family trippin' in Eastern Utah
Due to our crazy schedules this summer, we decided on a quick family get away for some outdoor recreation. We had the most amazing time exploring Eastern Utah and taking in its breathless scenery. And, if you need camping ideas and fun things to see in your near future, this is a total Northeastern Utah must!
On our way to Flaming Gorge:
Fort Bridger, WY
Right off the scenic I-80 is a beautiful, historic attraction called Fort Bridger. It reminded me a bit of Russia, the trees, the wooden benches and the stunning buildings with the windows.
Fort Bridger started out as a Pioneer Trading post, built by Jim Bridger in the 19th century, and is now this amazing place, sprawling over many acres. There is so much to see, and many opportunities for photos, not to mention, a perfect place for the kids and animals to run around!
Camping at Flaming Gorge:
Mustang Ridge Campground (yes, it's luxurious, it's got hot showers!)
Never mind that it down poured on us for about an hour one of the days, but we managed to have a glorious time. We chose one of the larger campsites so we could spread out, and have room for two tents, because we couldn't possibly fit 4 people into a 6 person tent, ya know.
Since the reservoir was within walking distance, in the evenings we took a couple of mini-hikes to some beautiful red cliffs, where we tried to fish.....tried, being the key word.
One of the days we went to check out the nearby Red Canyon Ranch, where we had a yummy lunch with the most amazing view; and then snapped some photos from the most scenic lookout.
On the way back to our campsite, we got hit with a major rainstorm!
Once the sun was up again, we headed to the little Sunny Cove swimming area, just a short walk away. While the water at Flaming Gorge can be a little cold, the scenery sure makes up for it.
Tour of the Flaming Gorge Dam:
This was definitely one of the most thrilling and interesting tours I've been on. The boys even got to feed the fish at the bottom of the dam, and the thrilling part was walking over the 502-foot tall concrete dam. The view from the top down to the Green river was also to die for!
Red Fleet State Park
Home to theeeeeee most gorgeous water/red rock combo scenery, ever! (at least in Utah, that is)
On our way down to Vernal, we made a stop to search for some dinosaur tracks. Although the hike wasn't exceptionally difficult, the heat made it a little miserable, but we trekked on!
The boys were sooooooooooooooo excited that we actually walked on the dinosaurs' stomping grounds and played in the water where ancient aquatic species swam. Seeing dinosaur tracks in nature definitely tops any museum experience!
Vernal, UT
We stopped in Vernal for a night to use real showers, do some laundry and get a good night's sleep. While Vernal is a small town in the middle of nowhere, it has an incredibly lovely atmosphere. The town is so clean, bright and cheery and has some yummy places to eat. We ate at Betty's Cafe, King Tut and Dinosaur Cafe, and got amazing Mexican food at La Plaza Mexicana. While the laundry was washing, the boys and I took a dip at the city pool, and the next day we visited Dinosaur National Monument State Park.
Dinosaur National Monument
On the way home, we had one more stop in Eastern Utah. I have to say the petroglyphs at this park were our favorite! The park is full of lots of little hikes and breathtaking scenery with the green river running right through. We were so thrilled to see ancient history and to walk around in the land of Dinosaurs.
Turtle Rock
The Quarry
Petroglyphs
Josie Morris' Cabin
Green River and the views of the park
And that's the end of our lil' fam vacay!
On our way to Flaming Gorge:
Fort Bridger, WY
Right off the scenic I-80 is a beautiful, historic attraction called Fort Bridger. It reminded me a bit of Russia, the trees, the wooden benches and the stunning buildings with the windows.
Fort Bridger started out as a Pioneer Trading post, built by Jim Bridger in the 19th century, and is now this amazing place, sprawling over many acres. There is so much to see, and many opportunities for photos, not to mention, a perfect place for the kids and animals to run around!
Camping at Flaming Gorge:
Mustang Ridge Campground (yes, it's luxurious, it's got hot showers!)
Never mind that it down poured on us for about an hour one of the days, but we managed to have a glorious time. We chose one of the larger campsites so we could spread out, and have room for two tents, because we couldn't possibly fit 4 people into a 6 person tent, ya know.
Since the reservoir was within walking distance, in the evenings we took a couple of mini-hikes to some beautiful red cliffs, where we tried to fish.....tried, being the key word.
One of the days we went to check out the nearby Red Canyon Ranch, where we had a yummy lunch with the most amazing view; and then snapped some photos from the most scenic lookout.
On the way back to our campsite, we got hit with a major rainstorm!
Once the sun was up again, we headed to the little Sunny Cove swimming area, just a short walk away. While the water at Flaming Gorge can be a little cold, the scenery sure makes up for it.
Tour of the Flaming Gorge Dam:
This was definitely one of the most thrilling and interesting tours I've been on. The boys even got to feed the fish at the bottom of the dam, and the thrilling part was walking over the 502-foot tall concrete dam. The view from the top down to the Green river was also to die for!
Red Fleet State Park
Home to theeeeeee most gorgeous water/red rock combo scenery, ever! (at least in Utah, that is)
On our way down to Vernal, we made a stop to search for some dinosaur tracks. Although the hike wasn't exceptionally difficult, the heat made it a little miserable, but we trekked on!
The boys were sooooooooooooooo excited that we actually walked on the dinosaurs' stomping grounds and played in the water where ancient aquatic species swam. Seeing dinosaur tracks in nature definitely tops any museum experience!
Vernal, UT
We stopped in Vernal for a night to use real showers, do some laundry and get a good night's sleep. While Vernal is a small town in the middle of nowhere, it has an incredibly lovely atmosphere. The town is so clean, bright and cheery and has some yummy places to eat. We ate at Betty's Cafe, King Tut and Dinosaur Cafe, and got amazing Mexican food at La Plaza Mexicana. While the laundry was washing, the boys and I took a dip at the city pool, and the next day we visited Dinosaur National Monument State Park.
Dinosaur National Monument
On the way home, we had one more stop in Eastern Utah. I have to say the petroglyphs at this park were our favorite! The park is full of lots of little hikes and breathtaking scenery with the green river running right through. We were so thrilled to see ancient history and to walk around in the land of Dinosaurs.
Turtle Rock
The Quarry
Petroglyphs
Josie Morris' Cabin
Green River and the views of the park
And that's the end of our lil' fam vacay!