I'll start by apologizing about the length of these entries.  It has become harder and harder to find a spot to sit and write with wifi and an outlet.  

We've traveled a long way since the last we spoke.  After leaving Joshua Tree we headed north through the Mojave Desert towards Zion National Park.  The Mojave was HOT.  We followed a seemingly endless road that traveled through low desert with highs reaching 108 degrees.  At the risk of overheating and/or running out gas we seemed to find our way back up through high desert mountains and found a somewhat bizarre campsite in the middle of nowhere.  A fire had torched the area just a few years ago creating an eerie surrounding but otherwise beautiful.  Our night was topped with one of the most unique sunsets we have ever seen.  If I didn't know better (and for a moment I didn't), I would have thought a fire was emerging from the hills beyond.  

We also had our first Route 66 sighting before our entrance into the park! 

The next morning we packed up and headed out early.  We made our way to Zion National Park via Las Vegas where we stopped for an oil change.  It's a little odd being in Vegas without really being in Vegas.  Although tempted, we decided to save our sobriety and especially our money for the next stop.  

Zion is a Disneyland of national parks.  It was PACKED.  Park rangers were uptight, travelers were stressed and campsites were full.  We arrived on a Friday night around 6pm (go figure) and were escorted out because everything was booked.  After a moment of stress we decided it would be best if we pulled over for a beer.  

A little something we have just began to discover is BLM land (Bureau of Land Management).  BLM land is government owned land that is available to everyone.  What they call 'dispersed' camping is legal and free.  Essentially you are able to pull over onto service roads and find preexisting areas to camp (without the facilities of a campground, of course).  But hey, its FREE and completely awesome! 

We traveled about ten miles outside of the park that evening and discovered a perfect area to post up for the next three nights.  Other campers were around but no one was a bother.  We even had a river just steps away where we hung out for late afternoon swims to find relief from the heat.  

But like Yosemite, once you embrace the crowds you realize just why everyone has traveled miles to explore Zion.  It is breathtaking.  Giant red rock formations, deep canyons and crystal clear rivers. The drive through alone is stunning.  But get out on foot and you'll really crave more.  Keep in mind Joe's foot has yet to heal, so we were limited on hiking.  But we did do a portion of 'The Narrow's', a famous hike that leads you through tall and narrow canyons along the Virgin River.  Rather, through the river, which becomes the trail for the majority of the hike.  

We look forward to returning to complete the sixteen mile adventure through the canyons!

After a great few days we backtracked south and made our way to the north entrance of the Grand Canyon.  Again, campsites in the park were full.  But we inquired further and discovered the surrounding areas just outside the park boundaries is forestry land, different but treated the same as BLM land.  We traveled twenty miles along a dirt road and, by chance, came across a once in a lifetime camp site on the edge of the canyon.  Not only was the view spectacular, but there was absolutely no one around.  We stayed two nights.  

Instead of hiking this time around, we had a really cool mountain bike trail steps away from our spot.  It followed the rim of the canyon and dipped into forest here and there with steep ups and downs.  Being our first time trail riding, it was not only challenging but exciting!    

Joe also saw a rattlesnake about twenty feet from our tent.  Creepy!

Our next destination was back north to Bryce Canyon, Utah.  Seemingly endless narrow red rock 'hoodoos' poke up from the earth in an unbelievable way.  We hiked up and down through the famous Bryce Amphitheater where breathtaking views awaited every corner.  The glowing red rock against the bright blue sky was simply amazing.  We camped just outside the park, along the Tropic Reservoir, the first night, and in the park the next.  After a day of exploring the inner parts of the canyon, we spent the following morning cruising down the highway and enjoying the views from up top.  Bryce Canyon is a must for all!  

Without dragging this on any further, it's time for us to get back to the campsite.  Until next time...