California Road Trip: Overview

Hello world! I am back in Salt Lake City after an amazing (amazing amazing) trip to the west coast.  It was a lot of driving, but all worth it.  I hope you all love California as much as I do because the next few (many) posts are going to be all about Cali.  I have so many beautiful pictures and thoughts to share with you all and I am so excited.  

Here is a little overview of what is to come from this blog in the next few weeks.

The major stops on our road trip!

Lake Tahoe to Napa Valley, Sausalito over the Golden Gate Bridge to San Fransisco, Monterey, and driving the Pacific Coast Highway down to Big Sur.

North Lake Tahoe, Kings Beach. 

Sausalito, the little town on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge opposite San Fran. 

San Francisco- a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge (Baker Beach), Greenwich steps and Coits Tower, and Pier 39. 

After San Francisco we headed south to drive down the Pacific Coast Highway from Half Moon Bay to Big Sur. 

We drove along gorgeous Big Sur and stopped at Pfeiffer Beach to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches of California. 

After leaving Big Sur, we started heading back up highway 1 and spent the night in Monterey.  We went to Fisherman's Pier, San Carlos Beach, and Cannery Row. 

After leaving Monterey, we headed north to spend the day in Napa Valley.  We went to two different vineyards and enjoyed wine in the California sunshine. 

Can't wait to share all the details and picture of theses amazing places with you all! 

Road Trip to California !

Road Trip!  

Thatcher Olive and I are taking a break from Utah and heading west.  All the way west!  August of last year, we drove from Connecticut to Utah.  This last little "stint" is going to finish off our cross country drive.  I am so excited to see an ocean and I need a little break from Utah and being in the city (Our apartments been broken and we haven't had hot water in a week- yep I am sick of apartment life!)

So why driving?  Driving to California is a cheaper way to see the state, and allows us to bring Olive.  So because I am a grad student on a budget, I am road tripping to California and staying in cheap hotels outside of my target destinations (That's the secret folks...)

Sunday, we spent some time cleaning out the car.  Everything out, everything cleaned (outside and in) and everything back in.  Once in a while you have to clean all the dog slobber off your windows.  Tuesday, the car is going in for an oil change and we are going to check on our  AAA status.

 SO, here is a little "Pre Trip Checklist" for you for your next road trip!

Pre-Trip Checklist

1. Plan your route - you get get a FREE Trip Tik with your AAA membership- this is a nice little book with step by step directions including areas of traffic and construction (you can also build your trip tik online without a membership)
2. Check your AAA membership.  In case you need road side assistance, make sure your membership is up to date!  It is cheap for the year and provides perks like Trip Tiks and hotel discounts 
3. Clean out the car.  It always good to start the road trip on a clean organized note.  Clean the outside, vacuum out the inside, remove any trash or unneeded items.  
4. Oil change and fluids-  Bring your car in for an oil change, make sure they also check your tire pressure, fluids, etc.  They may even vacuum your car out for you!
5. Pack the car up!  I like to do this the night before so I can make sure I have everything I need and I am not rushed.  This also includes snack prep, downloading audio books, etc. Don't forget cash for tolls, or make sure you EZ Pass has an updated CC. 

                   Check out this post for all my tips on what you need for a road trip! 

(or click the picture!)

Okay, so this itinerary is ambitious.  

Having class Monday and Wednesdays, I can only travel from Wednesday afternoon to Sunday.  So I planned this ambitious in itinerary as a California Sampler, to spend a little bit of time in some of California's iconic places.

Salt Lake City to Lake Tahoe, to San Francisco, down the coast to Big Sur, and then back to to Napa Valley before heading back home. 

• Wednesday: Leave Salt Lake City head to Lake Tahoe 1-9pm 

• Thursday:  Morning in Lake Tahoe - King Beach/Coon Street Beach
• Leave at noon - head to San Francisco 
• Come through the North-  Head through Sausalito, over the Golden Gate Bridge. 
• Stop at Golden Gate Park 
• Embarcadero
• Pier 39 
• Greenwich Steps to Coit Tower
• Tiled Steps 

• Friday:  San Francisco to Big Sur (Noon)
• Pacifica
• Half Moon Bay 
• Santa Cruz
• Monterey Bay
• Carmel
• Big Sur
• McWay Falls 

• Saturday:  Monterey to Napa (noon) 
• Honig (10-4:30pm)never disappoints, whether you are with or without dog. Youthful, laid back and stylish, Honig's tasting lounge is in the middle of a vineyard and comfortably set up for you and your furry friend. 
• St. Supery (10-5pm) is directly off highway 29 but set back far enough to give you and your pup plenty of space to roam around before taking their self-guided tour. The tasting room has a few breakables, so I recommend buying your favorite bottle after a quick tasting and sitting at one of their comfortable tables outside in the shade with your dog and your friends.
• Hall (10-5:30) is dog-friendly and keeps most of their breakables out of paw’s reach. Right off the 29 and basically next door to pet-friendly Gotts-   Hall has a shaded outdoor area where you can taste their renowned and wide array of wines while admiring their sculptures, vineyards and well-designed grounds.
• Gott’s Roadside (formerly Taylors and featured in 7x7’s  100 Things to Eat+Drink Before You Die),
• head to Sacramento

• Sunday:  Sacramento to Salt Lake City 

Antelope Island and Great Salt Lake Spring/Summer 2015

Yep, we are back in Antelope Island.  

Again.  

What do you mean again?  

Antelope Island Winter (first time)  My first time to Antelope Island.  Insanely gorgeous pictures of the snowy mountains reflecting off the Salt Lake.  

Antelope Island Winter (second!) Second time visiting the island and again.. winter!  We went for a nice winter hike with the pup. 

Antelope Island Spring (third) My third time to the island was this  Late winter/early spring.  I was really excited that this time, I was on horseback! 

Well, now you are on my fourth visit, and third season at Antelope Island.  It is so fun visiting the same spots during different seasons.  I came early early June so technically spring on the island Utah goes from hot hot hot to cold cold cold so the landscapes change so dramatically with the different seasons.  

Take a look at my summer trip to Antelope Islands.  

And I finally photographed the antelope. 

Antelope of Antelope Island 

Antelope of Antelope Island 

It is basically like going on a safari every time you visit this island.  

Bison on Antelope Island 

Bison on Antelope Island with Salt Lake City in the background.

I really love these pictures.  Antelope on the island in the front, the Great Salt Lake in the middle, and Salt Lake City in the back. This picture is kind of a great summary of the area.  Urban city, Great Salt Lake, and nature/wildlife on the island.  Utah, you are a little crazy.  

Snake on Antelope Island 

Antelope Island 

Antelope Island 

Antelope Island 

Antelope Island 

Reflections on Antelope Island 

The reflections.  The reflection of the mountain on the lakes makes my little photographer heart smile.  It is so pretty and I was really excited to catch the same image (well, same spot) during two completely different seasons). 

Spring/Summer Reflections on Antelope Island 

June, 2015 

Winter Reflections on Antelope Island 

 February, 2014

Still one of my favorite pictures from Utah.  Seeing this image on my visit to Utah kind of sold me on living here.  This place is so beautiful and just so different than home.  I wanted to experience life out here, even if just for a little while.  

  Reflections on Antelope Island 

Bikers on Antelope Island 

Marina on Antelope Island 

Another season on Antelope Island.  And quickly closing in on my 1 year Utahversary.  

Thank you Antelope Island and Great Salt Lake for being so close, so gorgeous, and such a fun and different experience each time I visit.  

Need To Know Before You Go

HOURS

Island Access - Open Daily 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

Visitor Center Hours:  9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fielding Garr Ranch Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (closed in winter)

Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas

FEES

Entrance fees (includes causeway and wildlife fees):

Entrance fee: $10 per vehicle up to 8 people

Senior entrance fee (62 years of age): $5 per vehicle up to 8 people

Bicycles, Motorcycles and Pedestrians: $3 per person

Commercial Groups (including over 8 people per vehicle): $3 per person and $5 per bus

Educational Groups: $1 per person with prior reservation

TO-DO

Scenic drives, bike tour, run, camp, horseback ride (ranch or bring your own), hike, boat/swim, birding, wildlife viewing. 

ACCESS

You can drive over to the island on a two-lane causeway

EXTRAS AND WILDLIFE

 - Elevation:  4,200 feet at the shore. Frary Peak is the island’s highest point at 6,596 feet.

 - The island and ranch passed from owner to owner until 1981 when the State of Utah purchased the 28,000-ace island for a State Park.

 - Antelope Island has over 40 freshwater springs producing enough water to support the islands abundant wildlife.

 - Bison are the most famous residents. Twelve animals were brought to the island in 1893 and were the foundation for today’s herd of 550 – 700. An annual bison roundup is held each fall to assess the health of the herd and sell extra animals.

 - Pronghorn antelope are native to Utah and to the island.  They are the fastest animals in North America and can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.

 - Mule deer and bighorn sheep are the other large herbivores on the island. Predators include coyotes, badgers, bobcats and numerous birds of prey such as owls, hawks and falcons.

Park City, Utah

Let me start by saying, I didn't "get" Park City at first.  I think it was one of those places that is so talked about and hyped up that you build this image in your mind.  When you hear someone mention Utah, you don't hear about the amazing hikes and great food, you hear about the Mormons, the Temple, and Park City. 

The first time I stepped onto Historic Main Street, I didn't get it.  Don't get me wrong, it was really cute, but I guess I had it so built up in my brain. 

 What is everyone so obsessed about, its a street?!

Well, I have officially been to Park City during Winter Spring Summer and Fall and it took me a few times, but now I get it. It is about 30 minutes from Salt Lake City and pretty much the opposite.  No homeless people, no religious overtaking, and much more touristy.  It has the ski town vacation culture through every inch of Main Street.  Let me show you some snapshots of what makes Park City so iconic. 

Culture: 

Park City has that small ski town vibe to a tee.  From its shops and restaurants, gorgeous resorts, and the kicker, Town Lift.  Yes, there is a ski lift that connects the skiing right to Historic Main Street.  You don't have to eat at the lodge, you can come down to Main Street in your ski boots and enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants.  There is also the historic Free Shuttle that travels up and down Main Street.  All the action is on this street so if you don't want to walk up the hill, hop on the shuttle.  Probably one of my favorite things about the PC culture is the colored houses.  The gorgeous colored houses of Park City dot the hillside along Main Street.  It's just so dang quaint.  There is also an art scene with adorable galleries and shops.  With Sundance in Utah, the film/art vibe spreads across the state.  Keep your eyes peeled for the Banksy tucked away on Main Street. 

On Summer weekends (Sunday) Main Street is shut down and "Park Silly" takes over.  A farmers market and gigantic festival takes over Park City for the day.  Live music, lots of food, vendors and fun.  Salt Lake City is a ghost town on Sundays as everything is closed for religious (and no ones around) reasons.  But join the crowds and enjoy summer at Park Silly. 

Restaurants:
Park City has some great food.  While most of it is "high end" there are some great options and something for everyone.  My favorite dive/local spot is Collies Sports Bar.  No frills bar with an outdoor patio, and some amazing smoked wings.  I have also been to High West Distillery (higher end, delicious whisky), Purple Sage (Mid price range, really delicious) and Lespri's (Steak and sushi- really yummy).  There are so many restaurants in Park City and I have so many left to try.  

Trip Advisor 30 Best Restaurants in PC

Skiing
Obviously, this is why people come to Park City.  While the west is home to some great skiing, Park City is loved by many because its so darn easy to get to.  About 30 minutes from the airport, it is an easy ride to get to Park City for a ski vacation.  Direct flights to SLC from almost everywhere, and an easy drive to the mountains.  And Utah is known for its "best snow on Earth".  We didn't have the greatest winter last year so I am still pretty neutral on Utah Snow.  And Jackson Hole kind of has my heart....

Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons Resort are right there if you are looking for convenience.  But you have plenty of options in the area... boy do you have options.

Where I have been:  Snowbird, Snow Basin, Brighton, Canyons, Solitude, 

Skiers only:  Alta, Deer Valley,

Yet to ski:  Park City Mountain Resort, Sundance, 

 Powder Mountain, Wolf Mountain and Beaver Mountain.  

Other Activities
Park City is much more than skiing and snowboarding.  Once the snow melts and the hillsides turn green, its time for some hiking, mountain biking, and trail running.  It is a lot cooler up here compared to the valley, so this is a great spot to escape the heat and play outside.  A free bus can cart you up the Mid Mountain Trail so you can bike down.  You can also pay to use the lift at certain ski resorts if you want to bike the trails.  There is some gorgeous hiking in the area, and Park City offers a summer long trail running series.  It is a town for the active sort of crowd.  And the downtown Park.  City Park in Park City is just a pretty perfect park.  There is something for everyone, and the park is full of happy people enjoying the day.  Free movies on the lawn from Sundance, and volleyball tournaments.  City Park is the Bees Knees. 

There are also amazing trail systems in this park.  The trail along the beautiful Poison Creek connects various parts of Park City.  It also provides a great spot for running, walking, and biking.  Park City was designed with pedestrians in mind. 

Olympic Park

Technically not historic downtown PC but its in the area and its worth the visit.  A ski musuem, zip lining, alpine coasters, activity coarse, there is so much fun to be had.  In the winter, you can watch athletes on the bobsled and skull track.  In the summer, you can watch skiiers practicing aerial tricks into the new pools.  Olympic Park is just another part of the PC culture.   Check out my Olympic Park post here 

Park City, I get you.  You are so fun, so cute, so quaint.  Park City if void of the religious culture of downtown which I really love.  Park City likes their booze, likes their fun, and attracts more of the transplants.  This historic street with quaint shops, and delicious restaurants.  And my favorite, the colored houses of Park City.  The adorable trolley, and the Town Lift.  The walking trails, and the cooler temperatures.  Park City, you make me want to leave the Valley!

Lake Blanche Hike - Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

Lake Blanche Hike

Lake Blanche, Lake Florence, Lake Lillian and Sundial Peak
Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

If you live in Utah, you have probably heard about Lake Blanche.  And if you haven't hiked it, you really should.  Let me spend the next few minutes convincing you.

It is one of the most popular hikes up in Big Cottonwood Canyon.  A hike up the canyon brings you to some gorgeous lakes.   Lake Blanche, Lake Florence, Lake Lillian and Sundial Peak are your rewards for the ~ 2,900' elevation gain over 3.5 - 4 miles.  And lots of wildlife to enjoy!  On this hike alone I saw various chipmunks, a marmot, a snake, and moose!

This hike isn't easy, you are going to sweat and get in an awesome glute workout.  But I promise, the views at the top are spectacular.  I wish we had more time to relax around this gorgeous scenic lake area.  

Mill B South Trailhead 

Trailhead:  Mill B South Trailhead.  The trailhead is 4.5 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon

Distance:  What I read said 2.6 to 2.8 each way.  I found that it was about 3.5 miles to Lake Blanche, and about 4 miles to Lake Lillian, the furthest lake.  Up to the furthest lake and back was 8 miles round trip.   The trail head fills up quick but there is a good amount of overflow parking along the road.  When you see a sharp bend in the road with a ton of cars parked along it, you are there. 

Level:  I would say moderate to hard.  The trail goes up the entire way with really no flat.  Some parts are also very steep and rocky.  Getting down takes a lot of paying attention crossing the boulders.  

Dogs:  Nope- no dogs anywhere in Big Cottonwood Canyon. I did see a girl carrying her tea cup-poodle-yorkie something up the trail.  Nope lady, rules still apply to you and your 3 lb dog.  

Notes:  This is a busy trail and it is only wide enough for one person at a time.  Make sure you are courteous and share the trail with others coming up/down.  It is busy and it is a thin trail! It seemed to be a popular backpacking spot as a lot of people were coming down with a lot of gear. 

Twin Peaks Wilderness Sign, Wasatch National Forest 

Lake Blanche Trail and Wild Flowers 

The wild flowers in July were gorgeous.  Stop and smell the roses flowers!

Moose munching in the trees 

Making our way up the trail, all the sudden the couple in front of me stops, and starts giving me all these crazy hand signals.  I finally realize he is making the signal for a deer or something.  I walk up and see a WALL of moose, munching on greenery about 15' off the trail.  I was very close to Mr. Moose but he did not seem to mind too much.  About 20 more feet up the trail, two more moose were laying down in the field in the distance.  Be respectful and courteous of the wildlife - this moose was a little too close for comfort.  They can be very aggressive if they are with their young. 

Rocky edge along the Lake Blanche Trail 

Just when you are super tired and sick of the elevation, you will hit some rocky bouldery sections.  You are almost there and enjoy the beauty of this crazy rock. 

Lake Blanche Trail and Sundial Peak 

And the gorgeous views continue. 

 Sundial Peak in front of you with a trail cutting through wild flowers. 

Is this real life?

Marmot on the Lake Blanche Trail, Utah 

At about this point, I met my first rodent friend.  This adorable friend looked like a cross between a fat squirrel and a weird beaver.  Turns out, he is a marmot, a yellow bellied marmot, popular to Utah.  He was pretty cute and I think used to being fed.  DON'T feed the critters. DO take their pictures.

Marmot on the Lake Blanche Trail, Utah 

Lake Blanche and Sundial Peak

And then here you are, gorgeous Lake Blanche.  A lot bigger than I thought, even more beautiful than I imagined.  Take a break, eat lunch, and soak up the serene setting of the lake. Even on a Sunday evening it was calm and peaceful up here.  The lake is big enough that you can find your own peaceful spot. BLT tastes so much better after a long hike with this sort of a view. 

Enjoying a BLT with views of Lake Blanche and Sundial Peak

You made it this far, you might as well continue past Blanche to see the other lakes up here. Lake Florence and Lake Lillian are beyond Blanche and are equally as beautiful and more serene. You will see the past leading past Blanche, follow it. 

Trail leading away from Lake Blanche to the other Lakes 

Lake Florence 

wildflowers at Lake Florence 

Again, the wild flowers.  They are insanely gorgeous this time of year.  Those yellows.....

Gorgeous rock slabs along Lake Blanche 

Its not allllll about the lakes.  The rocks around the lakes are an art form.  The colors, the texture, these are the prettiest rocks I have ever seen.  Also stop and marvel at these gorgeous wall/dams built around the lake. 

Stone wall along the lakes - much deserved rest 

Lake Lillian 

Not only will you find the beautiful lakes, but you will see a waterfall past Lake Blanche. 

Waterfall by Lake Blanche 

Lake Blanche, you were simply beautiful.  
The geology, the lakes, the wild flowers, what a gorgeous spot.  It is a long trip to get there but worth every step for these views.  Sunshine and solitude at  Sundial Peak.  

If you are like me, you worked up an appetite on this hike and spent the entire hike dreaming of Porcupine Grill nachos. and a cold beer.  

Go for it, you earned it!

Thanks for the gorgeous pictures Utah.