A few weeks ago I made a goal to sleep under the stars more. Last weekend Sarah had a great idea for just the place to do that.  I made it to Salt Lake City by Thursday night, and Friday we headed promptly for Zion National Park.

Kolob is the name of the star that Mormons believe that God lives on- it’s also the northern part of the park. If I were God, I could see living here…

Opening views.

Drive the WHOLE overlook road…

Hiking Friday afternoon was stellar, but the camping just outside the park was stellar.  Red sand, bright stars, and dinner par none. We talked about what we might do, and while Zion is famous for rock climbing, I can do that at home.  Technical slot canyoneering, not so much…

Lets go.

Going down.

Lead on!

We headed down the famous Keyhole Canyon- which is pretty much everyone’s first Zion canyon, and while short, it had all the right elements.  That is, the right elements to make you want more.  So we jumped in Pine Creek next.  More of everything, including full on darkness and free hanging rappels.  So, so good.

Ready to be cold.

Last rappel- 100′ free hanging…

Mid-air photos.

Our new friend Taylor following after us…

Despite my new found love of canyoneering, it seemed criminal to go all the way to Zion and not rock climb, so after a leisurely Sunday brunch we headed out for a few easy pitches before heading back to SLC.

Putting the crack machine to good use.

Amazing views from the belay…

The verdict?  I had a stellar weekend.  I like sandstone, I like canyons, I like traveling, and I like this girl.  Life seems pretty good that all these things fit together.

Ps. I got to hang with my buddy Bryce in SLC who is starting a rad new thing to bridge the gap between gearheads and dirtbags- check it out.