Hike the Trails in Canyonlands National Park , Utah, Using a Great Map

To get the most enjoyment out of hiking in Canyonlands National Park, southern Utah, you need a good map. Check out this one, Canyonlands National Park-Needles/Isle, UT - Trails Illustrated Map # 210 [Folded Map] from National Geographic.

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Product Description
This map is updated to reflect road closings, new trails, and campground relocation, and includes detailed trail information, points of interest, trailheads, picnic areas, facitlities, and more.

Included on the map are Canyonlands National Park, the Island in the Sky district, the Needles district, and the Maze district. The map also includes the Colorado River, the Green River, Indian Creek Wilderness, Bridger Jack Mesa Wilderness, Butler Wash Wilderness, Canyon Rims Recreation Area, and fascinating information about the park's archaeology. Ideal for recreation activities in this beautiful area, including hiking, biking, camping, climbing, photography--any back-country outdoor activity. Includes UTM grids for use with your GPS unit.

Scale = 1:70,000 Size: 26'' x 38''

About the Author
Founded in 1915 as the Cartographic Group, the first division of the National Geographic Society, National Geographic Maps has been responsible for illustrating the world around us through the art and science of mapmaking.

Today, National Geographic Maps continues this mission by creating the world's best wall maps, recreation maps, atlases, and globes which inspire people to care about and explore their world. All proceeds from the sale of National Geographic maps go to support the Society's non-profit mission to increase global understanding and promote conservation of our planet through exploration, research, and education.

A Compact Compass Gives Confidence in the Canyonlands

A good magnetic compass in the pocket, hiking backpack or around the neck is always a great backup to have when out walking. I like to wear mine dangling around the neck because I always know where it is and it's easily accessible. Here's one to check out: Suunto M-3DL Compass.

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Product Description
Hailing from Suunto's M-Series, the M-3DL is a compact, premium-quality precision compass designed for accurate and convenient direction taking. The user-friendly compass features a large, liquid-filled capsule and an adjustable declination correction scale that guarantees a high level of accuracy. Another convenient feature is the serrated bezel ring, which is easy to turn even in cold conditions while wearing gloves. And thanks to the easy-to-read luminous markings and magnifying lens, the M-3DL is ideally suited to navigating in poor visibility. The compass even features a base plate with anti-slip rubber pads for stability and rounded edges for ergonomic comfort in the hand.

The M-3DL employs Suunto's two-zone system to help adventurers find their way anywhere in the northern hemisphere. Previously, most compasses functioned well in only one of five geographic zones. That's because the compasses were balanced differently based on the zone's inclination, i.e., the vertical intensity and direction of the Earth's magnetic field. However, as people began to travel more, it became clear that globe-hoppers needed compasses with a greater geographical range. Suunto's two-zone system, by contrast, considers only the northern and southern hemispheres. In practice, this means that a Suunto compass designed for the northern hemisphere--as the M-3DL is--will still work for a fair distance into the southern hemisphere and vice-versa. Suunto is one of only two compass manufacturers to offer two-zone compasses.

The M-3DL, which also features a jewel bearing and marking holes for drawing control points, measures 2.4 by 4.9 inches and weighs a mere 1.6 ounces. In addition, the compass carries a lifetime warranty.

Hike the Trails in Arches National Park, Utah, Using a Great Map

To get the most enjoyment out of hiking in Arches National Park, southern Utah, you need a good map. Check out this one, National Geographic TI00000211 Map Of Arches National Park - Utah from National Geographic.

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Product Description
This map is updated to reflect road closings, new trails, and campground relocation, and includes detailed trail information, points of interest, trailheads, picnic areas, facilities, and more. Included on the map are Arches National Park, The Highlands, Little Valley, Devils Garden, Lost Spring Canyon Wilderness area, Negro Bill Wilderness area, Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve, Cache Valley, Delicate Arch, Broken Arch, Sand Dune Arch, Pine Tree Arch, Private Arch, Dark Angel, Double Arch, and more. The map also includes the Colorado River, the Windows Section, Petrified Dunes, and fascinating information about the parks geology, archaeology, history, and culture. Includes UTM grids for use with your GPS unit. Approximately 4.25in x 9.25in folded and 27in x 39in fully opened.

Hike the Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, Using a Great Map

To get the most enjoyment out of hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park, southern Utah, you need a good map. Check out this one, Bryce Canyon National Park, UT - Trails Illustrated Map # 219 [Folded Map] from National Geographic.

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Product Description
The map includes the entire national park area, with detailed trails and topographic information. Also included are portions of Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, Bryce Ampitheater, Sunrise Point, Bryce Canyon Lodge, Black Birch Canyon, Rainbow Point, the Queens Garden Trail, and more. Includes UTM grids for use with your GPS unit.

Scale = 1:35,000 Size: 26'' x 38''

About the Author
Founded in 1915 as the Cartographic Group, the first division of the National Geographic Society, National Geographic Maps has been responsible for illustrating the world around us through the art and science of mapmaking.
Today, National Geographic Maps continues this mission by creating the world's best wall maps, recreation maps, atlases, and globes which inspire people to care about and explore their world. All proceeds from the sale of National Geographic maps go to support the Society's non-profit mission to increase global understanding and promote conservation of our planet through exploration, research, and education.

Check out Canyon Country Interactive Jigsaw Puzzles.

Squirrel Stands Up To Snake in Zion National Park, Utah

A hike along the trail in Zion National Park, Utah, led to several discoveries of wildflowers and also wildlife.

Walking in a group may allow for socialising but the noise made by the group can often scare away wildlife and it sometimes drowns out the sounds of nature, like running rivers, bird songs and animal antics.

I'd just left the trail to escape the endless number of noisy hikers and have a closer look at the river and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. On my way back to join the trail I heard this commotion in a fenced off clearing. I thought it sounded like a rattle (I may have been mistaken though).

However, when I looked closer I saw a squirrel and a snake having a go at each other.

The snake definitely didn't like the squirrel in its patch and there was dust flying everywhere with the squirrel artfully dodging the snake's strike. However, it didn't matter how angry the snake was (click on the photo to zoom in on it), that squirrel was determined to stand its ground even if it meant being bitten.





I took several photos (without tele lens unfortunately) before the snake gave up and retreated from the dust bath created by the squirrel. I've always thought squirrels were cute and quick but this particular one was a feisty little critter as well!

A couple of observations:

• if you're going to enjoy nature en masse, then keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut
• watch where you're walking (as an Aussie, part of bushwalking is watching out for snakes on the trail anyway)
• cute and cuddly doesn't necessarily mean weak and lacking courage (perceptions can often be wrong)
• even if you think you're facing insurmountable odds you can sometimes achieve success through sheer determination

Hike the Trails in Zion National Park , Utah, Using a Great Map

To get the most enjoyment out of hiking in Zion National Park, southern Utah, you need a good map. Check out this one, Zion National Park , UT -Trails Illustrated Map # 214 [Folded Map] from National Geographic.

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Product Description
Covering all of Zion National Park, our Trails Illustrated map contains detailed topography with shaded relief, up-to-date trails, roads, and points of interest, plus trail summaries and useful information to get the most from your visit.

The North side of the map covers the popular Zion Narrows with a companion hiking timetable, plus Kolob Canyons, La Verkin Creek Trail, Hop Valley Trail, Wildcat Canyon, the West Rim Trail, and more. The South side of the map details the park headquarters, Floor of the Valley Road, East Rim Trail, Telephone Canyon Trail, and the Virgin River.

Printed on durable, waterproof, tear-resistant and environmentally friendly material that will stand up to any outdoor condition. Both sides feature a UTM and Latitude/Longitude grid for use with a GPS, plus compass rose, scale bar and legend for easy interpretation.

Approximately 4 1/4" x 9 1/4" folded; 26" x 38" fully opened
Scale = 1:37,700.

About the Author
Founded in 1915 as the Cartographic Group, the first division of the National Geographic Society, National Geographic Maps has been responsible for illustrating the world around us through the art and science of mapmaking.
Today, National Geographic Maps continues this mission by creating the world's best wall maps, recreation maps, atlases, and globes which inspire people to care about and explore their world. All proceeds from the sale of National Geographic maps go to support the Society s non-profit mission to increase global understanding and promote conservation of our planet through exploration, research, and education.