Red Rock Sprint to Yosemite

First hike after Art's was up San Jacinto, first by way of one of the world's longest tram rides and then by foot. We were shooting for the peak but ran out of time. — After Art’s in Palm Springs we climbed San Jacinto, first by way of one of the world’s longest tram rides and then by foot. We were shooting for the peak but even with long days we ran out of time.

What to do between visiting Art in Palm Springs and climbing Half Dome in Yosemite?
Why not sprint through a stretch of Red Rock Country? Book ends to the sprint could include epic hikes. And why not? This was trip with my road-ravaging, outdoor-trekking, college-bound super daughter Kelsey!

We started right down the road from Art’s at Mt. San Jacinto. The ascent from the Palm Springs valley floor to the trailhead was from 2,643 ft to 8,516 ft or an elevation change of around 6,000 feet in just 10 minutes via the world’s largest rotating tramcar. From the upper tram station we hiked the 11.5 mile round trip to Wellmans Divide where we had a view both east and west of hundreds of miles, from the Salton Sea to San Bernardino. While we had hoped to hike to the peak, we didn’t have the time … our beds for the night were in Las Vegas, still four hours drive away.

I'd tell you about this night but as they say, what happened in Vegas stays in Vegas. — I’d tell you about this night but as they say, what happened in Vegas stays in Vegas.

The next morning we were within striking distance of red rocks. Our options for adventure were far too vast for the two days we’d allotted so we had to filter down to a few extremely special options. In the end we decided on Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks and Zion Canyon. Except for Cedar Breaks we took the opportunity to explore and hike. It was great!

Were it anywhere else other than among the Red Rock Wonders of Utah, Cedar Breaks National Monument would garner great acclaim. Seeking it out is worthwhile. More people should.

Within Bryce there were few trees but when you found one it was a delicious dash of green on the red and blue setting.

The stunning rock and sky contrast inspires the soul.

Much of the Queens Garden Loop is peppered with hoodoos and there are stretches of with tall canyon walls.

Cairn, man-made stack of stones used as milestones, were found in abundance at the floor of Bryce Canyon.

Flipping around to the east entrance to Bryce we took in this collection of hoodoos. Spectacular!

Among the hikes we took in Zion were up the Virgin River which formed the canyon and to this day runs its length.

As we swung our travels back in the direction of Yosemite we only allowed ourselves to be diverted for exceptional reason. Hoover Dam, Death Valley and Devil’s Postpile all qualify the hyperbolic monicker. Seriously, this country has some extreme wonders of nature.

Over many visits I'd seen this new bridge being built and guessed that the view would be spectacular. Right? — Over many visits I’d seen this new bridge being built and guessed that the view would be spectacular. Right?

Death Valley has an appropriate reputation of being bone dry and deadly hot ... even in winter! — Death Valley has an appropriate reputation of being bone dry and deadly hot … even in winter!

At long last, Devil's Postpile, a National Monument I've tried for years to get to. — At long last, Devil’s Postpile, a National Monument I’ve tried for years to get to.

After several days of cramming too much into 24 hours we arrived in Yosemite. Frankly, we were about to do more of the same but that’s the way we travel. If you’re on the road then why not make the most of your time? How often will you have the chance?

By TravisGood

Leave a Reply Cancel reply