Larry Memmott's Blog

Goblin Valley is filled with the sandstone figures, looking like toadstools, towers, or, perhaps, goblins. Alternately called hoodoos, the goblins are formed of soft stone and are constantly changing with the erosion of the wind and water.  It’s fun to wander among them or clamber up them, and they make for some pretty cool photos. […]

We have not spent much time in Capitol Reef — mostly we’ve just passed through. Still, it is a beautiful area and no doubt rewarding if you have the time. This National Park is only 2 3/4 hours from Bryce Canyon if you drive through Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument, as you should (the […]

Bryce Canyon is another premiere destination, but our time here has always been limited to a driving trip to the various overlooks from which you can see the bulk of the formations.  I’m certain there are rewarding opportunities for hiking in the park, but we have always been more attracted to other destinations. Nonetheless, it […]

This is a less-known site, but one of our favorites. The coloration of the sand dunes makes them beautiful and the hot showers in the campground make the stay that much more pleasant.  This is a major destination for ATV enthusiasts.  For those looking for peace and quiet, weekdays are the better bet.  This Utah […]

Zion is one of the gems of the National Park system (in fact, all six of the National Parks included in this itinerary should be considered among the gems).  The Visitor Center is only about 2 hours and 45 minutes (164 miles) from the center of Las Vegas. During popular times of the year, the […]

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, approximately 4:15 to either the north or south rim of the canyon.  The south rim is the more common destination, and is what I was thinking of as a side trip from Las Vegas, but the north rim is an interesting alternative which fits right into the Southern Utah itinerary. […]

Introduction (NOTE: This is the first of a series of posts providing a short itinerary for exploring Southern Utah. Over the coming weeks, I will add posts on all the destinations listed below, including maps, directions, photos and details. As I add the new posts, links from this post will go live.) Zion.  Arches. Coral […]

About halfway between Caquiaviri and the Bolivia/Chile border at Charaña are two hills on which the ancients chose to build a necropolis and a fortress.  I haven’t had the chance to fully explore these hills, but even the short visits I have made to this area have been very interesting. Even without climbing the hills you […]

Back on the Patacamaya-Tambo Quemado road, you arrive at the Qilqata Chapel (sometimes Kelcata) only about seven miles from the turnoff to Curahuara de Carangas.  The chapel is only a third of a mile off the road and is plainly visible on your left. Qilqata is a cute little chapel with a walled courtyard and one […]

Only about 2.5 miles south of the road to Curahuara de Carangas, the Chapel at Quilviri is a lovely example of colonial-era religious architecture.  In it’s simplicity and beauty, and with it’s twin bell towers, this chapel is similar to the Santa Barbara chapel in Curahuara de Carangas.  However, its location on the altiplano away […]