The 17th annual Manitou Springs Carnivale took place on Saturday the 13th of February 2010. As always, it was a great opportunity to take some people photos. I am already looking forward to next year’s event.

On 05/24/09, I hiked the Syncline Loop Trail in Canyonlands National Park together with Alan and Scott.  It is one of the best hikes in Canyonlands and with a length of 8.3 miles (13.3 km) it circles the unique Upheaval Dome.

The loop is somewhat strenuous and has an elevation gain of 1520 feet. Be sure to bring enough water especially in the summer when it gets really hot with an average high temperature of 104°. Hardly any shade is provided during the hike.

The parking area at the trailhead was very crowded. Most people went for a short walk on the Upheaval Dome Trail instead of hiking the Syncline Loop though..

The hike starts out very flat..

Alan, Scott & Myself before descending down into the canyon..

Getting closer to the bottom..

Getting back out of the canyon was a good workout..