Thursday, July 12, 2012

A break from the monotony at the City of Rocks

Every summer I hit a point where I just can't take the heat anymore and I start counting down the days until fall.  I start to hibernate inside my house after a certain point in the morning and don't come out until I have to or until it's evening.  I know.  I'm a big wimp.  I would just rather have it be winter than the heat of summer.  Fortunately mother nature and my husband gave me a reprise that I needed last week.  It rained.  And my husband planned a day trip to the City of Rocks.  We looked online for some trails I could run while we were there and before you knew it I had somewhere new to run as well.  Though I've been doing about 1/2 my miles on trails and they're practically right at my front door, I'm getting sick of them.  I needed somewhere new to run and this was so perfect.  



While the kids and husband were busy climbing on the rock formations, I went for a run.  






I was so caught up in the beauty of the scenery that after about 10 minutes on the trails, I was lost.  I had the map folded up in my pocket, but only the main trails were marked and there were what seemed like a million little trails that were there as well.  I couldn't find half of the landmarks that were on the trail and signs on the map.  I tried to backtrack but couldn't figure out where I'd come from.  I spent over an hour trying to find my way out.  Some trails would just end and I'd backtrack to a different trail.  Some would end on the top of a rock cliff. But everywhere I turned I was met with spectacular views.  Even being lost, I was so happy with somewhere new to run. Eventually I found my way out and asked some campers how to get to a big rock formation where I had planned to meet my family.  It was down the road about a mile.  I'd completely come out pretty far away from where I'd planned to.  It was so much fun, a little scary, and the perfect break from the monotony.  The temperatures were in the 60's.  It was rainy and I was soaking wet from the trees and bushes as well as the rain.












After I'd gotten back with the family, I realized I'd been missing out on the best part of the City of Rocks:  climbing the rocks!  Even that was a little frightening with my kids so close to sheer drop offs.  We picked out a camp site that we thought was perfect and we'll be returning sometime soon for a longer stay. The City of Rocks was well worth the drive out there.  It's like a small Granite Moab.  If you get the chance, you should take a trip out there!


7 comments:

misszippy said...

That looks absolutely AMAZING!! Is this still Utah, I'm assuming? How lucky that you can make a quick trip and get there. I really need to move out west!

Good for you for keeping your cool when lost--that might have freaked me out a bit!

Julie said...

Looks gorgeous! I've never heard of it before but it looks like so much fun..both to run AND hike!

Abby said...

Oh my gosh that is beautiful. So pretty!

Amanda@runninghood said...

This makes me want to drive away from the city!!! So beautiful. And your header is breathtaking.

Johann said...

Wow, so beautiful! That is certainly a place to camp. The trails are spectacular.

Anonymous said...

What a fun day!! Even though you got lost for a bit. :) Spending a day like that is the best, especially when you are with family. :)

Laura Boll said...

So beautiful, wow! I could use a trail run like that in the heat, too. Glad you found your way back out!