Natural Bridges National Monument Bridges the Gap Again

Although Natural Bridges National Monument isn't a huge park, it's still worth visiting. You may like to read the previous post about it before continuing on with this post - click here! This is Utah's first National Monument, declared in 1908, so it's been open for business for over a hundred years. It's famous for its bridges, naturally, but there's more to the park than just those. The rest of the terrain and the flora are outstanding.  

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, USA - Fran West

The wildflowers and shrubs (above) are colourful as are the rock formations in the distance (below).  

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, USA - Fran West

Wherever you drive or walk, there's something to enjoy and photograph. However, with all of these parks, to really appreciate what nature has to offer, you must spend longer than a few hours or even a day there.  

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, USA - Fran West

In this desert country, as well as your trusty camera, camcorder or mobile phone etc., remember to take snacks and plenty of water. Sightseeing is very hungry and thirsty work! Many people have emailed me about my photos and where they're available for purchase. I've started loading a lot of the photos already onto CafePress where you can buy them on mugs, T-shirts, magnets, clothing etc., so here's the link to that - Fran West photos on CafePress. If you want to be more specific about Utah photos here's the link to those.

Bryce is Beautiful - Bryce Canyon National Park That Is

Bryce Canyon National Park is just beautiful. This national park is one of the highlights of southern Utah and one of the USA's most memorable parks.

Since I was driving in a clockwise direction to visit the state's national parks, I travelled about 90 miles from Zion National Park in the southwest to Bryce Canyon.

Scenic Byway sign, Utah, USA - Fran West

Some of the route was along National Scenic Byway 12. I highly recommend planning your trip along these byways when possible because the scenery is well worth it. 
These Scenic Byways are well marked as you can see from the sign.

There's a whole list of these in a little booklet which was sent to me in 2009 from the American Park Network - "Utah's National Parks: your complete guide to the parks".

When I arrived at Bryce Canyon it was pouring with rain, not a good omen for taking photos.

However, the weather cleared up at times with a few sunny patches here and there, revealing the scenery in the two photos below.

Quite an adventure walking the muddy trails after rain as it was slippery in sections and sometimes each step was like pulling my feet out of glue as I squelched along the track. I just love having my boots caked in mud!

Nevertheless, there's nothing like walking in amongst the multihued rock formations. 

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA - Fran West

As you drive further into the park, you'll come across several lookouts like the one below. 

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA - Fran West

To really explore Bryce Canyon you need more than the two and a half days which I had. The colours of the rocks change depending on the time of day, particularly sunrise and sunset, and you need to experience the park in several ways by driving, walking, biking or riding a mule into one of the canyons.

Here's a link to more information about Bryce Canyon National Park.

There are two photos of Bryce Canyon in my kindle book on Amazon. Just click on the photo for more information.

Canyon Country Colossal As Jigsaw Puzzles

Utah's Canyon Country is coming soon as 25 interactive Jigsaw Puzzles on CD. The spectacular rock formations present photographers with such a wealth of material that it's hard to resist capturing them on film or digital flash card. The response to my photos has been so overwhelming that I've decided to make 5 of the photos into interactive jigsaws: Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park's Kolob Canyons, Red Canyon, Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park.

Stay tuned!

Natural Bridges Naturally Bridge the Gap

Natural Bridges National Monument, in southeastern Utah, is another fine example of nature's architectural design. The entrance to the park is at the end of Highway 275, approximately 35 miles west of Blanding, Utah, on Highway 95. Driving time from Blanding is roughly 45 minutes.

The entrance sign to the park really accentuates the natural bridge theme.

The next place to stop of course is the Visitor Centre to view the interesting displays and pick up a brochure highlighting the park's features. The Visitor Center is up at about 6,500 feet (about 2,000 metres) but it's still set in desert country and on a sunny day it's hot, hot, hot!

A day or two need to be set aside for this park but as usual for me it was just a quick trip by car around the one way circuit. The lookouts are well marked but parking on a busy day can be a problem. You can see the highlights of the park from the lookouts but this is a park that you need to spend time walking around. The bridges definitely need to be viewed from beneath as well as from above. The different perspective can only be obtained by walking on the trails not just glimpsing from the lookout. Remember to wear a big hat (like my trusty Akubra), put on the sunscreen and take plenty of water. This is very thirsty country.

There are three famous bridges, Sipapu, Kachina and Owachomo (pictured) but I just loved the desert country (maybe because I'm Australian). As well as the natural architecture, the vegetation is worth investigating too. Not just the trees but also the flowers. Reminds me a bit of Australia.

Here's more information about Natural Bridges National Monument.

I've found a few books which might be worth looking into.



If you enjoyed this blog post please share it with others.

Amazing Arches is Absolutely Awesome

Arches National Park, in southern Utah, USA, is absolutely awe inspiring. So much so that the state has actually put an image of Delicate Arch, located in the park, on vehicle number plates. I'm obviously not the only one gobsmacked by this national park!

It's easy to get to being not that far out of Moab, action capital of Utah. Just take US 191 and travel for about 5 miles north of Moab - a national park situated so close to a major town. How good is that?

After you've picked up your information at the Arches Visitor Center, you then head up the winding road to really enter the park.





Obviously there are many arches in the park to give it its name. You may think a dozen or so but you'd be wrong. Apparently there are over 2,000 arches and they vary considerably in size from something a few feet across to the largest, which is Landscape Arch. This one is 306 feet wide and so skinny too!

Check out the Arches National Park website for further information.

Fran's Backpack - Bryce Canyon National Park, UT - Trails Illustrated Map # 219

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.

Today's item in the Backpack is Bryce Canyon National Park, UT - Trails Illustrated Map # 219 [Folded Map] from National Geographic.

To get the most enjoyment out of a national park, you need a good map. Check out this one.

Click on the ad for more information.

Product Description
The map includes the entire national park area, with detailed trails and topographic information. Also included are portions of Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, Bryce Ampitheater, Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon Lodge, Black Birch Canyon, Rainbow Point, the Queens Garden Trail, and more. Includes UTM grids for use with your GPS unit.

Scale = 1:35,000 Size: 26'' x 38''

About the Author
Founded in 1915 as the Cartographic Group, the first division of the National Geographic Society, National Geographic Maps has been responsible for illustrating the world around us through the art and science of mapmaking.
Today, National Geographic Maps continues this mission by creating the world's best wall maps, recreation maps, atlases, and globes which inspire people to care about and explore their world. All proceeds from the sale of National Geographic maps go to support the Society's non-profit mission to increase global understanding and promote conservation of our planet through exploration, research, and education.

Squirrel Stands Up To Snake in Zion National Park, Utah

A hike along the trail in Zion National Park, Utah, led to several discoveries of wildflowers and also wildlife.

Walking in a group may allow for socialising but the noise made by the group can often scare away wildlife and it sometimes drowns out the sounds of nature, like running rivers, bird songs and animal antics.

I'd just left the trail to escape the endless number of noisy hikers and have a closer look at the river and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. On my way back to join the trail I heard this commotion in a fenced off clearing. I thought it sounded like a rattle (I may have been mistaken though).

However, when I looked closer I saw a squirrel and a snake having a go at each other.

The snake definitely didn't like the squirrel in its patch and there was dust flying everywhere with the squirrel artfully dodging the snake's strike. However, it didn't matter how angry the snake was (click on the photo to zoom in on it), that squirrel was determined to stand its ground even if it meant being bitten.

I took several photos (without tele lens unfortunately) before the snake gave up and retreated from the dust bath created by the squirrel. I've always thought squirrels were cute and quick but this particular one was a feisty little critter as well!

A couple of observations:

• if you're going to enjoy nature en masse, then keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut
• watch where you're walking (as an Aussie, part of bushwalking is watching out for snakes on the trail anyway)
• cute and cuddly doesn't necessarily mean weak and lacking courage (perceptions can often be wrong)
• even if you think you're facing insurmountable odds you can sometimes achieve success through sheer determination

Fran's Backpack - Zion National Park , UT - Trails Illustrated Map # 214

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.

Today's item in the Backpack is Zion National Park , UT - Trails Illustrated Map # 214 [Folded Map]

To get the most enjoyment out of a national park, you need a good map. Check out this one.

Click on the ad for more information.

Product Description
Covering all of Zion National Park, our Trails Illustrated map contains detailed topography with shaded relief, up-to-date trails, roads, and points of interest, plus trail summaries and useful information to get the most from your visit.

The North side of the map covers the popular Zion Narrows with a companion hiking timetable, plus Kolob Canyons, La Verkin Creek Trail, Hop Valley Trail, Wildcat Canyon, the West Rim Trail, and more. The South side of the map details the park headquarters, Floor of the Valley Road, East Rim Trail, Telephone Canyon Trail, and the Virgin River.

Printed on durable, waterproof, tear-resistant and environmentally friendly material that will stand up to any outdoor condition. Both sides feature a UTM and Latitude/Longitude grid for use with a GPS, plus compass rose, scale bar and legend for easy interpretation.

Approximately 4 1/4" x 9 1/4" folded; 26" x 38" fully opened
Scale = 1:37,700

About the Author
Founded in 1915 as the Cartographic Group, the first division of the National Geographic Society, National Geographic Maps has been responsible for illustrating the world around us through the art and science of mapmaking.
Today, National Geographic Maps continues this mission by creating the world's best wall maps, recreation maps, atlases, and globes which inspire people to care about and explore their world. All proceeds from the sale of National Geographic maps go to support the Society s non-profit mission to increase global understanding and promote conservation of our planet through exploration, research, and education.

Fran's Backpack - National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.

Today's item in the Backpack is National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States [Bargain Price] [Hardcover].

I'm still working my way through USA national parks and National Geographic books are excellent.

Click on the ad for more information.

Product Description
Year after year, hundreds of millions of visitors spend more than a billion hours enjoying the magnificent, astonishingly diverse realm overseen by America’s National Park Service. And the National Geographic Society has been involved with this forward-looking, environmentally-minded department from the very beginning.

This extensive travel planner covers not just the 58 official National Parks but also the nearly 350 additional properties in the Park Service’s domain. The premier Parks are described in detail, but equal attention is given to the National Monuments, Memorials, Preserves, Historic Sites, Battlefields, Cemeteries, and Seashores, not to mention a network of "National Trails" and even the intriguingly referred to "Affiliated Areas." From Yellowstone to the Statue of Liberty, from the hallowed ground of Gettysburg National Military Park to the Pacific waters shrouding Hawaii’s U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, this catalog spans American history and territory both, with practical advice on how to reach each park, when to go, and what to do there.

About the Author
Mel White has written or contributed to more than 15 National Geographic books, including the two-volume Guide to Birdwatching Sites and the Guide to America’s Outdoors: Southwest, and has contributed more than 50 articles to the Society’s magazines, National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler.

Fran's Backpack - Lonely Planet Trekking in the Patagonian Andes (Walking) [Paperback]

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.

Today's item in the Backpack is Lonely Planet Trekking in the Patagonian Andes (Walking) [Paperback].

Just over a year ago now, I was trekking in the Patagonian Andes - Torres del Paine, in Chile, and Fitzroy National Park, in Argentina. Spectacular rocky outcrops, wildflowers, wildlife and lakes. This was another one to cross off my bucket list.

Click on the ad for more information.

Product Description
Lonely Planet knows the Patagonian Andes

This vast, varied region is home to some of the world's great treks, with trails that take you through pristine forests to the rims of glaciers, under granite monoliths and over rickety suspension bridges, well beyond the crowds. Our expert author has chosen the best of Patagonia's trekking, from the luxuriant rainforests of the Lakes District to the spectacular wildernesses of Tierra del Fuego. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a first-timer, you're sure to find the ultimate trekking experience here.

In This Guide:

Everything you need to know to get prepared
Comprehensive listings for sleeping, eating and facilities along the way
Advice on equipment, health and safety.

Parks Pass Provides Plenty of Access to Wilderness Wonders

If you love the environment, nature, wilderness, wildlife, the Great Outdoors (sometimes known as national parks), then it would pay you to buy a national parks pass. Many countries have a national body which issues annual passes to their national parks.

Some states also have their own state pass. When I went "Off the Beaten Track" to film for my DVD, "Outback Adventure", I bought a South Australian National Parks pass. That will allow me access to my state's parks for a year.

When I toured America's Southwest in 2009, I bought an "America the Beautiful" National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass for $80. I kept it and when I visited Florida last year I was still able to use it.

"This pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. (children under 16 are admitted free) The pass can be obtained in person at the park, by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 1, or via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass and http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm."

Some state parks will also let you use this pass, so it's really good value and encourages you to visit as many places as possible.

Colossal Canyonlands Totally Awes Visitors in Unsurpassed Utah

The title says it all. Canyonlands National Park is Utah's largest national park and it's colossal. There's mile upon mile of canyons and rockscapes and the state's slogan "Utah Rocks" is a very apt description.

This national park isn't that far from Moab, adventure capital of Utah (it reminds me a bit of New Zealand's Queenstown). There are two sections to the park, Island in the Sky, the northermost area of the park, and the Needles District, in the southernmost section, closer to Monticello.

I didn't have enough time in the southern part but the drive in was absolutely beautiful.

More time was spent in the Island in the Sky section with quite a few different landforms to stop and explore. For a quick visit to the park, you can get to the main attractions by paved road. Then there's the really rugged off road stuff for 4 wheel drives. Hiking, climbing, mountain biking and rafting are other activities to do if you plan to stay a while.

The main paved road ends at the Grand View Point Overlook. That name is an understatement, much like saying the Grand Canyon is grand. You can see canyon after canyon fading into the distance.

I took this photo more for the actual lookout with the piles of wood bordering the path than the scenery. However, if you zoom in on the photo you'll still get some idea of the canyons in the distance. I'll do more posts later to show some of the park's other beauty spots.


When I was in the park it was very hot, so I had on my trusty Akubra hat, sunscreen on my face and arms, and lots of water in the backpack. All essential when you go hiking in the Outback or Utah's desert country.

Check out Canyonlands National Park site for more information.

This might interest you too. Click on the ad for more information.

Fran's Backpack - 30th January 2011

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.


Today's item in the Backpack is Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, 2nd (Regional Hiking Series) [Paperback] for $11.53.

Two beautiful national parks worth exploring and you get even more out of them with an excellent guide.

Click on the ad for more information.

Product Description
Thoroughly updated and revised, this guide covers fifty-six hikes in the two featured parks as well as the surrounding areas--Cedar Breaks National Monument, the Markagunt high country, and the Paunsaugunt area.

From the Back Cover
For more than twenty-five years, FalconGuide® has set the standard for outdoor recreation guidebooks. Written by top outdoors experts and enthusiasts, each guide invites you to experience the endless adventure and rugged beauty of the great outdoors.
Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks features fifty-nine of the finest trails in southwestern Utah-from day hikes to backcountry treks. With this comprehensive guide, veteran hikers Erik Molvar and Tamara Martin provide all the information you need about two of Utah's most prized parks-as well as Cedar Breaks National Monument, the Markagunt Plateau, and the Paunsaugunt Plateau.

Look inside to find:
Hikes suited for every ability
Accurate directions to the trailhead
Comprehensive trail descriptions, trail maps, and route profiles
Difficulty ratings, recommended hiking seasons, and park contacts
Invaluable trip-planning information, including a checklist of essential
equipment and supplies

Fran's Backpack - 22nd January 2011

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.


Today's item in the Backpack is The Great American Wilderness: Touring America's National Parks [Kindle Edition] for $9.99.

Click on the ad for more information.

Describes 53 parks in depth, giving advice on planning your time - vital when it comes to setting priorities. Invaluable. -- Physician's Travel & Meeting Guide

Product Description

Maps are shown for every park. The print edition is 506 pages.

This is a straight-talking author who reminds me of a smart, blunt friend... no pussyfooting around. -- The Armchair Traveler, Daily Herald

Although it does not include every site administered by the NPS, this book is very thorough in its treatment of the 50 parks it covers. The author also describes 13 suggested driving trips of five to 12 days each, incorporating nearby attractions. Includes detailed information on accommodations/campgrounds, activities available in each park, handy tips and tidbits, maps and photos. A great travel reference book! -- Amazon customer

Touring America's national parks has become a passtime for me. I've been from Acadia to the North Cascades to the Grand Canyon and this book is an excellent reference. With an emphasis on travelling via automobile, it also has several suggested hiking trips in each park as well as other points of interest. They say that most people never get more than 100 feet from their cars in parks. Well, this is the book to help get you there, and point out the best routes outside of your car. It covers more territory than anyone could possibly see in a lifetime...but it's sure fun to try. -- Amazon customer

This text provides a practical guide to the great American national parks, how to avoid the crowds, walking tours, facilities and how to get there. This edition has been expanded to include 49 parks, information on accommodation and dining, camping and tours. Parks detailed in this third edition include Acadia, Badlands, Capital Reef, Crater Lake, Everglades, Devils Tower, Grand Canyon, Hawaii Volcanoes, Mammoth Cave, Mt Rushmore, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, Denali, Hells Canyon, Saguaro, White Sands and Dinosaur.

Unlike other guides, this explains in detail how to tour the parks: how much time to allow, how to avoid the crowds, what each place is really like, what you can safely skip and what you must not miss. It offers advice on planning if you have only a few hours, or if you have a few days to explore.

Complete directions on getting to and from the parks are included, as well as how to get around once you're there, whether you want to tour independently or prefer to join a group excursion. It also profiles places to stay and eat in and near each park, with options to suit all budgets. Maps show each park's features, along with all surrounding access routes.

Are you wondering when to visit? The author tells all about the climate and the crowds (or lack of them) in all seasons and recommends the ideal times to explore our nation's treasures.

A unique section, Suggested Trips, contains customized itineraries, describing ways to combine visits to one or more parks with tours of nearby attractions. These routes are designed to last from four to 10 days and include complete directions and recommended places to stay each night.

Fran's Backpack - 20th January 2011

Fran's Backpack brings to you various products on travel, adventure, flying and photography.

They could be books, ebooks, videos, or gear. Check each one out as it's highlighted on the day.


Today's item in the Backpack is Hiking Grand Canyon National Park, 2nd [Kindle Edition] for $9.59.

I've visited both the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon National Park and walked some of the trails. To really enjoy the park, you need to spend time hiking. With this kindle edition you can put it on the kindle reader and keep it handy in the backpack.

This comprehensive guide features detailed descriptions all of the park's developed trails, which number fifteen hikes on the South Rim and thirteen hikes on the North Rim.

From the Back Cover
For more than twenty-five years, FalconGuide® has set the standard for outdoor recreation guidebooks. Written by top outdoors experts and enthusiasts, each guide invites you to experience the endless adventure and rugged beauty of the great outdoors.

Hiking Grand Canyon National Park provides firsthand descriptions and detailed maps for all the developed trails in the Park. Veteran hiker and guidebook author Ron Adkison recommends his favorite routes, from easy day hikes suitable for novices and children to extended backpack trips for intrepid wilderness travelers. He also provides tips on safety, hiking with children, access, and services, as well as indispensable information about backcountry regulations, permits, and water sources.

Look inside to find:
Accurate directions to the trailheads
GPS-compatible maps
Difficulty ratings, trail contacts, fees/permits, best hiking seasons,
and much more

Click on the ad for even more information.

Outback Adventure DVD Out Now! Video Clip

"Outback Adventure" DVD highlighting photos from "Off the Beaten Track", earlier in September, is now available. It can be purchased in both PAL format (for Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom) and also NTSC format (for the USA, Canada, Europe and South America).

There are 270 photos (without captions), plus credits, featuring South Australia's Outback, Gammon Ranges and Flinders Ranges. Wildlife, windmills and wildflowers all make an appearance. Mini adventures like the Pichi Richi Railway journey and the Ridge Top Tour at Arkaroola are there too.

Visits to Alligator Gorge, the Ochre Pits and Leigh Creek Coal Field are included as well. Signs, buildings, vehicles and people make an appearance alongside trees, creeks and beautiful scenery.

Did I mention there are planes in it too?

What more could you want as a snapshot of the Australian Bush? These are the places Oprah didn't visit.

The DVD lasts for about 26.5 minutes and has an easy listening soundtrack.

Enjoy the video clip (short but great).



The DVDs are AUD$25.00 each. Postage & handling for Australia is AUD$2.50 and for outside Australia it's AUD$6.00. Contact me at fran@franwest.com for a bulk P&H cost if purchasing more than one copy.

Although primarily designed for aged care and dementia patients, the DVDs can be and are enjoyed by people of all ages.

P.S. the wildflowers on the DVD label are South Australia's floral emblem, the Sturt Desert Pea, (absolutely stunning in the Wearing Gorge). There are just a few on the actual DVD too.

Outback Adventure DVD

Australia (incl. P&H) $27.50 Overseas (incl. P&H) $31.00