It’s Her World…

 

Gypsy being vigilant in the Fish Lake National Forest, Utah

…We’re just living in it.

My husband and I are just back from another dog-centered vacation.  We are certainly not complaining, nor is she.  Park City Utah is as dog-friendly a place as I’ve ever been, with a dog park (more on that later) with no fence and, though there is a leash law for most trails, I’ve never seen a dog hiking on a leash.  Everyone seems to be well-behaved.

The first year we did this, we left the dog at home and drove the 10 hours from home straight through.  Now we get a dog-friendly walkable rental and take three days in the van to get there together. I confess to enjoying laundry, A/C, toilets, Wi-Fi, and trash cans for a few days.

Sunrise glow, Kaibab National Forest, Arizona

The first and last nights we were in the North Kaibab Forest, north of the Grand Canyon.  I’ve been exploring this place for decades, spending hundreds of nights tucked in the forest.  There was a bit of a detour involved for this trip, but time spent here is well worth the effort.

Camp (bottom, center) in Fish Lake National Forest, Utah

The other two nights we were in the Fish Lake National Forest, Between Beaver and Junction Utah.  We just discovered this area a couple of years ago, and though it’s rather ATV and cow heavy, there are lovely places worth spending a night.  Lots of spots are above 9,000 ft elevation (nice in July) as well as aspen groves and lakes.

Sunrise on the Lupines, Fish Lake National Forest, Utah

This spot we stumbled on for the first night had fields of lupines and the rugged mountains as compelling background.

You never know when a cattle drive will break out.  Highway 153, Utah

On the way home we tucked into the forest near that first spot.  We were delayed an hour or so by a cattle drive running up the road, but in vacation mindset, this is just an opportunity to pull over and have a beer and some snacks.

First light behind the sentinels, Fish Lake National Forest, Utah

The morning light was inspiring as Gypsy and I hiked around and discovered new things.  Unfortunately, one of us managed to decorate herself with cow poop. C’est la vie.

Classic Park City; down the stairs to Main Street

Five-star review for the Park City Library Lawn Dog Park

During our five days in town, we established a routine.  Every morning we hiked, then scooted back to the house for some food, shopped, napped, ate at a restaurant with a dog-friendly patio, hit the dog park, and rested up to do it again.  Though some photography was involved, my readers will recognize that this pace is quite a bit slower than photography trips.

Lofty Lake Selfie, Uinta National Forest

Flowers and a small stream along the Lofty Lake Loop Trail

The loveliest hike was the Lofty Lake Loop in the Uinta Mountains, with 1000 ft vertical all above 10,000 ft elevation. It was a little tough on the oldsters, but well worth the effort. Gypsy did just fine, though. We enjoyed flower-filled meadows and alpine lakes. 

Rest and a view, Round Valley Utah

The network of trails around Round Valley, near Park City, is a perennial favorite, with lovely views while resting.

Gypsy says we’re welcome to join her again next July.

More images are in the Summer 2024 Gallery on the website.