We started the day off by heading to the visitor center to grab a map. While we took a look at where the trails were, the kids got their Junior Ranger pamphlets. Must get more badges!!! We hiked Hickman bridge first.

The hike is relatively short with little elevation change. It is a steady uphill, but nothing too difficult. As the trail varies between smooth stone and sand, I’d recommend being extra mindful of your footing. The arch is worth the hike. It is an incredible sight. There was a steady flow of people, so you’ll have to be quick with pictures.

On our way back to the visitor center, we stopped by a viewpoint looking at some pictographs. They’re a cool monument of history, but the platform is small, and it was a busy spot while we were there, so plan on people and not much room.

After the kids got their badges at the station, we drove out to hike Chimney Rock.

I’ve heard this hike can be crowded at times, but we had the trail almost entirely to ourselves (though that may have been due to the snow coming down when we pulled into the parking lot). We decided to brave the weather and lucked out, as the sun came out no more than 15 minutes later. The hike starts off pretty difficult, as the first mile or so is switchbacks up the red rock cliffs. Once you’re past those, the hike becomes significantly easier. The views of the surrounding rocks and cliffs are breathtaking. It looks like something straight out of a classic Western. The trail loops back down to give you a view of Chimney Rock right before you return to the parking lot.

Road from Boulder to Escalante

There are two primary trails here. Upper Calf Creek Falls (further north) and Lower Calf Creek Falls (closer to Escalante). Lower Calf Creek Falls is an iconic Utah Trail to the base of the waterfall – but that means it is pretty busy. The trail is sandy. The bottom of the falls is in the shade or partial shade much of the day. There is a small pool at the falls, but in April the water is very cold. Upper Calf Creek Falls is a shorter hiker and you hike down from the road to get to it. This is not as large of a waterfall. In fact it is more of a dropoff the water runs down. It is pretty much fully exposed for sun and there is a spot to swim – but the water will still be cold, you just won’t be in the shade

We stayed in Escalante that night and visited the popular local restaurant Nemo’s for dinner. They’re famous for their burgers, including a buffalo burger, but no one was brave enough to try that. Burgers were large and tasty with no one leaving disappointed.  Canyon Country Lodge was where we stayed that night and found the accommodations much nicer than we were expecting with a great breakfast the next morning that was free (another bonus!). We had a little daylight to spare and didn’t want to waste a chance to go on a short hike in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park. The hike is steep at the beginning but flat once you are up the hill. Our timing was a little off, so we ended up having to jog the last half mile of the hike to make it back to the parking spot before it was completely dark. The chunks of petrified wood sitting next to the trail definitely added to the pretty scenery.