Canyon Loop Trail in Caprock Canyon

On 4/8/2010, we decided to take a hike on the "Canyon Loop Trail". This trail connects to the "Upper Canyon Trail and goes for over 6 miles. The longest hike we have taken has been about 3 miles.  Therefore, we decided to hike part of the way and turn around.  The part of the trail we hiked (less than 1 mile one-way) was slightly rocky in some places and had some small hills but it was suitable for small children. The trail was wide and the children loved not having to stay "in line" the entire time.  

 

At one point, Hannah decided to climb the mountain. She made it to the top...

 ...which inspired the others to follow her. When coming down off the "mountain" they all had red bottoms.

At one point on the trail, we met Ed. He told us that the trail did get narrow and climbed in elevation after the 2 mile mark. He said that it wasn't safe for small children. He asked about how Katie did hiking and I told him that even though she has Cerebral Palsy we just took it slow, encouraged her to hike with the rest of us, and sat down when she needed a break.  Katie was listening to us talk and smiling her beautiful smile. When the man left, I asked the children to climb a small hill for a photo. I turned around to ask Jeff to help Katie up the hill and saw this...

Katie took it upon herself to join the others without help.  She looked at me and grinned. It was as if she said, "I'll show you, Mommy. I can keep up!" She went up the hill unassisted and at the same pace as the other children. Once again, we were all amazed. 

Way to Go, Katie!!!

 

One last photo before turning around and heading back down the trail to the van.

 

As we were walking back down the hill, I began to daydream about the Native Americans that once called this place their home. I was quickly brought back to reality as my foot slipped down the hill and I almost had a red bottom to match the children. However, that might have been better than what I got - an extremely sore hip because I caught myself from falling. 

A sore hip, red sandy clothes, dirty children and the discovery of a immensely beautiful canyon on foot. A great way to end the day in Caprock Canyon State Park.