THE VORTEX

The Vortex is amazing, I felt like I was in a different world.  This hike took my breath away. There was  a bit of hiking in sand and I didn't take my kids all the way to the top where the Vortex is. I went twice,with kids and without.  This is right out of Gunlock.  How many times have you been to Gunlock and probably had no idea this gem of a hike was hidden behind it. You take the first right as you come into Gunlock.  It's a dirt road but a good road for any cars.  The road goes past a little lake called Lower Sand Cove, then in about a half mile the dirt road crosses over a stream and take that right turn.  There is a parking area but it is not marked so I parked anywhere.  It really is easy to find.

Start of The Vortex

Nancy and Baxter  almost to The Vortex

The actual Vortex.  It was so cool, it's deeper than it looks but I couldn't get
a good picture with the lighting.

Pine Creek

 HOLY.AMAZING
Pine Creek was so awesome.  (I may rename it "gangsters paradise" Luke and Abe felt the need to throw gang signs in every pic)  Again another place that my husband had never been after living here for 38 years.   FOR REALS!!!! This is the last pool of Pine Creek hike that starts up past the tunnel and you have to do some rappelling, so it's not so kid friendly.  To start this way is easier with kids and the hike is only about a 1/4 of a mile.  If you drive into Zion and drive past the junction like you are going up the toward the tunnel it's the first pull off for cars on the first switchback.  That is where you start, this hike is not marked so don't be looking for a sign.  There is  one section you come to that you go through a little pool and rocks you need to climb over that you need to be careful with the kiddos. It's not bad and my kids were able to climb over all the obstacles.

The kids were so excited as we walked around the corner to this perfect view.   Hudson couldn't hold in his excitement.  The kids couldn't get enough of it and loved the waterfall slide.  I will spare you the pictures of Juddy and I going down the slide but we did love it as much as the kids.  Abe said he wants to build a house there,  me too Abe me too.   It was a perfect heavenly Sunday.

Beaver Mountain

We were melting in the St. George summer so Beaver Mountain was the perfect weekend getaway.

 Fishing, camping, ATV trails is every little kids heaven.  This year we went up to Big Flat to camp, gorgeous view and big open fields.  10 mins away was Puffer Lake to fish and Beaver River close by to fly fish in.