Utah Places: Calf Creek

I said I'm not excluding good places just because they're easy. Grand Staircase has attracted lots of new tourists looking for places to go, and this is one of them. They flock to the spectacular Lower Calf Creek Falls, which is only a short walk from the camp. Forget about ever camping there, BTW. Foreign tourists have it booked 100 years in advance. There are much better places nearby anyway. But for a bit longer hike, go to even better Upper Calf Creek Falls. Be sure to bring shorts you can wear for swimming, take a cruise around the pool and dip your head under the falls when you get there. Worth the trip.

The canyon flocks with wildlife, especially in the early morning and evenings just after sundown. Better when not so many people, my personal preference. I can see lots of people at Walmart.

Utah Places: Deer Creek on Boulder Mountain

If you decide to try Deer Creek, start on a warm day. Take sturdy shoes that can get wet, and plan to plunge right into every hole you meet. You might think you are going to freeze, the water is so bone chilling cold. If it gets too cold. you can always stretch out in the sun on a flat rock like a lizard and soak up some rays. Have someone meet you at the bottom with dry stuff. More fun than anything I can imagine.

Some of the spillways are pretty rough and tumble. Look them over beforehand and skirt them if they look too wild for your swimming class. Use a float if you need it. Plan on being held under waterfalls or gravitys several places on the way down. If that thought doesn't thrill you, this isn't your ride!

Have fun getting wet!!