Big Basin Redwoods

http://indiraprashanttravelogue.shutterfly.com/169This trip to Big Basin was the first time i was seeing the celebrated Californian redwood trees.The sheer size ( height and width) is just unbelievable! some of them are older than the prophet !! ( you'll see in the pictures!)This was a really easy trip from us to make from San Jose - it's only a 90 min drive. So we just got there in the afternoon, spent the day hiking and sat through a bit of the Ranger presentation at the amphitheater. But if you want to pitch a tent and set base, it's a really good option : although i suggest you carry enough protection against mosquitoes!

Zion National Park

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Zion was my first "National Park" experience. I've been to quite a few after that. Nothing has matched up to the kind of experience i had at Zion.Firstly, the services were spectacular. To avoid traffic in the park, it was mandatory to use their shuttle service. there was one up canyon and down canyon every 15 mins and the operators were just genuinely NICE. it was a totally warm experience.The Treks are all one of a kind. angels Landing is just spectacular,  a steep and strenuous hike up 21 switchback among others and the  last lap where one needs to haul themselves up using chains were just breathtaking. Zion Narrows was even better. I hate water, but i couldn't have enough of it - hiking through the narrows with steep cliffs on both sides and a rock-bottomed river. The Best hike ive done so far. simply mind blowing. The other wonderful bit is that there is a whole bunch of people around - all of them having taken time off from work to come here - simply to hike and enjoy the outdoors. even bonding with those you bump into during hikes is great fun! - if you're coming back downhill it's especially fun to intimidate the ones going up on how tough its going to be beyond that point!!!Springdale!!!! the little one-street town full of hotels and lodges and cafes was just the cutest place i've seen We tried a few places but kept going back to Oscars Cafe - they had fabulous mexican food! It was a pleasant surprise to see such an elaborate and yummy vegetarian fare in the middle of Utah!!If I get a chance I'd do the whole thing again!!! I highly recommend it for a "First trip to a national park" - Wholesome and Completely satisfying!


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Bryce Canyon

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We went to Bryce right after Zion. they are just an hour apart and completely different looking canyon formations. While Zion was a more elaborate experience ( a much more organized National Park service, more hikes - each of a different kind etc.) Bryce was just much more beautiful. The view from the rim is just phenomenal.The pillars are so uniform and alike, it's hard to believe it's a natural formation. on one side of the rim it's green and fresh and on the other side its a deep canyon of red rock. it's easy to spend tons of time just looking at it.We hiked down Navajo loop - which actually takes you down into the canyon and then up again. so there were moments when we had to walk through an array of towering pillars, hike down switchbacks and crawl through rock crevices. the best moments here are when the sun lights up the rocks and they glow a spectacular red. But the weather didn't play along and we had to rush back because it started pouring!! - But we did have a few moments when the sun got out from behind the clouds - and ALL cameras came out then!The pictures eventually came out pretty well and place is exactly how its looks in these. Magnificent.