Southwest
Biking the White Rim Trail, Canyonlands, Utah
[Southwest USA] One of the classic mountain bike trips is the White Rim trail in Canyonlands. I went with a Denver outfitter and had no idea how challenging it would be. The first day was the most extreme physical demand I’ve ever put on myself. It was only 29 miles, but took ten hours, and […]
Wilderness Quest, Utah
[Southwest USA] I saw a tiny ad in a Buddhist magazine describing a “wilderness quest.” I got more information, and found myself two months later sitting on a rock looking out over a broad expanse of Utah landscape. For four days I was cut off from every daily habit. No music, no writing, no media, […]
Hermit’s Trail, Grand Canyon
[Southwest USA] I was on the “Tonto Platforms” – the mid-level mesas sitting 3,000 feet down. I walked in a state of marvel for 50 miles. It was so continually and deeply quiet that I was disconcerted by the ringing in my ears coming from the minor ear damage I got from playing music too […]
Hermit’s Trail, Grand Canyon, looking down on the Colorado
[Southwest USA] I went alone into the Grand Canyon for a week. While the south Canyon rim is nice in a monochromatic, postcard sort of way, being in the Canyon is profound and dramatic. The enormous scale must be experienced by going into it.
Angel’s Landing, Zion, Utah
[Southwest USA] I’ve hiked almost every trail in Zion, and it’s one of my favorite places in the world. Some love to be at the top of mountains or canyons. Not me. Up at the top, a lot of texture and drama is washed out. Best is halfway up. I want to look way down. […]
Delicate Arch, Utah: The family hikes together
[Southwest USA] I had the fun of teaching my 65 year old mother how to enjoy a hike. “Go slow and steady – even at snail’s pace – and don’t let yourself become even remotely winded. Don’t stop either. See how hard it is to make yourself go slowly?” My parents had a great time. […]