This weekend, a quick trip to Moab with a friend and our 4-yr-old daughters, we found the family-friendly side of Arches National Park.

Sitting just outside Moab, Arches National park is a cozy park with a lot to offer. Around every turn is a spectacle of redrock–from Balanced Rock, The Three Gossips and the Fiery Furnace to the North and South Window Arches, Sand Dune Arch, Landscape Arch and Delicate Arch–with endless possibilities, even with young kids.

This trip was a quick one with strategic hikes to a handful of locations. Though we ended up being spoiled by spotty fall rain showers, we were still able to hit some quick hikes with minimal damage thanks to short trailheads and scenic roads.

Many of the trailheads are located within 1/2 mile of the arches or, in some cases, right on it (as with Balanced Rock). As far as hiking with young kids go, Arches is a great choice. Many of the hikes are easy while still being rewarding. Our 4-yr-olds both enjoyed exploring the sandstone, playing in the sand dunes and other typical 4-yr-old behavior.

In the end, the drive through the Park was well worth it even though we only got out on two actual arch hikes: South Window Arch and Sand Dune Arch. The great thing about Arches is there’s more adventure around every corner with plenty of short hikes or longer hikes for the more adventurous.

Trail Map: Download the Trail Map of Arches National Park

Last weekend was my 6th anniversary, so I arranged for a babysitter in the morning (takes some wrangling to get anyone to watch our 4 hooligans) so my wife and I could step into the Wasatch for a morning hike. The destination was Sunset Peak at the convergence of Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood and American Fork Canyons and an excellent vantage point to see the Wasatch and Uintah’s unfold before your eyes.

Starting at the Sunnyside parking lot in Albion Basin at Alta, the trail meanders to Catherine’s Pass and then catches the ridgeline to Sunset Peak. The entire trail is straightforward and well-marked without anything technical to speak of. The only caveats to that is a section of sand as you approach the ridgeline saddle just before Sunset Peak (not technical, just not much fun) and a few exposed areas as you approach the summit.

At a moderate pace, you can make it to the summit in only 1.5 hours. If you are toting kids or are faint of heart, you can enjoy the views from Catherine’s Pass and opt not to continue to Sunset Peak, however, the climb to Sunset doesn’t take long and is well worth it for not too much more effort.

From Catherine’s pass, the trail does take a turn for the steep as it takes no prisoners on its nearly-vertical path. At that point, my Merrell Outbound boots were a tad stiff and I wished I had something a little more flexible for this steep of terrain. However, it wasn’t that big of a deal. Overall, this trail is suitable for light hikers or trail runners if you’re not carrying much of a load.

Here are a handful of pictures of the hike up Sunset Peak:

Climbing Sunset Peak Details – From Sunnyside Lot at Alta, Utah

Distance: 2.25 miles
Vertical: 1,658 ft
Summit Elevation: 10,529 ft
Roundtrip Time: Approx. 3 hours at moderate pace
Water: Yes, small streams in Catherine’s Basin suitable for pumping water

That said though, I was anxious to try out these new backpacking boots from Merrell. The quality of materials and construction seem well beyond the $185 pricepoint, so the value seems to be there, but how is the ride with such a burly boot?

About the Merrell Outbound Mid Gore-Tex Boots

Built as one of Merrell’s burliest boots, the Outbound Mid hiking boots are built with Gore-Tex liners for waterproof performance in all conditions. These boots are stiff and sturdy–capable of weeklong backpacking trips or excursions where waterproof, supportive boots are necessary. Looking at the specs, the Outbound boots have all the right components from Gore, Vibram, Ortholite and Aegis that’s topped off by a slew of Merrell technology. See below for the rundown.

• GORE-TEX® Gasket Construction
• Cordura, Synthetic and Ripstop Mesh Upper
• Comfort Padded Lycra® Collar
• GORE-TEX® Performance Comfort Lining Treated with Aegis®
• Breathable Padded Bellows Tongue
• Metal Hook and Lacing Eyelet
• Reinforced Silicone Molded Synthetic Instep and Heel Stability Arm
• Molded TPU Abrasion Resistant Full Length Toe and Heel Bumper
• 4.5mm Ortholite® Anatomical Footbed
• Merrell Spring Motion™ Technology Insole; Grade 4 Men’s, Grade 3 Women’s
• Lightweight Direct Injected Polyurethane Midsole
• Merrell Air Cushion
• 7 mm Sole Lug Depth
• Vibram® Outbound Sole/ CT Rubber
• Men’s Weight: 3 lbs.
• Colors: Black/Red or Black
• MSRP: $185

Merrell Outbound Mid Gore-Tex Boots review

After a quick office break-in, I was headed out in the Wasatch with my wife to climb Sunset Peak. This is a relatively quick hike that takes you from Alta Ski area to the convergence of Little Cottonwood, Big Cottonwood and American Fork Canyons. The views are spectacular and the hike is well worth the effort.

As I was breaking them in, I was quick to notice just how stiff these boots were. Laterally, you’d be hard pressed to twist your ankle or feel in any way compromised in its stability. The stride of these boots feels very natural and the forefoot flexes just enough to keep things comfortable. One of the great features of these boots is the combination of Merrell Air Cushion and Merrell Spring Motion™ insole. With the 7mm Vibram-lugged sole, the midsole support and cushion is just enough to reduce shock and keep things comfortable over the long haul.

You don’t want a super-squishy boot for long-distance backpacking, but the cushioning midsole on the Outbound feels to be the perfect combination of stability and comfort/shock absorption.

Lacing them up for the trail, it was easy to cinch them down for a proper fit. With just a midweight pair of EMS-brand hiking socks, I was confident that I’d be blister-free and I was.  In the lower-angle approach trails, the tightness of the forefoot and cuff was just right, but when the trail reached the ridge and got considerably steeper, my ankle wasn’t able to flex enough fore and aft for comfort. As a result I just shortened my stride a tad to slightly reduce the ankle flex–I was too lazy to re-lace, but could have done that easily.

Just keep in mind that these are stiff boots that are built to protect your foot and support your body for heavy-duty backpacking. As such, you will sacrifice some flexibility, but the lugged Vibram sole makes up for some of that lack of flexibility in its excellent terrain-hugging grip. This outsole provided excellent uphill and downhill traction on rocky and loose terrain.

I tested out the waterproof capabilities of these boots by stepping in a stream. The DWR finish on the Cordura exterior combined with the Gore-Tex liners were impossible to penetrate. Water just beaded up and nothing came close to penetrating the boot. I’m sure over time, the DWR finish will wear off, but the Gore-Tex liner will be worth its weight in gold should you choose to hike these in wet conditions (like my homeland in Washington State).

Good Outbound Boots

• Love the supportive comfort of the Air Cushion and Spring Motion midsoles
• Vibram outsole is very grippy in all terrain
• Excellent waterproofing with Gore-Tex and DWR finish
• Surprisingly breathable
• Supportive and sturdy in technical terrain

Bad Outbound Boots

• Gore-Tex could get hot if hiking in extreme heat
• Upper tongue seems a little thick
• Not a whole lot of flexibility for steep/technical climbs

The Bottom Line: Merrell Outbound Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots

Sturdy and stable while maintaining an excellent comfort level, the Outbound Mid boots are a solid option for long-distance backpacking or technical hiking when a burly boot is desired. Gore-Tex is a nice touch for those living in wet climates. And, the price is solid for what you’re getting.

Buy Now: Search REI for Merrell Outbound Boots

Kayland has been around for 13 years with distribution in the United States since 1998 and a physical presence here since 2006.  So, hence why they weren’t on my radar previously!  Since establishing that US presence, the brand has expanded and received the laud of Backpacker Magazine who awarded the Vertigo High hiking boot its editor’s choice for 2007. Kayland utilizes eVent Fabrics in many shoe styles, which (in all my tests) breathes much better than Gore-tex.

Kayland Dragonfly Trail Running Shoes

Built with eVent for a waterproof and breathable exterior, the Dragonfly trail runners look like great everyday trail shoe that will excel in wet conditions.  Tipping the scales at just over 11 oz. each, they are on par with the majority of day-in/out trail runners. One cool feature is the wraparound lacing, called Heel Lock, that pulls the heel of the shoe in for a snug fit (notice how the 2nd lace loop is actually pulling the wraparound lace). The composite Surefly sole provides sure-footed traction. MSRP is $120 and these shoes are currently available.

Kayland Crux Grip

A re-design for 2009, this approach shoe is built with full suede and sports Vibram treads for long-lasting durability. Laces are low-slung to ensure a snug fit all the way down to your toes with a durable toe rand for wedging. Profile is low with a very simple foam cushion midsole. MSRP is $100 and should be available Spring 2009.

Kayland Legend Trail Leather

Blending an approach shoe with a casual/trail shoe, the Legend Trail looks like a great “do it all” shoe. I like how far down the lacing is placed to provide a snug fit when needed (hence the approach shoe roots). Though not a super-technical shoe, the Legend Trail looks like a great shoe for day hikes or hanging out downtown. Built with a mixture of leather and softshell fabrics, this should prove to be durable and weather-resistant. MSRP is $110 with availability this Spring.

Buy Now: Search for Kayland Footwear

Come summertime, the only way in and out of Zion Canyon is by shuttle bus. Luckily, the buses run frequently, so you don’t ever have to wait too long. One of the best benefits of the buses in the summer is that the canyon seems much less crowded. You can even ride your bike up and down the canyon and the courteous bus drivers will graciously pass–unlike the days when thousands of cars would park on either side of the road, leaving a narrow, two-lane road only navigable by Geo Metros.

Ah, but we were venturing to Zion in the winter. The winter is an entirely different story. The shuttle buses are all parked in a lot and the gates are open for all vehicles. The nice thing is that vehicles are few and far between during the winter months.

Since the winter snowpack in Northern Utah has been so thin this year, nothing sounded more refreshing than a nice hike through the desert and 65-degree temperatures. We figured we might as well take advantage of the warm winter somehow, because there sure wasn’t any powder in sight.

We set out to hike the East Rim Trail from the East Entrance to the park, then down into Zion Canyon near Weeping Rock. The trail is about 13 miles with a total vertical ascent of 1500 feet. and a descent of nearly 2800 feet. Honestly, it’s the descent that kills you.

The trail begins through scattered pines and scrub oak with a mixture of sand, clay and sandstone. All around are these rolling rounded canyons that look like giant checkerboards with a crisscross square pattern. The geology here is amazing.

After a long, slow climb, the trail begins to switchback and steepen as it climbs to the East Rim Plateau overlooking Zion Canyon. As we approached the higher altitudes, the sandy trail gave way to the stickiest, wettest clay ever–typical of Utah–with intermittent snow patches. Soon enough (not soon enough for my mud-covered boots) though we were trudging through crusty, sun-cupped snow that had fallen weeks prior.

The snow was very welcomed after everyone’s boots were turned into elevator shoes as the mud continued to build and build until it was cleaned off by the patches of snow. The trick was to stay on the snow as long as possible.

Once we reached the summit and began our descent into Zion Canyon, the vistas began to change immediately. The trees got thicker and the steep, redrock and white sandstone walls of Zion Canyon came into view. Now it was time to descend.

As we descended into Zion Canyon, I was quickly overwhelmed by the red canyon walls against the bright blue canvas sky. I had hiked in Zion before, but not this trail, and I couldn’t help but take pictures. That’s the beauty of digital cameras… you take more pictures because it doesn’t cost a dime.

As the trail meandered through the canyons, back to Zion Canyon, it funnels through a narrow slot canyon and the trail has been carved into the side of this slot canyon, revealing a beautiful, orange domed walkway. This portion of the hike was the most awe-inspiring, with 2000 foot redrock walls shooting all the way up from the floor of the slot canyon. Cool stuff!

What was amazing about the hike was some of the grasses and weeds that were a healthy green color–evidence of our overly mild winter. It was beautiful, but depressing because of the looming drought conditions Utah may face this summer.

After arriving at the edge of Zion Canyon just above Weeping Rock and Lost Canyon, the trail switchbacks its way down to the canyon floor–a mere 1000 feet down. Once we reached the vehicles, I had two blackened toenails, sore knees and a great memory of how beautiful the hike was.

Since Northern Utah is continuing in an uncharacteristically low snow year, it just might be worth hitting Southern Utah while the crowds are non-existent and the weather is temperate.

More Info: Visit Zion National Park Page

More photos from the East Rim:

So about a month ago we agreed that on Friday evening we would meet at the mouth of Rock Canyon, in Provo, Utah, to go climbing. I would be coming from work and she would drop off our son at Grandma’s and hurry over to the parking lot from which we determined to set out. We met at 6:00 pm and hurried off hiking up the canyon. The cliff that we were decided to climb on was about a 30-minute hike from the parking lot. Knowing the sun would set around 8:30, we were hiking at a very brisk pace.

Just prior to cutting off the main trail for the base of the rock wall/cliff, there is a drinking fountain. We stopped for a drink and to fill up our water bottle. I suddenly felt the need to relieve myself. Then I gasped when I realized that in my haste to pack the gear that morning I hadn’t put any toilet paper in my pack. I always bring T.P. because something about hiking gets things going for me and I often find myself seeking a quite refuge in the forest to take care of business.

“What are you going to do?” “No matter,” I said, “I’ll just find some maple leaves or something. It’s not like this is the first time that I’ve forgotten the TP.” “No doubt,” jeered Cynthia, and with a little chuckle added, “have fun.”

So I ventured off a ways. This summer had been exceptionally dry and I was noticing that although there was still an abundance of maple trees that the leaves were extra small. I didn’t think I’d find anything of usable size. “The drought isn’t making this easy,” I thought. Just then I spotted a small ground plant with sizable leaves. After picking about a dozen or more I settled in to take care of business. I wondered how this plant had managed to get such large leaves during such a dry year. It must be the natural spring nearby that fed the water fountain.

Our climb went well. It was a new climb for us and we both enjoyed ourselves. Once done we were off to Grandma’s to pick up our son and then an hour drive home. While at Grandma’s house, I started to feel a little itchy in my pants. I thought it was from sweating so much from the hike and climb and that a good shower would cure that. The drive home became less and less comfortable. “Man, I am really itchy,” I said to myself.

When I got home and hopped in the shower, I noticed that things were quite red and swollen down there. This wasn’t looking so good. That night was one of the worst nights ever. The next day, which was Sunday, was miserable. No doctor was around and the on call nurse said to use Benadryl. This rash laughed in the face of Benadryl. Sunday night was the worst night ever. It made Saturday night look easy.

Monday I saw the doctor. He saw the rash that had now spread to my arm and hand and sent me off to the pharmacy. He asked where else I had the rash and after telling him the Reader’s Digest version of my story he and the med. student got a good laugh but certainly not a good look.

While at Rite-Aid waiting for my steroid prescription, which I insisted on when given the choice, I looked over to see a pamphlet that said, “Facts and Fiction about Poison Ivy.” “THERE IT IS!” I mentally screamed. There on the cover of the pamphlet was a picture of the perpetrator. I couldn’t believe that I had done the unimaginable. I had wiped with Poison Ivy. I didn’t even know we had Poison Ivy in Utah. I do now.

So when out in the woods this summer and fall, beware the large leafed ground plant and always carry an ample supply of TP.

Afterward: Our families still laugh about it. My mother-in-law wrote to my brother-in-law in Philadelphia and told him about it. He sent me a card the other day that had a pilgrim squatting in the woods with an Indian near by shaking his head saying, “Why you make poop in Poison Ivy?” The cover of the card read “In the New World, the pilgrims learned many valuable survival lessons from their Indian neighbors.” The caption inside read: “Just had an itching to say hi.” This is the first we’ve heard from him in over a year.

Journey on Mt. Hood with Roo 8-24-95

Day 1

11:30 AM – Roo and I are already on the trail. It’s been uphill, but not too bad. Here on the west side of Mt. Hood lush northwest forests, small creeks and large ferns abound. We’ve been going at a good pace for a couple hours now. Conversation has slowly died off, as the trail and walking become automatic. I’m so glad we’re here. It’s beautiful and awesome to be alive. Lots of interesting mushrooms and fungi around. We’ve stopped for a short water break. Animal crackers too.

1:56 PM – OUCH! It’s been all uphill. We’ve been going up a ridge for an hour or so and found a nice clearing to eat lunch. We are on the southwest side of Hood now, with a broken view of the peak itself as it is partially hidden by heat convection clouds. The sun warms me to the core.

It’s been a while since I’ve been able to just think and have no deadlines to dictate my thoughts. Nature is soothing. Spending time with Roo is time well spent or invested. I should say…

9:12 PM – I’m so glad to be out here. I’m gonna be sore tomorrow, that’s for sure! Being here with my sister is really unique and quite a priceless experience. We ate a good pasta dinner, hot cocoa, crackers, mmm…here at the timberline. The north side of Hood is quite lush despite it being August. The constant melt from the glaciers above have kept this area as lush as a garden. Wildflowers, lichen, and small bushes are racing against time as winter arrives early and stays late here on the north side. The glaciers are breathtaking here on the north side. Big blue walls of ice. I lay here with the barks of coyotes in the distance and owl hooting nearby. The stars are plentiful. The silhouettes of pines guard my view to the north. The clouds dispersed just before sundown leaving the mountain basking in an orange glow. The trail offers many acquaintances. Bed is calling…

Day 2

12:17 PM – Cloud Cap – OUCH! I am sore. I think I’ve got some blister action. We’ve only seen a couple people so far. Through the binoculars I saw ski tracks of the top of Hood. It’s a clear day. Wish those tracks were mine. Wishing we were at Timberline. The next 5-1/2 miles are up to 7300′, then down to 5600′. We are at 5000′ now. We laugh a lot as conversation comes and goes. The mountain takes on different characteristics with each view. Elliot glacier is massive! Cliffs, crevasses, icefalls, and rock. It’s bound to get cooler. I feel so blessed to have the health and strength to do this. Sisters are cool.

Lots of trees, a slight breeze (a cool one), the buzz of flies and the chirping of birds. Breakfast was awful! Roo keeps laughing about my feeble attempt at oatmeal this morning. I had the oatmeal in bowls and cocoa in cups awaiting the boiling water. I poured the water in both bowls and cups, thinking that I would get it all done in one pour. I stirred the cocoa first and when I got to the oatmeal it was one big lump. Lumpy would give the impression that there were multiple lumps. Both bowls contained one lump each. Roo took one bite and dug into her pack for fig newtons. I ate the lump. I tried to give the impression that it was enjoyable. She laughed (and mumbled something) while eating her figs.

2:11 PM – Water stop. After nearly depleting all our water and climbing nearly 2000′ we are taking advantage of this small glacier fed stream. I’m tired, my steps become smaller. Roo has untold energy and has pushed me forward the last 2 1/2 miles. Well above the timberline now, it appears a desolate rocky tundra with snow fields about. We’ve crossed many. I wonder if I look as ragged and worn as I feel? Perhaps. I see for miles, 180 degrees. Mt. Adams to my left, farmlands ahead to the east, and hills to my right. What’s the rest of the world doing right now that’s so important? Not this.

6:00 PM - Just put up the tent and taught Marissa to make a fire – one match, no paper. She’s over there keeping it going, just as proud as ever. I’m cooking. My feet ache. I’ll put them in the river soon.

8:27 PM – In the tent, my eyes hurt. Sleep is coming. Had 3 blisters – oh yea! Roo and I are close friends. This is good. The mountain and surroundings are really quite spectacular. We are camped near a river (a creek rather) and just below “Pluto Bowl” – a ski run I have enjoyed. Another night in communion with nature. It’s great to be alive.

Day 3

6:34 AM – I’m up early today to watch the sun rise upon the mountain and to feel the cool morning breeze. It’s interesting that when I camp I rise early with ease yet at home I need Herculean strength to pry myself out of bed before 8. I sit upon a large rock in the creek bed, in solitary. The sun won’t be upon me for another 45 minutes or so. The SE face of Hood appears massive. Very wide and cluttered by rock and glaciers. The morning rays of sun are seen across the valley. Beaming.

1:34 PM – We’re here – Timberline lodge. My body aches. Even my fingers, thus making writing a task. It was beautiful today as we crossed Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area. We stopped under 4 Bowl for snacks. As we arrived at the junction of the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) we laughed so hard I fell to my knees. We had the goofies…laughing about whatever. It’s been an awesome trip. I think we’ve grown closer. I think that when I have children that I’ll do stuff like this. It’s not easy, but worth it. Is anything easy ever really worth it? I just spent 3 days of my life on a mountain, where were you?

Well, I now have a little boy, McKinley, who is 14 months. As this summer approaches we’ll really see if I “do stuff like this.” I best hurry off to shop for a pack to carry him in…