McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area

In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy.
-Brother David Steindl-Rast

McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area

Fruita has always been a favorite place to hike and explore.  While driving back to Vegas after President's Day weekend this area caught my attention.  I couldn't stop that day, but knew it was a place that needed to be added to my list of places to check out.

Nollie is a true mountain dog! She is stoked for any adventure. She was about ready to jump out of the window as soon as we reached the parking lot. Devils Canyon has great signage explaining what is happening geologically while walking the trails.

Of course this little adventure hound is always leading the way. She found the perfect stick to take along on our journey. Many people were out using the main section of the trail, which was nice and wide, some people had baby strollers out on the walk around this area. It really was the perfect place to walk and reflect on the day, week, or life.

I sometimes get a little annoyed with Nollie when she finds these "perfect" sticks to play with along our hikes. Most of the time, it happens to be the biggest stick possible and it ends up hitting the back of my knees as she charges by in her blissful state of Labrador happiness, just to drop it at my feet, stop and bark at the highest possible pitch bark a dog could have, signaling me to throw it for her. As, I find this somewhat irritating, I find my self asking why? She is so happy to have a simple stick and to have her human throw it, over and over and over for her. That makes her day. That is all she needs. So, it reminds me, to stop and enjoy the little things in life, because there will come a day, when I will be out on a hike wishing Nollie would still have that much energy, that she could still keep up and want to play that much. With this in mind, I smile, laugh at her, and throw her toy, over and over and over again.
Enjoy the little things in life because one day you`ll look back and realize they were the big things.”
― Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

Nollie and I found a perfect rock to sit on and reflect upon our week and set intentions for our spring break week to come.  While overlooking this gorgeous landscape, hikers were heading down into the canyon.  It was definitely placed on my list of hikes to do in the future as well.

My best adventure partner yet!

This is a dog friendly area.  Please remember to be a responsible pet owner so it can continue to be.