UTAH, Part One

   Despite the fact that the majority of Utah is a desert, I will say there is some beauty to be found if you are the outdoor type of person. My roommates, friends, and I decided to make a couple of trips down to the great state of Utah. At first we thought this first trip, a trip to Moab, outdoor capital of the United States, was well planned out. Unfortunately due to some weather issues, we were not able to make it there and ended up altering the plans. Luckily one of our friends then joining us had a cabin located in St. George. Despite the set back, we adjusted and found climbs, food, and relaxation. When in doubt, speak to locals!

Chuckwalla Wall

   The climbing was wonderful! The whole of the areas we went to were covered in beautiful red and white sandstone. The rock was grippy, and it was full of great jug holds. You know, the ones that do not require impossible amounts of finger strength to hold onto. Chuckwalla Wall was the first we scouted out. This wall was pointed out to us by the locals. And for good reason. This place has great warmups as well as challenges. This place is rated from 5.9 to 5.13.

   The climbs here are like nothing I have ever experienced before. We went 3 days and thoroughly enjoyed everyday.

 Jordyn doing a 5.10

 Local dog with Jessica

 Prepping up for the climb

 Nice moves by Nate on a 5.10

  Jessica's very first outdoor climb

 Me starting a lead on the 5.10

 View from above

Prophesy Wall

   

   We also went to Prophesy Wall located a little bit outside of St. George, in the back country. We took one of the main roads going out of St. George for a couple of miles and turned off onto a dirt road. We parked a couple miles in, in front of a large pipe. Prophesy wall was right there. Standing in the middle of nowhere, this crag looks a lot smaller than it actually is from far off. Most crags I have been to are deceiving in that way. But this rock wall is full of high pitch climbs (2-4 pitches), some trad and pro routes, and the occasional sport climb. We did not do the trad or pitch climbs but were able to find the sport climbs after some hiking. The rated climbs are from 5.7 to 5.11b. Not too difficult for the adventurous soul.

 First climb of the day

View from the wall

    This climb was quite easy in the beginning. However, the crux was just before the chains. Being fresh for the season on climbing, we were not able to finish the climb. Luckily we were able to find a place to hike up to the chains and top rope. I will say, it was not the safest route to take, but a necessary measure to save a quickdraw.

   This rock presented me with challenges I have never experienced before. Literally, the shale type sandstone kept us on edge. You grab onto a hold and feel as though it would break off at any moment, but the rock held true.

Zion's National Park

   Vacation is not a vacation without recognizing beauty and experiencing it first hand. There is nothing quite like the view of Zion’s National Park at the top of Angel’s Landing. Despite the fact that this is a very popular hike, this was probably one of the scariest hikes I have ever done. In fact, I did not actually make it to the landing. I got to the top, but being deathly afraid of heights (compliments to my father) and having chains on one side and a 2000 foot drop off just shy of where I was walking, was enough to do me in. Even though there is no sport climbing, Zion's National Park is a trip well worth taking. There are two things one can do. First, there are plenty of trail hikes after a bus drive into the park, or second, you can take the other road and drive through the canyon, park the car after the long dark tunnel, and find your own adventure. I would recommend this. There are some sweet slot canyons that are not so intense that you need gear and certification to do them, but are still thoroughly enjoyable. You just need to spend some time to find them.

Picture of us all after a small hike

 First small slot we found

 These shots do not give justice to just how breath taking it actually was in person

 Final hike to Angel's Landing on the top of the mountain

 Here was the drop off that did it for me, I turned back here

 These last three are a view from the actual Angel's Landing, complements to Nate and Jordyn for sticking it out to the end

Las Vegas (Spago)

   To end the trip we traveled to Vegas for the day. Honestly, the only good thing to be said about Las Vegas for a young Mormon boy like me was the food. We went to Caesar’s Palace and ate at Spago. It is a little pricier than other places, but the quality of food makes up for it. Wolfgang Puck was the starter and the current owner of the restaurant. The theme with its courses is centered on Italian cuisine, but I got a small sense of French cuisine with the dish I purchased. I got their meatloaf with sweet mushroom wine sauce over a bed of pureed potatoes. It was smooth, it was sweet, it was savory, and it filled me up for the night. The menu is seasonal, causing it to be different each time you go eat there. Because we were there for only a night, this was the only place we were able to eat at. And as many gastronomies may know, there are plenty of other great restaurants in the area that are worthy of checking out. Most known celebrity chef’s have a restaurant located in Las Vegas. However, do not expect to see them, let alone have them prepare your food. Most likely it was done by a simple cook working to make ends meet. Many props to them. They deserve much more credit then they receive.

   For just a weeks time, we got all of this in. It was a trip to remember, and one that helped me to truly appreciate the beauty and workmanship of the hand of the Lord, have fun, and eat good food.