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  • The Winter Wonders of Southern Utah

    The winter season is a great travel time for die-hard nature lovers.

    As the chill of winter blankets much of the country Southern Utah transforms into a serene and uniquely beautiful landscape, making it an ideal off-season travel destination.


    Here’s why you should consider visiting during the colder months:

    1. Fewer Crowds: One of the most compelling reasons to visit Southern Utah in winter is the dramatic decrease in tourist traffic. Iconic parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches see a significant drop in visitors, allowing you to experience these breathtaking vistas in peace. This solitude not only enhances your connection with nature but also means shorter lines, easier parking, and a more personal experience with the natural wonders.

    2. Stunning Winter Scenery: Winter in Southern Utah paints a different picture than the usual desert hues. Snow-capped red rock formations, frozen waterfalls, and frost-covered hoodoos create a magical contrast that’s rare to see. The landscape takes on a new life, offering photographers and nature lovers an entirely different palette to explore.

    3. Cooler Temperatures: Hiking in the summer can be grueling due to the heat, but winter provides cooler, more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. While you’ll need to pack layers, the generally mild temperatures make for pleasant daytime exploration without the risk of heat exhaustion.

    4. Special Winter Activities: The winter season brings unique activities not available in other seasons. Snowshoeing through Bryce Canyon or cross-country skiing in the quieter corners of Zion are experiences that combine adventure with the tranquility of winter. Moreover, winter festivals and holiday events in nearby towns like St. George provide cultural enrichment.

    5. Lower Prices: Traveling in the off-season often means better deals on accommodations, tours, and even flight tickets if you’re flying into a nearby airport like Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. This affordability can make an extended stay or multiple park visits more feasible.

    Southern Utah in winter isn’t just about escaping the cold; it’s about embracing a quieter, more reflective side of nature, offering a fresh perspective on some of America’s most famous landscapes. Whether you’re looking to hike, photograph, or simply soak in the serene beauty, winter here promises a unique and enriching experience.

  • The Low-Down on Lake Powell

    The Low-Down on Lake Powell

    Greetings, travelers. I want you to know this is a real post generated by a real person. That’s me, Adam Wagener, the proprietor of Liberty Vacation Rental. I’ve lived in this area for over 10 years, and I want to clarify a few things. For starters, the lake has plenty of water, and is still doing what it was meant to do:

    – it’s a fun place for water sports in the summer time
    – it’s still fun and peaceful in the winter (although, less busy)
    – it’s generating hydro-electric power via the dam (green energy)
    – it’s a habitat for a myriad of unique wildlife

    Lake Powell is a stunning reservoir located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, straddling the border between Utah and Arizona in the United States. It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

    In 2023, you can expect to find a wide range of activities and attractions at Lake Powell. The lake itself offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. You can rent a houseboat and spend your days exploring the crystal-clear waters, or take a guided tour to discover hidden coves and majestic rock formations.

    If you’re into hiking, there are several trails in the area that offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding canyons. Some popular hikes include the Hanging Garden Trail, the Rainbow Bridge Trail, and the Horseshoe Bend Trail. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the desert heat can be intense.

    For those interested in history and culture, a visit to the nearby Navajo Nation is a must. You can learn about the rich Native American heritage of the area and even participate in traditional ceremonies and events. The Navajo Nation also offers unique shopping opportunities, where you can find beautiful handmade crafts and jewelry.

    When it comes to accommodations, there are plenty of options to choose from, including Liberty Vacation Rentals! There are many hotels and resorts in the area, or if you’re looking for a more immersive experience, consider camping at one of the campgrounds near the lake. Just make sure to book your accommodations well in advance, as Lake Powell is a popular destination and tends to fill up quickly, especially on holiday weekends. Booking early can help you avoid price gouging, at some hotels.

    In terms of dining, you’ll find a variety of restaurants and cafes in the nearby towns of Page, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah. From casual eateries serving up classic American fare to upscale restaurants offering gourmet cuisine, and authentic Western places, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

    Overall, a trip to Lake Powell in 2024 should be an unforgettable experience. With its stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and rich cultural heritage, it’s a destination that has something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime at Lake Powell!

  • Antelope Canyon

    Antelope Canyon

    HISTORY of ANTELOPE CANYON –

    Imagine no social media, or even no internet.  You have a great natural wonder you want to share with others.  What do you do? How do you share this phenomenon with others? In 1992, at what we now know as Lower Antelope Canyon, Ken and his wife would sit on the side of the road waving down cars to tell them about this wonderful natural phenomenon on their private property. It was well over two decades until their efforts would prove beneficial.

    Today, Ken’s Tours hosts about 500 visitors a day. No more need to sit outside and wave down visitors. Due to a surge in travel, homestead lodging, and more social media sharing starting in 2012, a marvelous place such as Antelope Canyon has experienced a vastly large increase in explorers seeking a great adventure to share with others.

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    MY EXPERIENCE –

    Before moving to this area, I had no idea about Antelope Canyon, although I was well aware of The Grand Canyon. It’s about a two-hour drive to the north rim from our current location. Antelope Canyon is less than a thirty minute drive from Liberty Vacation Rentals. After arriving and searching the area on Google Maps, I saw the property was located really close to a massive body of water: Lake Powell. I grew up close to lakes and know that lake life is amazing.

    Our first year in Big Water, we cleaned up the building, and after much effort, opened it up to rent on AirBnB. Our first few guests mentioned Antelope Canyon but we still had no idea what it was and the extent of this natural phenomenon. Oh, the lovely resource of the internet! I went deep, exploring the area of northern Arizona and southern Utah. What a spectacular find of natural phenomenons: Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Moab, Colorado River, and most of all… Antelope Canyon.

    GETTING A TOUR –

    Dixie Ellis and Ken’s Tours own the property rights to Antelope Canyon. A few years ago when we arrived, they were still getting used to the massive influx of visitors. A comfortable system to guide guests into the canyon had not been implemented. An allotment of twenty visitors per guide, every ten or fifteen minutes, was the standard. Complaints came in of the narrow canyon feeling “too crowded.” But what else can you do when hundreds of people are waiting two or more hours just to get in, all summer long?

    In March of 2020, we took a free-tour on a special day for locals, and learned that these tour companies will be reducing the crowds, tapering down the numbers to 10 people per guide.

    We climbed down into the earth, via metal ladders installed for ease of access. Descending 55 feet with our guide, we begin our tour through the slot canyon. Several people packed into the sandstone channel began gasping and clicking away on cameras, while taking in such an incredible natural wonder.

    I remember the crowds in the canyon. I remember meeting several tourists. I remember standing in the 100 degree temperature. I watched videos of our journey. This time would be different. In 2020 we would tour Lower Antelope Canyon and I would remember all of it. Ken’s Tours and Dixie Ellis welcomed locals to tour the canyon two weekends in the “off season”. We didn’t realize until the end of the first tour locals had the opportunity to explore the canyon several times throughout the two weekends.

    Since we have lived in the area a few years, we consider ourselves locals. Living in an area mostly for vacationing, we, as locals, have incredible perks. (Read through our other blog posts for more local attractions.) Ken’s Tours and Dixie Ellis wanted to extend a gracious expedition to their exquisite unique sandstone rock formation.

    The first tour was Leap Day, 2020. The weather was a little cool with frequent sun rays and a few clouds. It wasn’t too hot and it wasn’t too cold. Since we are sort of deep in the canyon, I could have used a second long sleeves layer under my vest. Somehow the cool stays in the channel and remains a few degrees cooler throughout the year, up to ten degrees fahrenheit cooler. I knew this time my adventure through the canyon would be well documented and would definitely pay off if I keened in my super awareness of this grand experience. I was excited and grateful for Ken’s Tours gracious gift and I was assuredly going to take advantage of this offer.

    As you have been able to see the details of the canyon through social media postings, blog articles, video contents, and advertisements Antelope Canyon is undeniably a bucket list for all that venture into this marvelous rock we call Earth. There’s nothing new I can tell you about the canyon. It is one to be experienced, not just talked about or seen through the eyes of another. The take away from this post is to let you know how much the tour companies have advanced in their organization by developing a system more suitable for the enjoyment in the experience of the canyon. Navajo Nation Parks Administration toured the canyon and decided the groups touring were too large and could possibly cause damage to the natural sandstone wall.  It was decided to send in groups of ten visitors rotating companies Ken’s and Dixie every fifteen minutes. What an incredible change.

    As we descended into the canyon, we took many photos. I have an iPhoneX so I just assumed it would auto adjust to the lighting. Once we were half way through the tour the guide mentioned I should be using the “VIVID” setting. I had no idea where the adjustments to lighting were on the phone. As we moved forward, I played with the adjustments finding “COOL VIVID” worked just as well. The one camera setting I had not even thought to use was a vertical PANORAMIC. This setting takes in the extent of how tall the walls are in Lower Antelope Canyon. We even used a normal horizontal panoramic walking behind the shooter to position ourselves in the frame a few different spots. Oh boy… Technology is amazing.

    TWICE IN ONE WEEKEND –

    The next day we took advantage once again of the free tour for locals, and went through Lower Antelope a second time. This time we knew what to expect, how to use our time wisely and to ask the guide for more information. The second guide had so much information it was almost a bit overwhelming. We could occasionally hear the tour guide behind us speak of other areas in the canyon we had not paid much attention to. (Ask about the crystals in the walls.)

    I am amazed how much time I could spend in this canyon. It’s well worth the money to explore. Even more if you get to visit this canyon a few times. As I have already mentioned, Ken’s Tours has a building where visitors can wait comfortably for their tour to be called to go into the canyon.

    I asked about early check ins. YES! It is welcomed. You may check in early the day of your reservation and return fifteen minutes before your tour time. Although if you miss your reservation time, it’s likely you will need to make a new reservation and possibly lose the money for the tour missed. I suggest arriving one hour prior to the reserved time, hang out, speak with other visitors, learn of their plans in the area.

    OFF SEASON TOURS –

    Visiting “off season” makes a great difference in time spent exploring the canyon. I would venture to say October, November, February and March would be less crowded, although the tour companies are booked well in advance throughout the year. February seems to be the most logical time to visit without fighting through the crowds. And… Everything is cheaper.

    If you have the time and the money, I would suggest going through the canyons with a private tour guide or multiple visits. What an incredible way to see Earth and Mother Nature come together through technology for all of us to share our experience.

    Written by,
    JeniMae Baker

  • Skylight Arch

    Skylight Arch

    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.

  • The Rim View Trail

    The Rim View Trail

    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.

    hike the Rim View trail with a friend
    Take a friend and explore the Rim View trail, around Page!

    Lake Powell and Antelope Island

    a view of Tower Butte (on left), with Navajo Mountain (behind)

  • Noisy Hotel Syndrome?

    Noisy Hotel Syndrome?

    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 GRAND ESCALANTE SUITE 

    THE WAHWEAP BAY SUITE

    THE LONE ROCK SUITE

  • Swimming by the Glen Canyon Dam

    Swimming by the Glen Canyon Dam

    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.

    CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO