Goblin Valley, Wild Horse Canyon and Canyonlands

Since my youngest sister bought a pop up, my parents have a camper and we are new pop up owners, we decided we needed to go camping together. Figuring out three families schedules was a challenge, so the first week in June was the first week we could all go. It was right after the kids got out of school and Mike finished up with a couple long trips. My sister and her husband had never been to Goblin Valley, so we thought it would be a good idea. I'm not going to say we were wrong, because we had fun, but it was HOT. So hot. We were a bunch of wilting flowers. We went in October before and the weather was perfect. We thought June would be okay, since it wasn't July or August. Still hot. ;)

We camped on BLM land and found a great mini canyon tucked away that comfortable held our camp.

On the way out of town Mike finally bought the .22 he's wanted so he brought that and Dave brought his. The kids had a lot of fun shooting and they used over 500 rounds, most of which Adam collected and put back in their cases. They even set up a shade tent so they could maximize the duration. 

Steven was the resident gecko and climbed all of the hills. I found out I most certainly was not a gecko because I went up a hill and was kind of scared to come down because I thought I'd slide. See if you can find Steven in all the pics. 

On Tuesday we hiked Wild Horse Canyon. It was hot, but there was a lot of shade in the slot canyon area. We went a couple miles and then turned around. Steven was very happy he caught a lizard, but not so happy when we had him let it go. 

On Wednesday everyone decided it was too hot and we needed a pool. We drove to Goblin Valley on our way out and the kids played hoodoo hide and seek for a little while before they decided they were done. (At least we had picture opportunities)

Once we arrived at the KOA the world was a better place. The kids rode their bikes around and we swam both days.

We all wanted to go somewhere on Thursday, but the little kids didn't want to hike, so we drove into Canyonlands and only got out to visit the visitors center and walk to Mesa Arch, which is one of the most photographed arches in the world. 

We all left tired and fulfilled. Next time we'll go in April. :)