Michael Nowak

August 17, 2023

#TBT - Cedar Breaks National Monument

Michael Nowak

August 17, 2023

Cedar Breaks National Monument is a special place in Utah that I got to experience with my BFF Molly. I haven’t been in almost 6 years, but I’d love to go back. Enjoy a little throwback this Thursday.

The trail along the rim, out to Spectra Point and beyond, was interesting because it felt like you could just slide right down into the canyon at parts. It was a wild, quick visit and I would like to go back and see it again.

Molly and I on the the Spectra Point Overlook

So, walking on this mount at Spectra Point was a little freaky - you’re above the railings and can see down into the canyon

Bristlecone Pines - ancient trees that grow wild and forever

Michael Nowak

January 23, 2019

Way Back Wednesday

#WayBackWednesday - Cedar Breaks National Monument

Michael Nowak

January 23, 2019

Way Back Wednesday

In 2017 I had planned to take a solo trip to Utah with two main stops: Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument. The trip went from a solo adventure to a BFF adventure and the points of interest on the “must see” list expanded just a little. I was excited, because why not share all of the beauty Utah has to offer with someone who gets me and who I hadn’t seen in months or more? We had an excellent trip and saw plenty of beauty, but the one place that stands out in my mind is Cedar Breaks National Monument. The vistas, the hike around the rim, and the drive to and from the monument are all burned into my memory. I still think of the views, over a year later. I must get back!

I arrived in SLC on Friday, as did my BFF Molly, and we spent the night in a southern suburb. Saturday came, and was spent driving and exploring the route from SLC to Bryce Canyon. We caught a sunset at BC and headed to Cedar City for the night. The original plan was to catch the sunrise at Cedar Breaks, but we got there a little after. The sun was up and the place was illuminated. We started at Point Supreme Overlook and were amazed. We hiked the trail along the rim out to Spectra Point. Standing out on Spectra Point is a moment in my brain that I’ll never forget and would never want to forget. After taking it all in, looking over the edge, and smiling a ton, we made it back to the information center.

I have never felt a rush quite like the one I felt hiking out to Spectra Point. It was exhilarating, breathtaking, and liberating all at once. I have not felt a rush like that of walking along the rim since then. Enjoy a few photos from the trip and feel free to comment/connect with questions or your stories regarding Cedar Breaks!

Michael Nowak

January 14, 2019

Monday Motivation

#MondayMotivation - My Favorite Hikes

Michael Nowak

January 14, 2019

Monday Motivation

Picking a favorite hike can be difficult, but I’d guess that any hiker has a few that always stand out as the most memorable. When I think of favorite or memorable destinations, I’m always drawn to Redwood National and State Parks, Olympic National Park, and Cedar Breaks National Monument. Public lands are always my favorite, but these three have such strong memories attached that I can’t stop thinking about them. An honorable, more recent, fourth choice would be Mount Rainier National Park because I haven’t stopped thinking about that place since visiting in October 2018.

I’m using these memories, these favorite places, to push myself to eat less and move more. I’m using these places as my motivation to save money, spend less, and plan for more adventure. These beautiful places moved me and are destinations I want to visit again. What are some of your favorite, or most memorable, places? What is motivating you this Monday?

Keep on pushing through, there is always something worth fighting for!

Michael Nowak

January 11, 2019

Forest Friday

#ForestFriday - the magnificent Bristlecone Pines

Michael Nowak

January 11, 2019

Forest Friday

When I first saw them in person, I was in love. When I read about them, and their resilience, I was inspired. Enjoy some photos of the majestic and tough bristlecone pine trees from 2017 visits to Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument.

Michael Nowak

June 13, 2018

Way Back Wednesday

#WayBackWednesday - Cedar Breaks National Monument

Michael Nowak

June 13, 2018

Way Back Wednesday

In honor of booking my flight for the 2nd Annual BFF Adventure, I'm throwing it back to our 1st annual trip. I originally planned a solo excursion to Utah, but my BFF Molly decided to go and now it's an annual adventure for us. Once spot we visited last year really stuck out for me and that was Cedar Breaks National Monument. What a breathtaking, intense, and gorgeous place to feel small. While I don't see us getting back to Cedar Breaks, I'll always have these memories - so enjoy a few photos.

Spectra Point - was a bit overwhelming to feel so high above the hoodoos

This year, we'll be hitting the ground in Utah again! Molly has not been to Arches National Park, so we'll spend the majority of our time there. I hope to hike to Delicate Arch right away, before crowds and heat, and then hit up the rest of the park after that. So much to do, so little time! Where is your favorite place in Utah? After a Saturday in Arches, what would you recommend for half a Sunday? Comment your idea or send me an email! As always, thanks for following along and happy trails!