Florida Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

Florida Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

by | May 18, 2021 | Florida, Water

Florida Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

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The best place to see manatees in the Orlando area is in the clear water of Blue Spring State Park. Visiting this park is a great way to see Florida beyond the theme parks and beaches. Besides manatee viewing, activities at Blue Spring State park include kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, tubing, hiking, fishing and camping. 

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty:     Very Easy    EASY    Moderate    Hard   Very Hard                                                                   

KEY FEATURES

Terrain: Spring water, river, marshlands, flat trails & boardwalk
Time Needed: 1 hour to most of the day
When to Go: Anytime of the year, but winter is the best time to view manatees

COST

Blue Spring State Park Entrance Fee: $6 per vehicle! This might be the cheapest thing you can do in Florida and it just might be one of your favorites! Costs for other activities, like tube and kayak rentals are listed under “Things to Do.”

Tube & Snorkel Rentals: $5 first hour, $2.50 each additional hour, $15 entire day

Kayak Rentals: $17 to $54 depending on the kayak and length of time.

 

AMENITIES

  • Bathrooms

  • Showers
  • Concession Stand
  • Gift Shop

THINGS TO BRING

Manatee Off-Season (April – October)

  • Swim suit
  • Water shoes if desired
  • Snorkel
  • Goggles
  • Towel
  • Snacks 
  • Sunscreen

Manatee On-Season (Nov – March)

  • Stroller for little ones for walking on boardwalk to view manatees.
  • Snacks
  • Clothes that can get a little wet if kayaking.

DETAILS

Blue Spring State Park was my favorite place to see manatees while we lived in Florida. It was a top pick for any family or friends that visited us and wanted to see what makes Florida so great beyond the theme parks and Beaches.

Blue Spring State Park can be enjoyed all year round, but the best time to see the most manatees is between November and March. We visited Blue Spring during the on-season and off-season for manatees and enjoyed each visit.

Manatee Season – November to March

Manatees migrate from the ocean to the warmer springs of Florida where the water temperature stays at 72 degrees all year. During this time, you may see hundreds of manatees congregating at the spring head where the water is the warmest. When you enter the park, there is a manatee counter on the pay booth where you can find out how many manatees are in the spring that day. 

Daily Manatee count at Blue Spring State Park

There is a trail/boardwalk that follows the Blue Spring Run allowing visitors to see the beauty of the area and view the manatees in the crystal clear spring water. You are not able to swim or kayak near the spring head during manatee season.

Blue Springs State Park Boardwalk

However, you may still rent a kayak or canoe and explore the St. Johns River, which the Blue Spring waters feed into. If you are visiting Blue Spring only to view the manatees your visit will only take about an hour. If kayaking or taking a river boat tour on the St. Johns River, you probably need a half of a day.

 

Sulphur Creek Hike

Manatee Off-Season – April to October

Don’t let the phrase “off-season” fool you. Each time we visited during the off season we were still able to see a few manatees. In fact, because it was the manatee “off-season” we were able to kayak and swim near the spring head and get up close to these beautiful creatures. 

Sulphur Creek Third Waterfall Pool

Kayaking next to manatees in their natural environment was honestly magical and is something I will never forget. You are allowed to kayak next to the manatees, but you are not allowed to swim with them. Also, please do not chase or harass the manatees if you are lucky enough to get close to one.

If kayaking with manatees is a bucket list item for you I suggest checking out Crystal River between November and March. The summer kayaking with manatees is no guarantee at Blue Springs State Park. 

Blue Spring State Park is a popular place to swim in the summer to escape the heat. Since Blue Spring is a steady 72 degrees F year-round, it strangely feels warm in the winter and cold in the summer, but I promise it’s the same temperature. You can enter the spring at the spring head and explore the deep crevice beyond what you can see.
Entrance to Peek-a-boo slot canyon
After exploring the spring head you can follow the current and swim or take a rental tube down the Blue Spring Run that leads to the St. Johns River. You may see turtles, fish or manatees in this crystal clear water. There is a barrier blocking swimmers from going too far. At this barrier there are stairs allowing exit from the spring.

We spent a few hours during the summer exploring the spring, riding our tubes and swimming with the current. You could spend a good portion of a summer day at Blue Spring just swimming, tubing and kayaking.  

There are picnic tables for lunch that you can pack in or pick up at the concession stand. If staying for several hours, I recommend parking and finding a picnic table by the parking lot, which is close to the St Johns River. There are picnic tables dispersed in the grassy area, a pavilion and a playground for younger kids in this area.

THINGS TO DO

Observing Manatees

The best time to see manatees is between November and March. However, there are usually a few near the spring throughout the year.

Kayaking/Canoeing

You can rent a kayak or canoe or bring your own. Lifejackets are provided. During the off-season you can kayak canoe close to the spring head. In manatee season you can explore the St. Johns River. 

kayaking at Blue Springs State Park

Swimming/Tubing

Explore the spring head and float an 1/8 mile down the blue spring run. Get out and do it again. Bring your own tube our rent one at the park.

Tubing at Blue Springs State Park

Snorkeling/Diving

Explore the spring head and the surrounding crystal clear water during manatee off season with snorkeling gear (April to October).

Snorkeling in Blue Springs Florida

River Cruises

A 2 hour nature and ecological tour on the St Johns River. We did not do a boat tour at this location but we did in others. Reservations can be made beforehand with St. Johns River Cruises.

Pine Island Trail

A 7.2 mile out and back hike that takes you through several Florida ecological systems. This is a flat trail that you can easily make into a shorter hike by just turning around and heading back the way you came at any point in time. This hike begins at the parking lot that is closer to St Johns River.

Scuba Diving

Explore the depths of the spring head. Must show proof of scuba diving certification.

Historic Site

The Thursby House was built in 1872 and is the centerpiece of the grassy area at Blue Spring State Park. We did not go on a tour inside but looked from the outside in. This home was a hub for steamboats traveling the St. Johns River in the 1800s. 

Thursby House at Blue Springs State Park

Playground

We had three young kids while we lived in Florida so we visited the playground with each visit to Blue Spring.

Camping

Yes, there is camping in Florida. Blue Spring State Park campground is within walking distance of the Spring. There are 44 tent/RV sites and 6 cabins. Make reservations at Florida State Parks

PROS & CONS

PROS

  • Low Cost

  • Great way to see manatees in natural environment

  • Various activities – able to spend an hour of an entire day

  • Kid and adult friendly – both have a good time

  • Great day/afternoon trip from Orlando area

CONS

  • Blue Springs State Park can reach capacity. If going in the summer, especially on a weekend, arrive within one hour of opening or go later in the afternoon after some crowds have left.

DIRECTIONS

Blue Spring State Park is located at 2100 W French Avenue Orange City FL 3276 and is just north of Orlando. It is about 1 hour from Disney, 40 minutes from Downtown Orlando and 40 minutes from Daytona Beach.

Below is the map to the Blue Springs State Park playground. I am using the playground as point of reference because this is where the main parking lot is for the spring, swimming area, boardwalk, kayak rentals, playground, picnic area and the Thursby House.

You can also put Blue Springs State Park in your GPS device, which will take you to the mina entrance. However, you will have to navigate to the parking lot. I recommend parking in the second lot which is the one by the playground. The first lot is the lot where the campground is.

MAPS

 

MORE INFO

Blue Springs State Park official site

Blue Springs snorkeling and tube rentals

Blue Springs kayak/canoe rentals and St. Johns River Cruises

 

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Disney World (1 hour)

Daytona Beach (40 min)

Universal Studios (50 min)

Kennedy Space Center (1 hr 20 min)

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

My goal is to inspire you to get outside and create your own amazing memories as a family. Life is precious and there are too many adventures to be had to spend life on the couch or in front of a screen.

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Float the Provo River with Kids

Float the Provo River with Kids

by | May 12, 2021 | Utah, Water

Float the Provo River with Kids

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Float the Provo River with kids for an exciting Utah County water adventure for the entire family. Escape the summer heat and enjoy the beauty of the mountains and Provo River on a kayak, paddleboard, tube, raft or canoe. This Float the Provo River with Kids guide will help you plan your float or paddle down the Provo River with your family.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty:     Very Easy    Easy    MODERATE   Hard    Very Hard   

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 4.5 miles from launch site to exit point
Elevation Gain: None. Downstream river.
Terrain: River, rocks, trees, exposed river
Time Needed: 1.5 to 2.5 hours 
When to Go: Summer, Early Fall  

COST

Free if using your own transportation and watercraft

Around $20/person if using a tubing/kayaking company 

AMENITIES

  • Vault toilets available at launch site: Deer Creek State Park – Lower Provo River Area

  • Flush toilets available at exit site: Vivian Park

  • Bring your own water

THINGS TO BRING

If Floating Using Own Equipment

  • Paddleboard, Kayak, Raft or Canoe (we love the lifetime products kayaks, especially The Wave kids kayak). See below for links. 

  • Heavy Duty Tubes (I would not float this with the cheapo tubes that pop easily – you will end up swimming/walking down the river.)

  • Two vehicles for shuttling from finish to start

  • Lifejackets – required in Provo River

  • Sunscreen

  • Water

  • Good water shoes/sandals

If Floating Using Equipment/Ride from Tubing Company

  • Good water shoes/sandals

  • Water

  • Water proof bag if floating with items you don’t want wet. 

DETAILS 

Float the Provo River with kids for an adventure you kids will never forget! My kids begged to float it again the very next weekend after our first time — We did! It is now a family favorite. Our 10 and 11 year olds navigated their own paddleboard/kayak without difficulty (they have experience kayaking in lakes – this was our first river). We tied a tube behind one of the kayaks for our 7 year old and the 3 year sat with his Dad on a kayak.

This blog post is primarily to help those plan who are bringing their own floatation device/watercraft. If using a floating company they will provide shuttling, help with launching, take-out, life-jackets etc. Check the sites under the MORE INFO section if you need shuttling service, tubes, etc.

If you have never kayaked, tube floated or paddle boarded I would not recommend doing this as your first outing in your new watercraft. Go to a calm lake first to practice and then adventure to rivers. I say this mostly so you know how to steer and you don’t end up floating to the trees on the river side and get scraped up. There are also rocks to maneuver around when the river is low.

Wave Kayak

The best time to float down the Provo River is in the summer or early fall. The water temperature is in the 50 degree range which is refreshing in the summer heat but can be chilly if you have your bottom submerged in a tube the entire trip.

LAUNCHING

You need two vehicles to float the Provo River if you are using your own watercraft. Prior to launching you will need to place one vehicle at Vivian Park where you will be ending your paddling adventure. You then will need to pick up that driver from Vivian Park and all drive to the launch location.

The launch site for floating down the Provo River is just below Deer Creek Dam. Launch your kayak at Deer Creek State Park – Lower Provo River Area. See my pin drop of where to launch below in the Maps section. Park your vehicle just west of the launch site in a large dirt parking lot.

Parking at Deer Creek State Park – Lower Provo River Area
Parking Lot at Launch Site

Provo River might be fast moving at the launch site. It is important to keep a hold of your watercraft as you place it in the river so it doesn’t float away from you. Have one adult in the water and another sliding the watercraft in from above. Have the kids pile in while you are holding on. Push off from the shore once everyone is safely in their designated ride.

Skutumpah Road overlooking Grand Staircase Escalante
Launch Site

THE RIDE

Floating down the river is an absolute blast. There are easy rapids here-and-there, providing a little excitement on the way. Make sure to maneuver away from trees and rocks – especially if you are in a tube. Keep your eyes up to enjoy the beautiful Provo Canyon and Mt. Timpanogus views along the way.

paddle boarding down provo river
There is a small river island we stopped during our ride. This was a shallow area in September and was a good place for the small kids to get out some wiggles. A lot of the shore around the Provo River is private property. Please respect these areas and don’t get out and explore where you shouldn’t.
Sulphur Creek Third Waterfall Pool

Keep your eyes and ears out for the the Heber Valley Railroad Train. My kids loved watching the train go by.

Heber Valley Railroad at Provo River

About 2 miles down the river at Wildwood there is an old wood bridge that most of the tubing companies will have you avoid. There is rough water around the bridge and it is easy to tip here. Before the Wildwood Bridge there is a bank area to the right where you can get out and walk around 50 feet with your watercraft to get around the bridge. This is recommended if you are inexperienced. If you choose to go under the bridge, stay to the right – this is where the water is the calmest.

Wildwood Exit Point
Exit to Walk Around Bridge
Wildwood Bridge
Wildwood Bridge

EXITING THE RIVER

Exit Provo River at Vivian Park. This is easy to recognize because all the tubing companies have private property exit points on the right side of the river. You should exit the river to the left before the bridge. This exit is a little tricky because of the large rocks/boulders. There is not a great sandy exit point unless you exit right after the bridge. The current to the left, right after the bridge was a little strong and we tipped a kayak so I recommend exiting before the bridge. You can exit on the right side of the river as long as you find a spot that isn’t private property.

Vivian Park Bridge
Vivian Park Bridge – Exit Before
Vivian Park Bridge
Exit Point

PROS & CONS

PROS

  • Super fun!

  • Just the right amount of difficulty for older kids to man their own watercraft.

  • Great way to cool off in the summer heat.

  • You can float with tubes, kayaks, paddleboards, canoes or rafts.

  • The current pushes you forward – no need to paddle to keep going – only need to paddle to maneuver around obstacles.

CONS

  • Water may be running too fast/high at certain times of the year.

  • Launch point water runs a little fast – hang on to watercraft and kids.

  • Exit site is rocky/steep

DIRECTIONS

The Provo River begins below Deer Creek Dam and follows Provo Canyon. You access Vivian Park (exit point) and Deer Creek State Park – Lower Provo River Area (entry point) off of Highway 189 up Provo Canyon. See maps below for exit and entry points.

 

MAPS

MORE INFO

Tubing Companies

High Country Adventure

Runoff River Adventures

 

Provo River Waterflow

Snoflo.org

 

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Deer Creek Reservoir (5 mins)

Bridal Veil Falls (10 mins)

Upper Falls Trail (10 mins)

Sundance Resort (10 mins)

Stewart Falls Hike (15 mins)

Battlecreek Falls Hike (25 mins)

Hiking the Y (30 mins)

Utah Lake State Park (30 mins)

Timpanogus Cave National Monument (35 mins)

 

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

My goal is to inspire you to get outside and create your own amazing memories as a family. Life is precious and there are too many adventures to be had to spend life on the couch or in front of a screen.

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Gandy Warm Springs: Utah’s Desert Oasis

Gandy Warm Springs: Utah’s Desert Oasis

by | May 4, 2021 | Desert, Featured Posts, Utah, Water

Gandy Warm Springs: Utah’s Desert Oasis

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Gandy Warm Springs is an oasis in Utah’s West Desert. Its crystal clear waters offer a way to cool off in the summer heat or warm up on a cold day. You can explore a serene underwater cave that feels more like you are on a tropical island then in the middle of the desert.

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty:     Very Easy    EASY   Moderate    Hard    Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Terrain: Water, dirt, rocks, water cave
Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours
When to Go: Spring, Summer, Fall

COST

Free

AMENITIES

  • None at Warm Springs site.

  • Closest public amenities are at a gas station on the Utah/Nevada border 45 minutes away on U.S. 50.

  • Bathrooms: If you go on a tour of the Crystal Ball Cave there are bathrooms at the Bates Family Ranch which is less than 10 minutes from the Warm Springs.

  • Cabins and camping available at Bates Family Ranch just 10 minutes from Warm Springs

THINGS TO BRING

  • Sunscreen

  • Swim suit

  • Water shoes/sandals

  • Snacks/Lunch

  • Water

  • Googles

  • Kid Floaties

  • Headlamp

  • Vehicle that can drive on dirt roads

DETAILS

Gandy Warms Springs is a fun way to cool off when exploring Utah’s West Desert. It is less than 1 hour from Great Basin National Park and only minutes from Devils Gate Slot Canyon and Crystal Ball Cave. The water temperature felt like it was in the 70s. The Utah Geological Survey says the water temperature can reach 81 degrees. The water feels cool on a hot summer day but warm in the cooler seasons.

There are three natural pool areas to visit at Gandy Warm Springs. Check out our Youtube of Gandy Warm Springs!

Middle Pool

The middle pool is the most popular with a small waterfall and a small underground cave to explore. You are able to drive right up to this pool. The pool features a small waterfall and flows into a small cave. 

Gandy Warm Springs

The Cave

The cave was our favorite part. The greenery hanging made it feel like we were in Hawaii instead of the middle of the desert. Make sure to bring a headlamp so you can see in the cave. The water is about four feet deep in parts and you will have to duck and maneuver around low hanging rocks. I do not recommend the cave if you are claustrophobic.

There were a few areas in the cave that my younger kids couldn’t touch in. Be prepared with floaties. My older kids were able to swim. It was nice to have my hiking sandals on in the cave becasue it is rocky and rough in some areas.

Upper Pool

You walk to the upper pool from the middle pool. It is nestled up against the rocks above the middle pool. There were a few old men in this pool when we were there that kindly let my husband take a picture. The upper pool isn’t very deep and is more for sitting than swimming in. 

Lower Pool

The Lower Pool is located about 1/2 mile east of the Middle Pool and Cave. We drove from the middle pool to the lower pool.  The lower pool area is more of just an area in the river. It has more of a current to it in parts and is deeper than the other two pools. 

The kids really like this area. They played in the current with an attached rope and explored underwater with googles. This area was at least four feet deep in places. 

PROS & CONS

PROS

  • Beautiful clear water

  • Fun water cave exploration

  • Location is remote, but close to a few other adventures. See below.

  • Great way to cool off in the hot summer desert

CONS

  • No amenities on site

Neutral

  • Remote

  • The spring doesn’t necessarily feel warm on a hot day

DIRECTIONS

Gandy Warm Springs is located near the ranching community of Gandy Utah in Utah’s West Desert near the Nevada Border. From Hwy 50/Hwy 6 you will turn North on the Gandy Highway and continue about another 28 miles. Gandy Highway is a dirt highway with little traffic.

You will turn left at the Gandy sign which is just before the Bates Family Ranch and continue another almost 3 miles. You will come to two forks in the road. Stay right with both. Follow my map below as there aren’t any signage on most of the desert dirt roads.

The last three miles is a rougher road which has one small area, about 10 feet, that is fairly sandy with a big bump. We were in a truck and did just fine. If you are worried about this part of the road, you can always park and walk the rest of the way. The main pool and cave are less than 1 mile from this sandy area. 

See my map below for the location of all three pools.

MAPS 

MORE INFO

Utah Geology Survey

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Crystal Ball Cave (10 mins)

Devil’s Gate Slot Canyon (20 mins)

Great Basin National Park (1 hour)

Hermits Cabin (1 hour 30 mins)

U-dig Fossil Quarry (2 hours)

 

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

My goal is to inspire you to get outside and create your own amazing memories as a family. Life is precious and there are too many adventures to be had to spend life on the couch or in front of a screen.

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Salmon Run at Causey Reservoir, Utah

Salmon Run at Causey Reservoir, Utah

by | May 4, 2021 | Mountains, Utah, Water

Salmon Run at Causey Reservoir, Utah

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The Kokanee Salmon run is a must see fall outdoor adventure in Utah. Enjoy the beautiful fall mountain scenery while also viewing the Kokanee Salmon run at Causey Reservoir up close in this unique yearly event. This guide will help you plan your paddle or hiking adventure to see the Utah Salmon run up close. 

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty:     Very Easy    Easy    Moderate    HARD    Very Hard

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 2 to 4.7 miles (depending on if you paddle or hike)
Elevation Gain: 800 ft if hiking
Terrain: Water (reservoir and stream), mud, dirt, rocks, mountains
Time Needed: 3 to 4 hours
When to Go: Mid September to Mid October

COST

Free

AMENITIES

  • Vault bathrooms at Skull Crack Trailhead
  • Restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores nearby in the Huntsville area about 20 minutes away
  • Camping at Weber Memorial Park just minutes from Causey Reservoir 

THINGS TO BRING

Kokanee Salmon via Paddling: 

  • Paddleboard or kayaks

  • Lifejacket

  • Good water shoes/sandals

  • Snacks and water

Kokanee Salmon via Hiking:

  • Good hiking shoes

  • Snacks and water

Disclaimer: My husband and I were able to get away by ourselves for this fun adventure. My ratings are still geared towards families.

    DETAILS

    I have lived in Utah the majority of my life and never knew that there are Salmon in Utah. I had to check these amazing creatures out once a family member told me about them.

    The Kokanee Salmon swim upstream from larger fresh bodies of water to spawn in shallow water of mountain streams. During this time, the Salmon undergo a change from smooth silver color to pink/red. The males also gain a humpback and a snout.

    Kokanee Salmon can be found in the fall during the salmon run at Causey Reservoir near Ogden, Utah in the streams that feed into the reservoir. It does require a little effort to get to these smaller streams, but it is such a fun adventure. You can either paddle or hike to the viewing areas.

    Kokanee Salmon via Paddling

    Paddling to see the the Kokanee Salmon run at Causey provides a more remote experience because hikers can’t reach one of the tributaries.

    Kayak/Paddle Board Launch

    You can launch your kayak or paddle board at the Skull Crack trailhead at the south end of the reservoir or at the dam. We put in at the dam and it was a pretty steep walk to and from the water but it was doable.

    The Skull Crack Trail launch in is a bit more gradual of a walk to get to the water. Water levels each year will impact how far you have to walk to launch.
    Causey Reservoir Dam
    Causey Reservoir Dam Launch Site
    Skull Crack Trailhead Launch
    Skull Crack Trailhead Launch

    Finding Kokanee Salmon

    To view the salmon we preferred the more remote site that can only be reached by paddling. It is the left fork on the south end of the reservoir. After paddling for about a mile and half, the reservoir narrows and you will need to park your paddling vehicle and finish on foot to find the salmon. There is a lot of mud and the creek is freezing!

    Kayaking at Causey Reservoir
    You will hike about 0.5 miles to the small pools of salmon after paddling. The beautiful scenery continues. As you start approaching areas of the creek covered in trees look for red/pink Salmon in the water. We were able to see about 40 to 50 salmon in the pools that we found.
    Salmon Run Utah

    Getting Back

    Our paddle back was rough due to a strong headwind. I think our kids would have had a hard time paddling with the head wind. If paddling with little ones, I recommend starting earlier in the day when the water is calm. We paddled back around 5pm when the water wasn’t calm.

    Check out this link for an awesome map from the Standard Examiner on where to find Kokanee Salmon in Causey Reservoir.

    Kokanee Salmon via Hiking

    You can also view the Kokanee Salmon run at Causey via a 4.5 mile Skull Crack Trail starting from the south end of the reservoir. This is a harder hike for kids due to length and elevation gain. Make sure your kids have done some decent hiking before hiking the Skull Crack Trail. 

    Skull Crack Trailhead

    The trailhead is located at the very south end of Causey Reservoir. More people take the hiking route than the paddling route. There is a map below to the trailhead. The parking lot can become full on weekends. It was full by 9am on the Saturday we were there. There is some parking on the road.

    Skull Crack Trailhead

    The Hike

    This Skull Crack Trail is absolutely beautiful. It follows the skyline of Causey Reservoir and provides beautiful mountain scenery with stunning views of the reservoir. This hike does has some elevation change with a total of 830 feet of elevation gain.The trail is mostly downhill on the way to the Kokanee Salmon and uphill on the way back. 

    Causey Reservoir view from Skull Crack Trail

    Finding Kokanee Salmon

    After about 2.2 miles you will reach the stream where you can find Kokanee Salmon. You will need to continue following the trail about another 0.1 to find the pools with the salmon. I recommend trying out the trail on each side of the stream. Each side provides different views of the pools. The hike is worth the work to see the Kokanee Salmon up close. We saw about 20 Kokanee Salmon in this area.

    Skull Crack Trail Salmon

    The standard examiner map shows that Salmon can also be seen on the North end of Causey Reservoir. We weren’t able to see any here but we visited early in the Salmon season when they may not have been here yet.

     

    PROS & CONS

    PROS

    • Salmon viewing in Utah!

    • Beautiful fall and mountain scenery

    • Two ways to see: paddling or hiking

    CONS

    • Might be rough water when paddling

    • Parking lots may be crowded
    • Longer hike for kids 

    DIRECTIONS

    Causey Reservoir is located just off Highway 39 on FR20139 and is 40 minutes east of Ogden and just 20 minutes from Huntsville. Put Causey Reservoir into your GPS device and you will get the right place. To get to the Skull Crack Trailhead put Skull Crack Trailhead into your GPS or follow my map below.

    MAPS

    MORE INFO

    There are several other places to view the Kokanee Salmon in Utah in the fall including Jordanelle, Fish Lake, Flaming Gorge, Electric Lake, Smith and Morehouse Reservoir, Porcupine Reservoir, Stateline Reservoir, Strawberry Reservoir. Here are some other resources if viewing in other areas.

    wildlife.utah.gov

    utahoutdooractivities 

    Standard Examiner article and map of where to find Kokanee Salmon run at Causey Reservoir 

    OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

    Pineview Reservoir (20 minutes)

    Snowbasin Ski Resort (30 minutes)

     

    ABOUT

    Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

    My goal is to inspire you to get outside and create your own amazing memories as a family. Life is precious and there are too many adventures to be had to spend life on the couch or in front of a screen.

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    Sulphur Creek with Kids: Capitol Reef National Park

    Sulphur Creek with Kids: Capitol Reef National Park

    by | Apr 30, 2021 | Hiking, National Parks, Southern Utah, Utah, Water

    Sulphur Creek with Kids: Capitol Reef National Park

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    Hike Sulphur Creek with kids for an epic adventure in Capitol Reef National Park. This unique hike through a desert canyon will be one you never forget as you traverse redrock, wade through water, slide down small waterfalls and jump in natural pools. This guide will help you prepare and plan your hike through Sulphur Creek with kids. 

    KID RATINGS

    Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
    Difficulty:     Very Easy    EASY    Moderate    HARD    Very Hard                                                                   (Easy or Hard depending on which way you hike and for how long)

    KEY FEATURES

    Distance: 1.5 (easy) to 5.8 (hard) miles
    Elevation Gain: 500 feet elevation loss on 5.8 mile hike, slight gain on 1.5 mile hike
    Terrain: Water (creek, pools, waterfalls), sand, rocks, exposed trail in areas, canyon
    Time Needed: 2 to 9 hours (depending on how far you go and how much you play on the way)
    When to Go: Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall 

    COST

    Free

    AMENITIES

    • Bathrooms available at Capitol Reef Visitor’s Center

    • No water for public at Visitor’s Center, plan accordingly

    • If hiking full 5.8 miles, there is no water or bathrooms at trailhead

    • Lodging and food available in Torrey, 10 minutes away
    • Camping available at Fruita Campground within Capitol Reef

    THINGS TO BRING

    • Sturdy hiking shoes or sandals that can get wet

    • Hiking clothes you can get wet in

    • Plenty of water, 1 – 2L per person

    • Snacks and/or lunch

    • Waterproof bag to carry supplies in

    • Sunscreen

    • Small first aid kit

    • Lifejackets/Floaties for kids who can’t swim
    • Map of Sulphur Creek Hike

    DETAILS

    Sulphur creek is one of our family’s all time favorite hikes. The kids loved hiking through the creek and playing in the natural pools and waterfalls.

    We took our time and spent a solid 9 hours on this beautiful 5.8 mile hike. Our GPS’s tracked it closer to 7 or 8. It won’t take most people this long, especially if you choose the shorter route option. Sulphur creek can be hiked in two ways: an out-and-back shorter hike from the visitors center or a longer 5.8 mile one-way hike from the top. Details are below to help decide what works best for you.

    Narrow Canyon Safety

    Sulphur Creek Hike is a considered a narrow canyon. It is very important to check weather conditions before attempting to hike any narrow canyon or slot canyon. Flash flooding can happen creating a dangerous situation. Before hiking any narrow canyon we check the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/slc/flashflood for Flash Flood Potential. We only attempt to hike if flash floods are not expected.

    You can also check in with the rangers at the Visitor’s Center to check for flash flood warnings.

    Shorter Hike: 1.5+ Miles

    If you want a shorter hike but still want to enjoy the scenery of Sulphur creek, I suggest starting from the backside of the Capital Reef National Park Visitor’s Center and hiking upstream from the bottom up.

    Capitol Reef Visitors Center
    The sandy trail will lead you past an old stone kiln used by farmers in Fruita and then to Sulphur Creek. You can then walk in the creek upward or take the trail to the side. The narrow tall walls that surround the creek provide beautiful scenery and some shade.
    Sulphur Creek Hike
    After 0.7 miles of hiking you will come to a natural pool surrounded by red rock. This is a fun place to swim and cool off. There is a natural water slide and places to rock jump.
    The first mile has beautiful views of the desert and then descends down some slick rock. Follow the trail markers.
    Sulphur Creek Third Waterfall Pool

    From the natural pool, you can turn around and head back to the visitor’s center to finish your hike. Another option is to continue upward following the creek. This is not the recommended way to hike the creek. It can be difficult to get up some of the slickrock in the pool areas hiking this direction. However, having now hiked the full 5.8 as a family, I know we could have made it starting from the visitor’s center and continuing onward to each of the 3 waterfalls. However, I would say we are a quite a bit more adventurous than most families

    Longer Hike: 6 Miles

    For the full Sulfur Creek hike experience it is recommended to hike downstream from the top to bottom as a one way trip. Before making this adventure check with the ranger station for flash flooding risk and water depth. There is an area between the first and second waterfall that may require swimming depending on water depth. The water levels vary throughout the year due to upstream water usage.

    Entrance to Peek-a-boo slot canyon

    If you have multiple vehicles in your party you can have someone drop you off at the trailhead which is 3.3 miles from the visitor’s center. You can also leave a car at the visitor’s center and another car at the trailhead, which is what we did. I have also heard of people planting a bike at the Visitor’s Center and then riding up the 3 miles to get to their vehicle at the trailhead after the hike.

    The trailhead is just a paved pullout located on the south side of Highway 24, 3.3 miles west of the Visitor’s Center near chimney rock.

    From the trailhead follow a sandy path for 0.1 miles to a dry wash. You will be hiking in the dry wash for 1.7 miles until you reach Sulfur Creek. There are some small trails on the inside of the dry wash that you can follow to cut off some distance. This area is the least exciting part of the hike, luckily it is done in the beginning when the kids legs were fresh.
    Once we reached the creek the kids spent the majority of the time walking and playing in the water. There is beautiful scenery with areas enclosed with tall narrow cliffs.
    Entrance to Spooky Slot Canyon

    After coming to the creek, you will continue another 1.5 miles to the first waterfall. There is so much to look at and play in along the way. There is a layer of earth exposed through erosion that contains countless rocks that looked like geodes.

    First Waterfall

    The First Waterfall is 3.2 miles from the trailhead off of Highway 24. When you reach the first waterfall you will need to scramble down some red rock about 12 feet. There are plenty of hand and foot holes along the way to assist you down. Have one adult at the top and one adult at the bottom to help the kids. 

    The first waterfall has a small pool you can play in that is mostly shaded.
    Sulphur Creek First Waterfall and Pool
    First Waterfall

    Between the first and second waterfall there is a long pool between narrow red rock walls. This pool was close to 5 feet deep. My kids that are good swimmers swam through it. We brought floaties for my seven year and three year old. I knew there would be pools and I wasn’t sure how deep the water would be. Our three year old ended up staying in the hiking backpack while my husband was able to walk through.

    Second Waterfall

    The second waterfall is only 750 feet from the first. It requires some more scrambling in between some rocks to get down to it. The younger kids needed a little help getting down but did really well.

    The second waterfall has a small shallow pool to play in.
    Sulphur Creek Second Waterfall
    Second Waterfall

    Third Waterfall

    The third and last waterfall is 1.7 miles from the second. This feels like a lot longer, luckily the views continue to be beautiful and there are fun pockets of water to play in and mini waterfalls for the kids to slide down. This area was probably my most favorite part of the trail.

    The third waterfall is by far the most fun. You can actually slide down the rock as a natural water-slide and swim in the pool area. This is the area you would go to if you start from the visitors center for the shorter hike. 

    Sulpur Creek Third Waterfall
    Third Waterfall
    There are three ways to get past this point in the hike. You can hike to the left and descend the slickrock and swim through the pool, go down the water-slide and then swim through the pool, or climb down to the right avoiding the swim. We tried all three options. If you are hiking with little kids, I recommend an adult climb down the slick-rock to the right and then another adult hand kids down or at least assist kids down.

    We had so much fun in this area sliding down the natural water-slide and jumping into the pool.

    From the third waterfall, you have only 0.7 mile to go until you reach the visitors center. Continue following Sulphur Creek until you see a sign directing to a sandy trail to the Capitol Reef Visitor’s Center. This will lead you to an old rock kiln and then to the backside of the visitors center. This last stretch has beautiful vistas of Capitol Reef.
    Sulphur Creek Rock Kiln

    PROS & CONS

    PROS

    • Free

    • Water fun for the kids while hiking, including creek, pools and waterfalls

    • Epic adventure

    • Great hike for the summer heat

    • Fun for all ages

    CONS

    • No water at trailhead

    • First 1.8 of hike is completely exposed if starting from the top and doing the full 5.8 miles

    • Need transport back to the top if doing full 5.8 miles

    • Do not hike if there is any chance of rain due to flash flooding

    • No water at trailhead

    DIRECTIONS

    If hiking the shorter length, you will start from the backside of the Capitol Reef Visitor’s Center. If hiking the full 5.8 miles from the top you will drive 3.3 west of the Visitors Center on Highway 24. There is a small pull-out on the south side of the road that you will park in. Make sure to have a ride back to your car so you don’t have to hike another 3.3 miles on the highway when you are done.

    MAPS

     

    Trailhead: Shorter Hike from Bottom Up, 1.5+ Miles

    Trailhead: Longer Hike From Top Down, 6 Miles

    MORE INFO

    National Parks Service

    National Parks Service Sulphur Creek Map

    All Trails

     

    OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

    Petroglyphs inside Capitol Reef National Park (3 minutes)

    Other hikes within Capitol Reef National Park (3 minutes to 1 hour)

    Gifford House (3 minutes)

    Fish Lake National Forest (1 hour)

    Goblin Valley State Park (1 hour 15 min)

    Lower Calf Creek Falls (1 hour 15 min)

    Escalante Petrified Forest State Park (1 hour 45 min)

    Arches National Park (2 hours 15 min)

    Bryce Canyon National Park (2 hours 15 min)

    Canyonlands National Park (2 hours 30 min)

    Peek-a-boo & Spooky Slot Canyons (2 hour 30 min)

    ABOUT

    Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

    My goal is to inspire you to get outside and create your own amazing memories as a family. Life is precious and there are too many adventures to be had to spend life on the couch or in front of a screen.

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    Petrified Forest State Park with Kids: Escalante, Utah

    Petrified Forest State Park with Kids: Escalante, Utah

    by | Apr 28, 2021 | Desert, Hiking, Southern Utah, Utah, Water

    Petrified Forest State Park with Kids: Escalante, Utah

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    Escalante Petrified Forest State Park with Kids is a must-see stop when exploring Grand Staircase Escalante Monument in Utah with your family. Walk through geological history as you explore colorful, 150 million year old petrified wood on the Petrified Forest Nature Trail or escape the southern Utah heat in the cool waters of Wide Hollow Reservoir.

    KID RATINGS

    Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
    Difficulty:     Very Easy    Easy   Moderate    Hard    Very Hard                                                                 (Ranges from Very Easy to Moderate depending on what you are doing)

    KEY FEATURES

    Hiking Distance: 0.1 to 3 miles
    Hiking Elevation Gain: Flat to steep, depending on the hike
    Terrain: Sand, rocks, petrified wood, reservoir
    Time Needed: An hour to few days
    When to Go: spring, summer, fall 

    COST

    $6 Day use fee

    $20 – $28/Night if camping

    AMENITIES

    • Flush toilets

    • Showers

    • Camping

    • Water

    • Reservoir for swimming/boating/kayaking/fishing

    • Picnic tables

    • Paddle boards/kayaks for rent 

    • Town of Escalante minutes away with gas stations and small grocery stores. 

    THINGS TO BRING

    • Camping gear if camping

    • Water/sand toys

    • Paddle boards/kayaks if you own them

    • Life jackets

    • Good hiking shoes/gear

    • Dogs allowed

    DETAILS

    Visiting Petrified Forest State Park with kids is a great way to learn about geology and have some fun at the same time. It is also a perfect base camp for visiting Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. You can stop here for a few hours to explore the petrified wood or cool off in the reservoir or stay several days. We stayed three nights and wished we had a few more days to spend.

    The town of Escalante is located just a few miles from Petrified Forest State Park. Within the town of Escalante there are visitor’s centers and historical sites as well as access to gas stations and small grocery stores. It was nice to be near some civilization, we were able to grab some eggs for breakfast we had forgotten and slushies to help us cool off.

    Petrified wood at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

    Petrified Forest State Park is definitely somewhere we will stay again. We loved that we were near the many outdoor adventures of Grand Staircase Escalante Monument. There are endless outdoor adventures in this 1 million acre protected area. We were able to explore the Spooky and Peak-a-boo slot canyons within the monument during our stay. These slot canyons were absolutely incredible and such a surreal experience. 

    Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (1 hour away)

    Things to Do

    Petrified Wood Viewing

    Petrified wood can be found in a viewing area near the nature trail trailhead. An entire tree is displayed as well as several pieces. This area is great for any age and is ADA accessible. There is also a large petrified tree near the main bathrooms. You can also hike the Nature Trail and the Trail of Sleeping Rainbows to see more.  

    Petrified wood viewing area at Petrified Forest State Park

    Water Recreation

    Wide Hollow Reservoir is located within Petrified Forest and is a refreshing place to escape the southern Utah heat. It is nestled along the layers of red and white rock providing a one of a kind scenic backdrop.

    Wide Hollow Reservoir

    The beach area of the reservoir is located across the reservoir from the entrance and the campground. We drove to the beach from the campground because it is probably about a half mile walk.

    We had so much fun playing in the sand, swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding. We own paddle boards and kayaks, but there are also rentals if you don’t have your own at Float Werks Rental located just outside the park. The views while paddle boarding and kayaking were absolutely stunning. I definitely recommend doing this if you have time.

    There is a dock and boat launch located right next to the camping area near the entrance of the park. We had fun dock jumping for the first time. There were several boaters while we were there water skiing.

    Kayaking on Wide Hollow Reservoir

    Hiking

    Petrified Forest Nature Trail is a 2 mile trail that leads to several deposits of petrified wood. The trailhead is located next the main parking lot just after the park entrance. This trail is a steep upward climb for the first quarter mile.

    Petrified Forest Nature Trail, Utah
    It levels out for a loop on a plateau where you can view a few deposits of petrified wood and then descends a quarter mile on the same trail back to the beginning. There are points of interest numbered and marked along the way. We enjoyed following along with a handout from the trailhead to learn about each point of interest.
    The Narrows, Zion National Park

    Off the Nature Trail there is an additional ¾ mile loop called Trail of Sleeping Rainbows. This trail descends into a steep ravine and then back up to connect into the Petrified Forest Trail. The ravine area has the best and most petrified wood deposits in the park. Definitely worth the steep decline and ascent.

    Camping

    There is a small 20 site campground located within Petrified Forest State Park. We stayed three nights and had plenty to do within the park as well as in the surrounding Escalante National Monument. This is a place we will stay in again. We loved the beautiful red rock backdrop and lake scenery. 

    Most of the camping spots have shade provided by a nearby tree or a built in shade structure. We stayed in campsite number W108. The scenery was beautiful at this site but the tent area wasn’t big enough for our tent so we had to set up our tent on part of the parking spot. The restrooms were well kept and warm showers were available.

    The campground at Petrified Forest State Park books on a 4 month rolling basis. I recommend planning ahead and booking 4 months in advance if you are able. The campground fills up quickly in the late spring and early summer. 

    Grand Staircase Escalante Monument

    There are endless adventures in this more than one million acre national monument. While staying at the Petrified Forest State Park we explored the Peak-a-boo and Spooky Slot Canyons. These were absolutely incredible. There are dinosaur tracks, waterfalls, and other hikes and slot canyons nearby.

    Hisotrical Sites

    There are several historical sites and points of interest within the city of Esclante including the Escalante Heritage Center and the Escalante Interagency Vistor’s Center.

    Escalante Heritage Center

    PROS & CONS

    PROS

    • Water activities nearby to help escape summer heat

    • Central location to explore Grand Staircase Escalante Monument

    • Shade structures available

    • Water rentals available

    • Beautiful scenery

    • Petrified wood viewing

    CONS

    • Hot in summer for hiking – start early morning or go in evening

    • Campground is small and fills quickly

    DIRECTIONS

    Utah’s Petrified Forest State Park is located off of scenic highway 12 just a couple miles northwest of the town of Esclante, UT. Put Petrified Forest State Park, UT in your GPS device to get to the right location.

     

    MAPS 

    MORE INFO

     Petrified Forest State Park official page 

    Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument 

    OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURE

     Upper Calf Creek Falls (30 mins)

    Devils Garden (30 mins)

    Kodachrome State Park (50 mins)

    Twenty Mile Dinosaur Trackway (50 mins)

    Peek-a-boo and Spooky Slot Canyons (1 hour)

    Bryce Canyon National Park (1 hour)

    Willis Creek Slot Canyon (1 hour)

    Anasazi State Park Museum (1 hour)

    Capital Reef National Park (90 minutes)

    ABOUT

    Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.

    My goal is to inspire you to get outside and create your own amazing memories as a family. Life is precious and there are too many adventures to be had to spend life on the couch or in front of a screen.

    YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

     

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