The Skylight Arch is a lesser known, horizontal arch. This rocky phenomenon is visible from Highway 89 in Southern Utah, at the Arizona/Utah border.
The hiking trail is free to the public, if you can find it. If you have cell-phone reception, you can use Google Maps to drive from Highway 89 to the backroads of Southern Utah, nearby Lone Rock Beach.
You’ll be driving off road, therefore an SUV, truck, or jeep is recommended. We took my Prius on a dry and sunlit day, however, the last mile of road is very rocky and isn’t good for low-riding vehicles. So we parked, and hiked one extra mile to the location (a total of 2 miles hiking each way).
The backroads have a lot of intersections, and rocky terrain at the end of the road. The good news is that you can get (Verizon) cell phone reception on this hike! So you can map it on your phone and it will guide you to the small parking area behind the mountain. On the way, you will find roadsigns for Vermillion Cliffs, at which you should go to the left, then veer slight right to go around the back of the mountain. You will be driving under several power lines, for about a mile.
If you get to the end of the road, you’ll have just a 1 mile hike, each way. The arch is almost difficult to notice from above ground, until you approach it, so be careful not to fall in. It’s a long way down.
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There are spectacular views of Lake Powell, Lone Rock, Navajo Mountain, as well as other buttes and mountains in the distance. Spoiler alert! We put a few photos on this blog post!
You should bring water, good shoes/boots, a hiking buddy, and maybe a snack and a backpack. Use the restroom before coming, or bring a roll of TP to be safe. Dogs are allowed.
If you’re looking for some splendid panoramic views, and a moderately easy trail to hike for a few hours, the Page Rim View Trail is for you. This hike meanders around the city of Page AZ, as a 13 mile trail you can walk, run, or bike. Rent a bicycle from the Rim Trail Bike shop on North Navajo Drive, or simply enjoy a nice trek on foot.
You’ll see great views of Lake Powell, the Glen Canyon Dam, the beginning of the Grand Canyon, Navajo Mountain, Tower Butte, and more. This trail crosses over many streets within the city of Page, so if you need to take a break or quit early to get food or a restroom, that’s not a problem.
We hiked this on New Year’s Day, and although it was cold, it was very beautiful. We saw a few joggers fulfilling their resolution to start the year with some exercise. The trail is mostly very safe, with a few spots that require your attention. There is a small risk of falling 10 to 15 feet if you’re not watching out.
Recommended to have sneakers, hiking boots, and water. Dress appropriately for the season. A walking stick is optional. Hiking late in the day? Take a flashlight.
The trail will loop around the city of Page, including residential areas.The Rim View trail is moderately easy, with a few steep drop offs.Take a friend and explore the Rim View trail, around Page!Lake Powell and Antelope Islanda view of Tower Butte (on left), with Navajo Mountain (behind)
Get rewired at Zion National Park. Bounce, spin, tumble, slide, trek, swing, flow, lounge, stretch, hike, walk, cruise… Zion will definitely rewire the mental stasis of “it’s just a big rock formation.” My mother often tells me when my anxiety starts to increase, “Hang up the phone and go for a run.” Although she will never say, go jump off a rock or climb, especially one at an incline of some 70 degrees and 1500 feet above the already 5,000 feet above sea level. But… She will always tell me to have fun. So far our visits to Zion have been super fun! Many have consisted of hiking The Narrows. Once I made it to the infamous Wall Street… Three attempts up Angel’s Landing, lastly reaching the summit… Exploring the park in the snow (when hardly no one is there)… A slow and steady hike to Observation Point… A misty day under the Weeping Rocks … The day after a rock fell onto the Upper Emerald Pool path blocking the trail… Back-flips off the rocks into the secret waterfalls on a hidden trail… Ultimately one of our favorites… Tubing down the Virgin River.
Outfitting Zion Visitors in Springdale
We moved here to the southern Utah area in 2016. I found an outfitter group, called Zion Outfitters, that rented inner tubes from their location in Springdale UT. You start the 2 mile float-trip at their location, and their truck picks up the used inner tubes at a park, below. A shuttle stop is close by the exit location on the river. The Zion Outfitter pickup for the inner tubes stops around 18:00 while the ZNP and Springdale shuttles stop around 21:00 (times vary with seasons). Each year I called to see if they were allowing tubing from their location. Each year, I was turned down due to low water flow. After a long wait and massive snowfall in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, THIS WAS OUR YEAR!!!
Water Flow and Water Fall
Two visits in one week, it has to be good. With so much grand landscape and epic views of Zion, flowing with the snow-melt in the tributary of the Colorado River just seemed to be something we had to explore. After all… Utah is the state where “life [is] elevated.” We had to get a piece of the action fast. Unfortunately we only had one week to go with the flow. So we did… twice. Once it drops to 60 cubic feet per second, Zion Outfitters stops renting the inner-tubes.
You will spend most of your time getting stuck on the rocks in the river when the flow is slow. Our second visit the flow was 65. It was nice but I got off the tube and walked around the rocks so I could follow the flow better. I’m not sure how much the water was flowing in the river our first visit was incredible fun. I had a blast getting bounced around the banks like a pinball spinning right and left. Stay alert! Some areas have fallen trees and branches placed just enough in the channel they will definitely carve some grooves in your skin.
Another super fun aspect is the small “waterfalls.” On an inner-tube the small “waterfalls” can turn you over onto a rock. Not cool for lack of helmet head. The helmet is not necessary because you can actually stand up on the riverbed for the most part of the tubing area (guessing one foot to six feet). While having super amounts of fun on the river, it’s sometimes harder to really pay attention to everything going on around you.
The view of Zion is so spectacular. I get caught in its elegance of natural wonder so many times I forget to watch for the next set of rapids. Falling into the river is not that bad unless of course, you fall into the rapids and hit your head on one of the rocks or an elbow! On one trip, our friend had her elbows placed on the outside trim of the inner-tube so she hit her elbow hard enough we ended up with a hospital visit.
Jeni
The first time I wore an UPF50 long sleeve shirt but the second time I did not. I am writing this two weeks after our last adventure and I still have pretty bad rash on my forearms from using my hands in the water to navigate. The first time I kept the lining of the tube inside and it left a bad rash on the back of my legs. The water was very cool, even in June, July, August, and September. I advise wearing a rash guard, if you have one.
Never Enough
Visitors miss out when they are limited to one long day at ZNP. Since we live in the area, we are going at least once twice a month during peak season and a few times during the off peak season. Seriously… The best trip thus far to Zion (even though we still love The Narrows) has been tubing in the Virgin River. Don’t forget to swing on the rope swing and maybe hang out on the beach. You are required to wear closed-toe shoes when you rent the tubes. I wore water shoes, my partner and my friend wore regular tennis shoes.
Bathing suits are fine and welcomed. Here’s the biggest downfall: the water flow is limited to a certain time of year. This year toobing the Virgin River at Zion Outfitters was active only a few weeks from the end of June until the first of July. Snow on the Rocky Mountains was pretty amazing this year. So it took a while to start melting. Sometimes the water flow is not great enough to rent the tubes. Although, you are welcome to bring your own float or inner-tube and go with the flow. It may just be a leisurely float down a few feet of river run but it’s super refreshing to be in the water and it boasts some miraculous views of Zion National Park that will definitely leave a lasting neurological change to connect you with the way it used to be. Have fun! Get some sun! Stay connected! Stay refreshed!
Rip Rap is located inside Catstair Canyon, not far from the Paria River. We had no idea this amazing relic existed until just recently. It’s a little known ruin of several classic cars, which were used decades ago to fill in a gap of the highway 89. You can find this in Catstair Canyon, just south of House Rock Valley Road. The hike is medium difficulty, but only about a half mile. Be careful around the abandoned vehicles, they may have sharp edges. It’s truly a sight to behold. On the other side of this canyon, you can find some petroglyphs. You won’t need an off-road vehicle to get here, but it will require some hiking in the canyon. There is no charge, or restrictions, to visit this site. There is no restroom or running water. (And please don’t litter.)
Bryce Canyon National Park is a sprawling reserve in southern Utah, known for crimson-colored hoodoos, in the shape of spire-shaped rock formations. The park’s main road leads past the expansive Bryce Amphitheater, a hoodoo-filled depression lying below the Rim Trail hiking path. It has overlooks at Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point. Prime viewing times are around sunup and sundown.
As this park is a two-hour drive west of Liberty Vacation Rentals, many travelers and tourists should consider making this a next destination after checking out with us. Many locations at Bryce Canyon park can be viewed in a day. We recommend driving to Rainbow Point for the most expansive view.
Inside the Bryce Canyon park is lodging and a restaurant, however, in the off-season, one may have to find quality restaurants just outside of the park in the Red Canyon area. Bicyclists can also enjoy a paved bike trail running through the The Red Canyon Bicycle Trail (a National Recreation Trail), running for more than 8 paved miles
REMEMBER: Practically all national parks, including Zion and Bryce Canyon, are not very pet-friendly; therefore, those planning to visit the parks should consider leaving their pets at home. Pets are prohibited on hiking trails, in the back country, and in all park buildings, and must always be on a leash no more than 6 feet long. An exception: the Rim Trail is a scenic, panoramic path where pets are definitely allowed, as long as they are on a leash at all times.
Kids jumping on the bed. Loud televisions one room over. Couples doing loud, horizontal activities in the room above you. One of the worst things that could happen after you check into your room — noisy hotel syndrome. Why should you have to suffer that?
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Here at Liberty Vacation Rentals, we’ve been in business since 2016, with over 1,000 guest check-ins, and we’re proud to say that we have (so far) ZERO noise complaints. One of the nice things about our small community is that we’re very quiet. You’re more likely to hear the wind rustling through the trees, than hear an inconsiderate neighbor. You won’t need earplugs or an extra pillow over your ears to enjoy a night here.
Our building designer took this into consideration in the blueprints. That’s why there’s extra insulation and very thick drywall separating our suites. Because most guests go out to explore the lake and the canyons, we don’t put televisions in our listings. Also, unlike a hotel or condominium, no one will be sleeping above you or below you.
That’s the difference you get with Liberty Vacation Rentals. Come try us out!
Click on OUR LISTINGS in the menu bar, or click below to see some of our complete suite listings on the AIRBNB site.
The 2018 Lake Powell Balloon Regatta gave rise to dozens of beautiful hot-air balloons, with enthusiasts rising high above the city of Page, Arizona, as well as the surrounding lake and canyons.
Family fun activities included music, rides, and inflatables for kids of all ages. Live music was also provided, throughout the day. About 100 different vendors, with concessions and artisans’ crafts were for sale, and a part of the experience. Admission to the event, and parking, is free.
The Balloon Glow event continues in the evening, with a floating lantern ceremony as well. Dress warm for this outdoor event.
Horseshoe Bend is at the beginning of the Grand Canyon, where the Colorado River flows out from the Glen Canyon dam. This is just south of the Arizona-Utah border. Many travelers like to visit Horseshoe Bend at sunrise and sunset to capture the best photos and video.
A healthy person will need about 10-15 minutes to walk from the parking area to the end of the 700 foot cliff. You’ll have to go uphill and then downhill, so make sure to bring some water with you and good shoes, although some people do hike in sturdy sandals.
The azure and purple skies around the rocks are so unique, you won’t be disappointed. The majestic feeling you’ll get from standing at the edge is unsurpassed. Some “daredevil rocks” jut out over the canyon, and some brave souls are now hash-tagging #DaredevilRock on social media while standing or doing yoga on them (reference photos on this blog).
Horseshoe Bend has been a free site to visit, but may begin charging a fee to travelers going in 2019. On some days, the parking lot is completely full, so you may have to be patient, and come back later. In the meantime, you might try going to the Hanging Gardens hike, or swimming by the northside of the Glen Canyon dam.
WARNING: be careful when you’re taking pictures or have children with you. On average, one person falls into this part of the canyon every year. There has only been one, single survivor from the accidental, long plummet to the bottom.
A free and fun jaunt down to the lake’s “secret” swimming area is fun for any water baby. Turn toward the Hanging Gardens hiking trail, right by the bridge over the dam. This will be the second left after crossing the bridge, if you’re going south, and a quick right turn, before you reach the bridge, if going north. Of course, if you miss it, just turn around at the visitor center. The road will meander down for about a mile, to an unpaved parking lot with a public restroom. Some swimmers also follow a “tops optional” policy in this swimming area.
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After you park, simply walk carefully down the slanted, sandstone canyon walls, until you reach the water. This is a great place to swim from late spring to late fall. If you’re a polar bear, the good news is that the water never freezes over, even in winter. This is because the heat of the sun insulates the canyon walls, transferring heat into the surface of the lake. Many swimmers will find the top three feet of the water much warmer than below.
WARNINGS: This area of Lake Powell is beautiful, but adds a small amount of danger, as the water is over 400 feet deep, and no lifeguards are on duty. Be on the lookout for occasional debris or broken bottles, and if you have a heart, please pick up any trash that was left behind by less savvy visitors. A new threat is now in the lake as well: quagga mussels. These invasive clam-like growths, can be sharp and growing on the rocks. Just keep an eye out for them when entering and exiting the water. Braver souls may want to swim across the canyon and cliff dive. Watch out for rocks under the surface of the water when jumping in, and beware of jet skis and boats, if you are swimming far away from the beach area.
They have formed over thousands of years, and transform boring deserts into fantastical alien landscapes. “Hoodoos” are also called fairy chimneys, earth pyramids and tent rocks, and they exist as tall spires of rock that protrude from the bottom of arid basins and broken lands. They range from five-feet tall to the height of a 10-story building, and typically form from two weathering processes that continuously work together in eroding the edges of a rock formation. Hoodoos come in all shapes and sizes.
A large hoodoo, balancing by itself, for god-knows how long….
Just 10 miles south of our establishment, is an area full of hoodoos, known as the Toadstools. It’s a very easy, 1 mile hike, and good during any season of the year (avoid going on rainy days). The soft, crimson clay earth under your feet feels like walking on Mars. Who knows how long these rock formations will remain standing? Remember to respect nature and keep the area magically unspoiled: never try to push over or knock down a hoodoo, do not carve names into the rocks, and of course, take any trash with you.
JeniMae walking on the Toadstool Hoodoos trail, outside of Big Water, Utah.
If you’re more adventurous, you can hike a full four miles to see even more hoodoos. The trail is well defined, as dozens of people make this hike on any given day. Park your car in the lot near the trailhead sign. You can find it on Google Maps by searching for “Toadstool Hoodoos”. This hiking trail currently has no water fountain or public restroom.
If you need a great place to get rest after your journey, come and stay at Liberty Vacation Rentals! We’re just 10 miles east of the Toadstool Hoodoos.
