept out of excitement and nervousness. After driving to Zion and seeing that Arika had begun hiking in front of us, we made our way in semi-darkness up to the overlook. When we finally got to the top, I was amazed at how breathtaking the views were, but my mind was completely consumed by the question I was about to ask Lauren. As I led Lauren near the edge of one of the viewpoints to pop the question, I tried remembering what I had rehearsed in my head, but instead chose to say what I was feeling in that moment. I stood there, holding her hands, looking into her eyes, and asked her to marry me as I pulled out her ring. She gave me one of her giant smiles (the kind where her eyes disappear), said "Yes!", and I slid the ring on her finger. After I put the ring on her finger, she surprised me by saying, "I have a question for you, too...". She pulled a ring out of her pocket and proposed to me at the same time! I will never forget all of the joy, happiness, and love at that moment while watching the sun come up over the canyon, lighting up the park below. This had turned out to be the best day of my life so far! The rest of the day was spent hiking The Narrows and celebrating being newly engaged. I cannot be more thankful for how perfect everything turned out, and I know that it wouldn't have been possible without Arika's help." - Katie Rosar

I'm so excited to share this epic surprise proposal on the top of Observation Point with you guys today. Sam & Marlee had me in tears as I captured the love between them. I'm pretty sure they will have you in tears too. Read their story below. "Sam & I met in South Africa. This is where our story begins. If you know either of us, you know we are two people who have a passion for God, loving people, & chasing adventure. We signed up for South Africa thinking that was the biggest adventure yet, but God had other plans in mind. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HIKING EAST MESA TRAIL TO OBSERVATION POINT Four years later Sam is in Seattle & I’m in… Puerto Rico? He messages me on Instagram asking me to accompany him to a country concert- BUT, not just any concert, my FAVORITE country artist, on Saturday. (Keep in mind this was Wednesday). The catch? It’s in Arizona. So what’d I do? I got home from Puerto Rico late Thursday night, packed a bag & was on an airplane to Phoenix the next day! That was the best “yes” decision I have ever made. It was the start of something magical. Flash forward to Almost one year eight months later and Sam has been living in California. People often asked him why he moved and his answer is my favorite. “To be close to her.” I have always wanted to visit Zion National Park and so Sam surprised me one day and said were going. I was SO excited. It was July 31 & we were jogging to make the sunset. We were hungry, exhausted & laughing because the back road of this hike was almost impossible to find. At one point we were following a speeding minivan on a dirt road. Luckily, we asked a local who told us “if you’re trying to make it to the observation point its definitely “that way” & he pointed in the opposite direction of where we were going. Sam had never done the hike before, but he had it all planned out. (Little did I know). We finally made it to the trailhead after many dirt road turns & breathed a sigh of relief. Knowing Sam had planned this hike to watch the sunset, we hurried onto the trail. We came across a family with little kids & decided to ask how long the hike was. (Sam was under the impression the hike was only 1 mile). “It’s about three more miles,” they said. We looked at each other; they must’ve seen the look of surprise on our faces because the next thing they said was, “But- it’s definitely worth it!” I don’t know if I have ever walked faster in my life; we SERIOUSLY chased the sun. About 3 miles into the hike- Sam’s shirt off, my legs cramping; we made it to the top. I was SO relieved to see this woman in red because the sun was going down…fast! I was convinced we wouldn’t find our way back to the car in the dark. As I approached the edge, I was overwhelmed by the vastness & beauty of the canyons before me. How high, how wide; it was unlike anything I had ever seen. Sam eventually joined me near the edge after asking me about 12 TIMES if I wanted a bite of my sandwich or a drink of water (he was definitely trying to throw me off! ). He put his arms out against my arms & said “stand right here” as he went down on one knee. “NOO! Are you Serious?” I said in shock. I remember thinking how surreal it felt. I wondered what this day would entail since I was a little girl & here it was. Here I was & here he was, & it was nothing short of magical. I fell to my knees & wrapped my arms around him. “Yes, oh my gosh, yes!” And if you guessed, we cried? You’re right we did- tears of joy. “You didn’t even look at the ring!”he said. So I looked. And, while I thought It was the most beautiful ring I have ever seen, it was not about the ring, it was about him. There’s nothing better than saying “yes” to marrying your very best friend & love of your life. He surprised me in the best way. And the woman in red? Her names Arika, he hired her to capture this magical moment. Wow. I cannot wait to be his wife. - Marlee "Arika is absolutely amazing and a blessing to work with. She talked me through all of the different proposal hiking ideas (because I have never been to Zion before). The proposal and the photos turned out better than I ever could have dreamed." -Sam PROPOSAL FEATURED ON HOWHEASKED.COM

Fall comes to Zion National Park a little later than it does to most areas of the country. In mid-November, you will find yellow leaves on the trees, cool crisp air perfect for all those hiking adventures, and bonus, the summer crowds have thinned out. If you want to experience Zion in all it's fall glory I have put together the perfect fall family adventure itinerary. WHO: Me, my hubby and our 3 children (1, 4, and 7 years at the time) WHEN: End of October, November, or beginning of December is the best time for fall color HOW LONG: 3 days 2 nights WHERE WE STAYED: Cable Mountain Lodge We booked a Wallbed Suite and loved it. It was spacious with 3 beds (a king bed, a sofa bed, and a murphy bed) and a kitchenette. The rustic decor was very warm and cozy. The hotel’s location is the absolute best in Springdale since it is a 2-minute walk from Zion National Park. Parking at the park’s Visitor Center can sometimes be hard to find, so being able to leave the car at the hotel is extremely convenient. You also get a 20% discount at all the shops and restaurants on the property. PRO TIP: Food in Springdale is a little expensive. Save money by buying groceries in Hurricane or La Verkin before heading to Springdale and use the suite’s kitchenette. DAY ONE Evening activities: After checking in we ate dinner at Zion Canyon Brew Pub. The location is convenient as it is located on the hotel’s property. We also received a 20% discount on our bill by showing our room key. The food was tasty, and the service was prompt. The restaurant has high chairs and plenty of space for strollers, but does not have any crayons or other activities for keeping little ones entertained. Make sure to bring your own books and toys if you plan to eat here. I was hoping to do a sunset walk along the Pa'Rus trail after dinner but we didn't arrive early enough and it was already dark. The evening was really cold so we decided to snuggle up in our suite. We made hot chocolate, which we had purchased in town earlier, and enjoyed a movie together. The kids were thrilled to be on a mini-adventure and to be staying in a hotel. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION/SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE DAY TWO Morning Activities: The baby was up by 6.30 a.m. so I bundled the two of us up and we went for an early morning walk while my hubby played with the girls in our suite. We ventured into Zion National Park and walked along the Pa’Rus Trail with the beautiful sunrise as our backdrop. The weather was quite chilly, but, as soon as the sun rose, it warmed right up. On my way back, I grabbed two Junior Ranger handbooks at the Visitor Center so my kiddos could start working on getting their Junior Ranger Badges. PRO TIP: The National Park’s Visitor Center offers free Junior Ranger booklets for visitors ages 4 +. This activity booklet leads little nature explorers through Zion National Park in search of natural treasures. Upon completion, a Junior Ranger Badge is earned. The program is tailored to different age groups. Younger children only need to complete a couple of the pages, while older kids must complete the entire booklet. Allow for several hours to complete the entire program. For breakfast, we ate cereal in our suite that we had purchased in Hurricane. It was such a treat to have a relaxed morning in the room. I also grabbed a coffee from Perks, the on-site cafe. Once I returned from my walk with the baby, we prepared for our family hike. We ate a quick snack of cheese, crackers, and apple slices in the suite since we knew we would be on our hike during our normal lunch time. We were out of our suite by 11.15 a.m. and headed to the Visitor Center to board one of the free shuttles. PRO TIP: The majority of the year the park operates a free shuttle into the main canyon, with nine different stops throughout its grounds. To avoid long lines during the summer, plan to get to the park either first thing in the morning or later in the day. In the winter, the shuttle only runs on the weekends, and it is possible to drive into the park with your own car, but it can be difficult to find parking. We had a 10-minute wait for the shuttle to arrive, and then we rode the shuttle to its final stop: Temple of Sinawava. The ride on the shuttle takes approximately 40 minutes and it’s a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Zion National Park, especially on a chilly fall day. From Temple of Sinawava, we embarked on our hike of the Riverside Walk Trail. This is a great hike for kids because it is relatively flat and only a 2-mile round trip. Even novice little hikers will enjoy this adventure. It took us about 1 ½ hour to complete, including frequent stops to play on the trail. PRO TIP: Hiking for the first time with your kids? Allow plenty of time for them to play and explore and pack lots of snacks. Children get hungry quickly and will be more motivated during the hike if you promise them their favorite treat. After the hike, we had a late lunch at the Castle Dome Cafe at the Zion Lodge and shared a cheeseburger and a slice of pizza. The food was very mediocre, but we enjoyed sitting outside and eating on the grass while the kids played. PRO TIP: Food options within Zion National Park aren’t the best. It’s better to pack your own picnic lunch. Afternoon activities: On our shuttle ride back to the lodge, we stopped at the Human History Museum to watch a movie about the park, which was a requirement for the Junior Ranger badge. The short introduction to the park lasts about 20 minutes and plays every 1/2 hour. Its content was engaging for the kids, and the baby napped throughout it. When we returned to our hotel we went down to the river where there are picnic tables and a barbecue. We played in the fallen leaves before retreating to our suite for a rest. Evening Activities: We had dinner at Zion Pizza & Noodle Co., which is a 5-minute drive from Cable Mountain Lodge and has a sizable selection of salads and pizzas. Our kids are always up for pizza and they loved it! DAY THREE Morning activities: We had a late breakfast around 9.30 a.m. at Cafe Soleil, a small cafe within walking distance from the hotel. I always enjoy when I don’t have to drive somewhere. The food was a little pricey, but good. The menu even featured a small selection of kids’ sandwiches. My kiddos were so hungry they gobbled everything up. After breakfast, we packed up and made a picnic lunch before heading over to the start of the Watchman Trail, which is about a 10-minute walk past the Visitor Center. The trail is 3-miles round trip with an elevation of 300 ft. Though this trail is a little long and has an elevation climb, the kids did great. We hiked at a slow and comfortable pace and packed plenty of snacks to refuel along the way. The weather was much warmer this day and we didn’t even need coats. Unfortunately, it started to sprinkle when we reached the top so we ate our lunches quickly and then headed back down. If it’s not raining during your hike, the trail offers beautiful picnic spots with gorgeous views. The trail took us about 2 ½ hours to complete. PRO TIP: Sometimes it takes some bribery to get your kids to complete a hike without complaining. Receiving the Junior Ranger badge is one that worked well with my daughters. After the hike, we dropped by the Visitor Center to collect the girls’ Junior Ranger Badges. We presented the handbooks at the information booth, and the kids repeated an oath about protecting the park and keeping it clean before receiving their badges. It was adorable, and the kids loved the Junior Ranger program. Definitely a highlight of our trip. We loaded the car shortly thereafter and headed home. PRO TIP: If you have more time, take a drive through the upper section of Zion National Park and discover its dramatic difference in landscape compared to the rest of the park. Driving through the Mount Carmel Tunnel is such a fun experience for kids. The walls of the tunnel are interspersed with holes that allow young explorers to peek through and admire a sweeping panorama of Zion’s surroundings. A short and sweet hike suitable for kids is Canyon Overlook, located just east of the tunnel. Packing Essentials: Baby Hiking backpack. This is essential for hiking with a toddler. Stroller. This was convenient for the morning walk along the Pa'Rus Trail. Warm coats, beanies and gloves. Even if the daytime temperatures are pleasant, the mornings and evenings can still be pretty chilly this time of the year. Comfortable hiking shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty on the hikes. Plenty of snacks for the kids. Trail mix, peanut m&m's, jerky, and goldfish crackers are our go-to options. Always bring plenty of water for all members of the family. Riverside Walk and Zion Lodge have water fill stations. CHECK OUT THESE OTHER RELATED BLOG POSTS

True Story - I drove past this unassuming trail every day for almost two years before stopping to check it out. I knew it was some sort of a trail because I often saw cars at this one spot along the road and I could see a path heading into the distance, but I can't for the life of me figure out why it took me so long to stop and check it out for myself. Once I finally did I was absolutely kicking myself. Such a great trail for kids, beautiful views and the volcanic cone at the top of the knoll is magical. Just ask The American Field Trip! Distance 1.2 miles round trip to the knoll and back. The trail can also be extended to about 2.5 miles round trip (see tips and additional info section below). Difficulty This short trail is great for all skill levels, but there is a very short and steep uphill hike to be aware of. The hill is also a bit slippery with loose cinder cone so taking it slow going down is important. Location The West Cinder Knoll trail is accessed directly from a stepover on 600 North in the City of Hurricane (my home town!). The trailhead is on the north side of the road and about 1/4 mile west of the 870 West road. Always practice Leave No Trace principals and leave the places you visit the way you found them. Better yet, bring a clean-up bag with you and leave it BETTER than you found it! Trail Details The trail starts on a clearly defined dirt path. You can look up ahead and a bit to your left and see the hill and the dirt path that you will be climbing to get to the top of the knoll. The trail will fork in many directions once you reach the base of the knoll. Take the path that will lead you up. As mentioned above, the uphill climb is a bit slippery because of all the loose cinders on the trail. Take it slow and chose your footing carefully. Once at the top of the knoll explore to your heart's content. This area is so much fun for kids to run and play in the cinders. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Sandstone Mountain complex to the north, the East Cinder Knoll to the east, and portions of the Hurricane Valley to the south. You can take a less vertical path down by finding a small trail wrapping around the east side of the knoll. CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MY POST | 10 EPIC FAMILY FRIENDLY HIKES IN SOUTHERN UTAH Good To Know There are no bathrooms or water fill stations at the trailhead but you are super close to a grocery store. :-) Dogs are allowed on this trail....yay!....but always clean up after your dog. Tips and Additional Info To make this trail longer you can take one of the many forks in the road at the base of the knoll. My favorite trail is the one going to the north that will take you to a beautiful overlook of the Virgin River. The knoll consists of a volcanic cone that was once extensively mined for its cinders. Running through the cinders at the top of the knoll is so much fun for young and young at heart :-). For the best experience wear clothes that you don't mind a little wear and tear and also wear boots so that the cinders don't get in your shoes as easily. You can bring dogs on this trail but they will need to be leashed. This is an excellent trail to do at sunset!!! As always paractice Leave No Trace principals. If you take it in make sure to take it out.....including dog poop! Leave these beautiful places even better than you found them by picking up extra trash along your way. Meet the Bowman Family of the popular blog and instagrom The American Field trip. This amazing family just got done spending a year with their kiddos traveling to all 59 National Parks in the US and they are now working on visiting all 417 NPS sites. Such a rad family!!!! HIRE AN OUTDOOR LOVING PHOTOGRAPHER TO FOLLOW ALONG ON YOUR ADVENTURE! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Living in Southern Utah it is not hard to find adventure but finding something that my kiddos will love as much as me, well that is a little more tricky. I am constantly on the search for new hikes, camping spots, and hidden gems to get my family outdoors and enjoying this beautiful area that we live in. In the hot summer months, its top priority for our adventures to include some sort of water, be it a lake, river or stream, to play in and Toquerville Falls definitely fits the bill. The post first appeared on SaltProject.co I have been wanting to do a family adventure to Toquerville Falls for a while now but have been a little nervous about how our truck would do on the notoriously bad 5.8-mile dirt road. After getting the go-ahead from my hubby a few weeks back, we packed up the kids, a tent, and our swimming suits and crossed our fingers that the truck would make it. Spoiler alert......it did!!!.....but barely. Toquerville Falls is one of those amazing off the beaten path gems that desert dreams are made of. A waterfall oasis in the middle of nowhere with a swimming hole and lots of exploring, Toquerville Falls is a destination that the whole family is sure to love. The moment that we pulled up my kiddos were in heaven. The beautiful waterfalls were calling out to be played in so we explored for a bit, tested out the water and then found the perfect spot along the La Verkin Creek to camp for the night. Situated on BLM land there are not marked campsites and camping is on a first come first serve basis. I had heard rumors that the falls have become overrun and misused but on a Saturday evening in mid-July, we were pleasantly surprised to find the area quiet with only a few other visitors. However, there was quite a bit of trash around. Such a bummer that people don't take better care of these beautiful natural gems. We picked up as much as we could around our campsite before we left and I encourage everyone who visits Toquerville Falls to make sure to leave it better than you found it. Every little bit helps. Camping in July in Southern Utah is HOT people! Before crawling into the tent for the night we headed down to the creek and doused our PJ's in water. I wish we would have also brought a spray bottle with us to mist ourselves through the night. In the morning we decided to put on our swimsuits and take our breakfast down to the waterfalls to do breakfast in style. I seriously can't imagine a better spot to eat cereal. After breakfast, we hiked down to the lower waterfall and played there for the remainder of the day. The water was a bit cold at first but once the heat of the day set in the water felt amazing. I wish we could have stayed another day or two and so did the kiddos. Toquerville Falls ranks as the best adventure of our summer!!! HIRE AN OUTDOOR LOVING PHOTOGRAPHER TO FOLLOW ALONG ON YOUR ADVENTURE! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO If you plan to visit Toquerville Falls you need to be aware that there is a 5.8 mile stretch of road that is not accessible with most cars. You will need a high clearance vehicle with 4 wheel drive. Do not, I repeat, do not try to drive this road in anything less. You will get stuck.

East Mesa Trail is a subtle and quite hike that takes you through an isolated ponderosa pine forest on the upper east side of Zion with big payoffs at the end. The views from Observation Point are some of the best in Zion National Park. East Mesa Trail is less busy than many popular tails in the park. Distance 6.6 miles round trip and can be completed in 2.5-3.5 hrs going at a steady pace. Difficulty The well-worn trail meanders along with mild elevation gain out and back. It isn't flat but there are no intense switchbacks. This is a hike that I would feel comfortable taking kids on as long as they are good at going longer distances. I am in ok shape and I think I would be able to carry a baby on my back for this hike as well. Location This trail is located on the upper east side of Zion National Park. You will drive on a paved and clearly marked road towards Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. Once you pass Zion Ponderosa you will drive 3 miles on a dirt road for the remainder of the drive. There are signs along the road past Zion Ponderosa that will point you to Observation Point. It will take you about 10 minutes to drive to the trailhead from Zion Ponderosa. If you are driving after a rainstorm or in the winter/spring the road may be very muddy or icy and impassible in a regular car. Park and walk the remainder of the road or hire a service to take you there at Zion Ponderosa or at one of the outfitters in Springdale. Click here for map and directions. TRAIL Details Much of the trail is through a ponderosa pine forest. It is sandy and a bit rocky. It is beautiful but it does get a little monotonous because the scenery doesn't change much. Keep going, the views at the end are more than worth it. About 1 mile from Observation Point you will start to see views and the trail gets a little more interesting and enjoyable. At Observation Point make sure you look down the canyon and you will be able to see the famous Angels Landing Trail. It is so cool seeing the Angels Landing trail from above. Scroll through for tips and additional info. Good To Know There is no water fill station or bathroom at the trailhead. Tips and Additional Info Bring bug spray. In the summer the flies can get pretty bad and they are very annoying. Wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks This hike does not have a lot of shade in the summer so best to go early or later in the day and bring a headlamp. East Mesa trail is a great way to beat the crowds in Zion. It is also a great way to watch sunrise or sunset. Consider staying at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort for the night and hiking East Mesa Trail first thing in the morning. The trailhead is only a 10-minute drive fom the resort. Related: A Family Stay At Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort in Zion National Park​ Related: Camping at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort - On my own

One of our favorite ways to beat the heat in Southern Utah is to head to the Virgin River. There are so many great spots along the river to play and explore but one of our favorite spots is Sheeps Bridge Park, also known as Falls Park. This park, located in Virgin UT just 15 minutes from Zion, is the ideal spot to catch frogs, play in the sand, tube, and even do some very mild cliff jumping. This post was first seen on Salt Project.co Location The park is located along a short and bumpy dirt road that is passable with most cars. If it has recently rained though the road can get a little rough. There is a large parking area at the end of the road with a bathroom and a few picnic tables. Click Here for directions. Details From the parking lot, it's a short walk down to the river to find a spot to play and swim for the day. Take a little time to explore and walk the river. There are some great spots with shade to the left of the parking lot. For the ideal spot to do a little tubing and a great spot for playing in the sand make your way to the right of the parking lot. Bring sand toys. There is plenty of sand to play in. If you visit at the end of June through July you will be greeted by tons of baby frogs. There are so many that you actually have to be careful that you don't step on them. It is so much fun for the kids. Bring a sand bucket that the kids can fill with all their catches but make sure to release the baby frogs when it's time to go. The Virgin River isn't known for great tubing (except in the spring) but this is one of the few areas along the river that it is deep enough to do a little tubing. It may be a short distance but my kids had such a great time floating down the river again and again. As always make sure to clean up all your trash and leave this beautiful spot BETTER than you found it. On your way home make a stop at Fort Zion in Virgin for lunch or dinner. They have the best burgers in Southern Utah and a fun petting zoo for the kids. RELATED: Fort Zion - Things to Do When Visiting Zion With Kids

If you are visiting Zion National Park in the summer with kids who love to hike and who love water then The Narrows is a hike that should be at the very top of your list. Such a great way to beat the intense summer heat, The Narrows is an amazing slot canyon hike that will take your breath away around every turn. After hiking The Narrows with a number of different families I have put together a list of my 10 best tips for hiking The Narrows with kids to ensure that everyone in the family has a blast on this epic water hike. 1. Let The Kids Hike In Swimming Suits Whether they fall and get wet or they step into a deep spot, it is a guarantee that they will get wet. If kids start out the hike in clothes that are made for water and also comfortable when wet, chances are they will welcome the water instead of complaining that they are wet. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER IN ZION + SOUTHERN UTAH - CLICK TO LEARN MORE 2. Go Slow Walking upstream through water is no easy feat for little legs. They will also be going up, over, and around rocks a number of times. Be aware that children will need plenty of help, hand holding and an extra dose of patience. Plan for a whole day of hiking (don't schedule any other hikes that day) if you are doing The Narrows with kids. 3. Take Plenty Of Snacks And Water As with any outing with kids, snacks are a must. When hiking such a challenging trail, kids will need extra stops to refuel. Make sure to bring snacks that pack a punch. Trail mix, energy bars, and beef jerky are my go-to snacks when hiking with my kiddos. Always make sure to bring enough water for everyone in the family. Water bladders are a great way to easily pack enough water. Get small hiking backpacks for each kid and let them carry their own water. Click here to View full hike details Hiking The Narrows - Zion National Park 4. Wear Good Water Shoes With Lots Of Traction Good water shoes when hiking The Narrows is an absolute must. I have seen plenty of kids hiking in water sandals but in my opinion, the best option is close-toed water shoes. Have your child do a test run or read online reviews to make sure that the soles of the shoes are going to grip onto the rocks. The grip is so so important. You can also rent water shoes specifically for hiking The Narrows at one of the local outfitters in Springdale. 5. Go First Thing In The Morning The earlier you can get your kids up and out the door in the morning the better. The Narrows is one of the most popular and crowded hikes in Zion so leaving early is the only way to avoid long longs for the shuttle and enjoy some solitude at the start of your hike. As you hike back out you will be so glad you made the effort to get up early. 6. Stop Often For Water Play Making sure that kids are having fun while hiking is one of the best ways to get them to love hiking. There are tons of great spots to stop in The Narrows and let the kids splash, jump off rocks, and swim in the water. Remember, it's about the journey, not the destination. 7. Bring Extra Dry Clothes Nobody is happy when they are cold or when they are wearing something that is uncomfortable. Chances are the temps outside in the summer will keep the kids warm but if you are hiking in the earlier or later part of the summer it can get a little chilly in the canyon. A sweatshirt to keep at least part of the body warm is a perfect solution and if the wet swimsuit starts to get uncomfortable a dry change of clothes will be a lifesaver. 8. Bring A Walking Stick Walking sticks will help timid hikers navigate and keep their balance going up over and around rocks. They are also great for checking the water depth before plunging in. A walking stick can be rented at one of the many outfitters in Springdale. 9. Know When To Turn Around It is important the remember that the distance you hike in is also the distance you are going to be hiking out. With all the walking through water and maneuvering over and around rocks, this hike is quite taxing on the body for adults and children. The hike out will be harder than the hike in. Try to head back before your kids are showing signs that they are done or the hike back might be a little rough. 10. Have An Adult Walk Ahead The majority of the hike is shallow enough that you can easily see through the water to the bottom of the river (if there hasn't been a recent storm). There are a few spots along the river however that are very deep. If you can't see down to the bottom it's best to go slow and test the depth and have an adult walk ahead of children and make sure they aren't hitting a deep patch. If you come to a deep patch in the river there are usually ways to cross the river and avoid having to swim (unless they want to....haha). I can only think of one spot at the end of the trail that I was up to my chest with no way to go around. Usually, children don't make it this far. The most important thing when hiking in Zion with kids is to make sure to have fun. I hope these tips help you and your kiddos have an amazing time hiking The Narrows in ZION NATIONAL PARK. Happy Adventuring, Arika OTHER RELATED BLOG POSTS TO CHECK OUT

There are times as a parent when life gets a little too much and getting everyone out of the house, off the electronics, and into the great outdoors is essential to survival....haha. One of my favorite ways to recharge in nature is to pack up the kids and take them camping. It definitely helps that my kids love camping too. I recently hit my breaking point this summer but due to my husband's work schedule he couldn't get away, so I decided to take the kids camping all by myself. A first for me. Before you go off and start thinking that I must be some sort of superhero to take three kids camping by myself I must clarify. I took them camping at Zion Ponderosa. If you are familiar with Zion Ponderosa then you may already know that the 4,000-acre mountain resort is about the farthest thing from roughing it, even if you are camping! Located just 15 minutes from the east entrance of Zion National Park and typically 10-15 degrees cooler than the canyon, Zion Ponderosa is a family destination that shouldn't be missed. During our recent camping trip we spent the majority of our time playing at the beautiful two-tiered swimming pool, with one round of miniature golf thrown in for good measure, but if you are planning to stay for longer, you can choose from a long list of activities to keep the kids busy for days. Zion Ponderosa has the most on-property activities of any resort in the region including jeep tours, guided hiking, guided canyoneering, wagon dinner, kayaking, tennis, horseback riding, zip lining, and jumping. I hear the jeep tours are particularly amazing and we can't wait to try it out on our next visit. Camping at East Crest Campground was the perfect way for me to immerse my kiddos into nature without too much hassle. At $14.00 per person / per night, all campsites include access to the open use activities like the pool, activity barn, and playground. You also have access to a coin-op laundry (washer/dryer), bathrooms, hot showers, dishwashing station, and picnic table / grill at your campsite. They do have wireless internet, but I had a hard time getting much service. The bathrooms and showers though were by far the nicest I have ever seen at any campground I have ever visited. We absolutely loved eating all our meals at Ray's, the onsite restaurant at Zion Ponderosa. If it weren't for Ray's, I don't think I could have managed camping by myself with three kids. Not having to worry about cooking was huge for me during our stay. The pizza and hot chocolate (yes, hot chocolate in July!) were big hits with my kids. If camping is a little too much like roughing for you, then there are plenty of other lodging options to chose from. Zion Ponderosa has an RV campground, cabin suites, Conestoga wagons, western cowboy cabins, glamping and even large luxury cabins. Seriously, there is something for everyone! Next time you are looking to recharge in nature make sure you check out Zion Ponderosa. RELATED - A Family Stay At Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort in Zion National Park

I'm so excited to have Megan from the Wild Blue Family here today to share all the fun we had hiking Yant Flat in Southern Utah. Read on for all the details and make sure to add Yant Flat to your Southern Utah bucket list. Hi, adventure friends! I’m Megan from the Wild Blue Family. We had the pleasure of going on an epic adventure in June with Arika to the fabled Candy Cliffs. Also called Yant Flat, these are located in Southern Utah just a stone’s throw away from Zion National Park. We were lucky to meet Arika through Instagram and plan our outing via email with our first actual meeting being on the trail. The trail certainly is a great way to get to know someone, isn’t it? We met up a couple of hours before sunset to begin our hike. It’s a little over a mile trek to the cliffs, and from there the exploring opportunities are limitless. You could go on for miles and miles. Shoes with good traction help a lot with navigating your way around the cliffs. If you’re looking to take your Candy Cliffs experience to the next level, consider exploring at sunrise or sunset. The sunset amplifies the oranges and reds on the cliffs and makes it truly breathtaking. I’m not sure how Arika planned such an epic sunset for our trip, but we’re so grateful! The kids were so inspired they even “tasted” the cliffs to see if they were as sweet as they appeared. The verdict? They taste as sweet as they look. Thank you, Arika, for a magical evening! LENGTH 2-7 miles round trip DIFFICULTY The trail to get to the candy cliffs is easy and family friendly with very little elevation gain. Exploring and navigating the rocks along the cliffs is a little more difficult. There are steep dropoffs in the area so it's important to keep a close eye on children. LOCATION Yant Flat is located in the Dixie National Forest near Hurricane and St George, Utah. Getting to Yant Flat is an adventure in and of itself. You follow a windy dirt road for miles and miles, going up and over foothills that quickly turn into mountains. It’s super scenic, and we didn’t see a single car the entire time. To get there use the Yant Flat Parking on google. Click here for map and directions. TRAIL DETAILS The mostly flat trail starts with soft sand along the lower forest at the base of Pine Valley Mountain. A mile in it the trail transitions to steep up/down slick rock when you get to the cliffs. There are two main sections to explore at the cliffs. The swirly rocks stretch for miles making it easy to spend as much or as little time as you would like hiking and exploring. Scroll down for tips and additional info. CHECK OUT THIS GREAT ITINERARY THAT INCLUDES YANT FLAT | THREE DAY IN SOUTHERN UTAH - WINTER RETREAT ITINERARY GOOD TO KNOW There are no bathrooms or water fill stations at the trailhead. TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO The ideal time to hike Yant Flat is September thru May. If planning to hike Yant Flats in the summer months make sure to go very early in the morning or later in the evening and bring plenty of water. There is no shade on this trail. A four-wheel drive vehicle is not needed for the bumpy dirt road to get to Yant Flat unless is has rained recently. Pack headlamps if you are going in the evening also bring plenty of snacks, water, and a can-do attitude. I’d recommend shoes with good traction, and have hands ready for holding as you navigate the cliffs with kids. HIRE AN OUTDOOR LOVING PHOTOGRAPHER TO FOLLOW ALONG ON YOUR ADVENTURE! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO MEET THE WILD BLUE FAMILY Our family is made up of Bryan, Megan, Stella, Kai and Aria. We love to explore wild places and are lucky to call Bozeman, Montana our basecamp. We’ve learned that our family is the strongest when we are exploring the great outdoors, together. Right beyond the edge of our comfort zone is where we prefer to be. After all, living within your comfort zone doesn’t keep your life safe – it keeps it small. We’ve seen firsthand how this has completely transformed our little family. Our goal with this website is to equip and inspire others (you!) to get outside and explore wild places, together. Follow their adventures and their popular INSTAGRAM or their WEBSITE.