I went here on my way out of Jackson Hole, WY. It was in the beginning of July. What I learned at the entrance is this is a refuge for the Elk to come to in the winter. They migrate here from the North and spend the winter here. There is a brochure at the entrance with information about the refuge. Really cool what they are doing!
So I learned that during the late fall and winter months this would be a great place to see Elk and other wildlife. Unfortunately while I was here in the middle of summer there isn't much there. ;) I would love to come back when the elk are here.
There is a nice pull off to view the falls. The trail is an easy paved trail that runs along the falls. Nice little stop.
Do the Fairy Falls hike, it leads you to the Grand Prismatic Spring overlook. This is a must when viewing the Grand Prismatic Spring, an awesome view!
This is an amazing NP. I love that they have the busses that take you through the park, it keeps congestion down. I highly recommend doing the Canyon Overlook hike, it is a beautiful view! I hiked it on my way into the park. I had limited time to visit so when I got to the park I headed straight for Sinawava Temple stop. I walked up the river for a few hours into the narrows and then turned around and headed back. It takes a lot less time to hike with the current. The Narrows is an absolute must when you visit Zion. Take some time to stop while hiking the river and enjoy the beauty that is around you. I did this hike in early July, it was perfect. Keep in mind that the water is cold and this could be a difficult hike in early spring or late fall. You will be going through water that gets up to your waist at times.
Beautiful drive. Lots of hikes and pull outs along the road. Some shorter hikes, some longer.
I listened to a Podcast that told the story about Mike, so I had to stop. Maybe someday I'll make it for the festival. Cute town, lots of sculptures throughout the town.
https://omny.fm/shows/the-atlas-obscura-podcast/mike-the-headless-chicken
If you are driving through this area then you must do loveland pass. It offers awesome views and is a great detour off the main road. There are quite a few pull offs along the road. I stopped towards the top where there was a small parking lot. There was an area to walk around. A lake and a small creek. Absolutely beautiful!!
I grabbed some lunch and stopped at this park. Interesting statue! There are picnic tables around the park and a small shelter with picnic tables under it. There is also a pool. Nice open space to stretch your legs and have a picnic!
Stopped on my way to CO. Campbell Welding has added a few friends for the spider. It was a nice little stop on my road trip.
Make sure you enter the correct address to your GPS:
457 S Chestnut St.
Avoca, IA 51521
This was on my route, so I decided to stop. The carousel is in a city park, by the pool. It is located inside a building, so rain or shine the carousel is running! You can pay to go around on the carousel. I just stopped to take a peak, but the carousel was full!
Make sure you enter the address on your GPS as the directions from RT did not take me to the right area. There is a small parking lot located on the corner of Broad St. and Hillcrest Ave. (by the pool).
1004 Story St.
Story City, IA 50248