Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The City of Rocks

This unique geologic area became a landmark in 1843 for California-bound emigrants. They left wagon ruts across the landscape and their signatures in axle grease on Register Rock, Camp Rock and many others.
A few granite pinnacles and monoliths are in excess of sixty stories tall and 2.5 billion years old. The smooth granite faces offer exceptional rock climbing. Today, over 500 climbing routes have been identified.
We decided to take a daycation to The City of Rocks. This national reserve is only about an hour and a half from where we live.
City of Rocks encompasses 14,407 acres of land. There is approximately 12 miles of road within in the park.
Remington enjoyed our trip to City of Rocks within the comfort of the heated van. Before windchill the temperature outside was 44 degrees!

Here are some historic signatures on rock spires written in axle grease by emigrants traveling the California Trail (1843-1869). We found these on Camp Rock.
Rob conquered Camp Rock

Robbie posing for a picture as he climbs

If you look close enough you can see how high Rob and Robbie climbed. They definitely conquered Bread Loaf! Robbie was fearless and enjoyed every minute of it! He acted as if it was just a walk in the park!

Fearless!

Sierra and Mommy
Sierra and Rob made it just about a quarter of the way up Bread Loaf before Sierra decided it was to high and thought she might fall. She keep telling Rob not to let go of her, and that she was scared! I guess she has a little of my fear in her! Way to out climb your mom Sierra!
Mommy and the kids
These rocks were amazing to climb, I just couldn't go very high without feeling like my legs would buckle beneath me. My fear of heights keeps me at a safe distance to the ground!

Elephant Rock

Bridger rock climbing

Stuck without another grip hold

Daddy and Bridger

We all enjoyed City of Rocks and couldn't believe how some of these rocks were placed. Definitely a testimony of Heavenly Fathers miracle of creation! Hopefully we can come back during the summer and possibly camp when the weather is a bit warmer! In the kids' words, "We loved Rock City!"

2 comments:

Zoey said...

Cool pictures!

Hogan Family said...

We went there two summers ago and it was awesome. Love the pics.