Madelyn & Will
Things To Do
Planned Activities at Long Canyon Ranch
Sneak a peek at the reception site, and join us for guided activities at Long Canyon Ranch. Please let us know if you'd like to come. Friday 8/6 10:00 am Morning Hike We will take an easy hike to Pride Rock. Want more adventure? Continue on to Two Windows Indian dwelling afterwards. 1:00pm Moki hill hike and ride. Hike or hitch a ride on an ATV to a Moki hill at Long Canyon Ranch. You'll be able to hunt for arrowheads and ancient pottery from the Ancient Puebloans.
The Devil's Heartbeat Hike
Saturday 8/7 10am Meet groomsmen Collin and Kyle Peterson for one of our favorite local hikes. This 0.6 mile hike takes you to impressive Anasazi ruins and will give you plenty time to shower and gussy up for the wedding that evening. Directions: From Monticello, head south on Highway 191. Turn right on Ruins Road. Go all the way to end of the road and there will be a trailhead on your right. If you drive past the Blanding Airport you have gone too far.
Natural Bridges National Monument
Located 40 miles west of Blanding this national monument is one of our favorite destinations because viewpoints for three natural bridges are available just a short walk from your car. There are also more strenuous hikes on site as well, but we love how inclusive this park is (great for grandma and your four-year-old too). Be sure to swing into the ranger station for recommendations on which routes match you activity level.
Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum
Do not miss this gem of a museum! At Long Canyon Ranch (the reception venue) you'll be able to find pieces of Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) pottery and see ancient dwellings. Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum located conveniently in Blanding is the best place to learn all about the people native to this land. It is an Ancestral Puebloan archaeological site, a museum, and an archaeological repository.
Patio Diner
The Patio is our favorite place to eat in town; great food and even better milkshakes. We highly recommend that you order online through their website. It is not the most user friendly, but you will avoid the wait and get on to your next adventure! Bride's Order: Philly cheesesteak and a caramel pecan pie shake. Groom's Order: Big B burger and a cinnamon cookie dough shake.
Hovenweep National Monument
Located 42 miles from Blanding this National Monument was once home to over 2,500 people. Hovenweep includes six prehistoric villages built between A.D. 1200 and 1300. Explore a variety of structures, including multistory towers perched on canyon rims and balanced on boulders. The construction and attention to detail will leave you marveling at the skill and motivation of the builders.
Canyonlands National Park
Explore this Southeastern Utah national park known for its dramatic desert landscape carved by the Colorado River! Just outside the Needles entrance to the southern end of this park you can also visit Newspaper Rock, a historical monument covered in one of the largest known collections of petroglyphs. This is a good option for those looking for an area off the beaten path. Due to it's desolation, the southern end of this park finds few tourists. The northern entrance can be found just beyond Moab and is a good alternative to Arches that often draws smaller crowds as well.
Arches National Park
Located 80 miles from Blanding, this National Park is home to Utah's most famous arch, Delicate Arch. The Delicate Arch hike can be crowded, but it does not disappoint. It is a relatively short, but strenuous hike straight up the red rocks. Highly recommend you tackle this hike early in the morning and then stop for lunch in Moab (which is just minutes from the park entrance).
Mesa Verde National Park
Located 91 miles from Blanding in neighboring Colorado this National Park is for the budding anthropologist. Hike, climb, and explore ancient well-preserved Puebloan cliff dwellings!
Moab
Explore downtown Moab! An outdoorsy town with so much to do! Go river rafting, ride razors, or hike to your feet's content! Moab offers all kinds of outdoor fun activities. Moab is a excellent jumping off point for exploring both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.