The wonders of Canyonlands have been extolled to me by several of my “nature friends” for many years. Until this trip, I have never been able to experience them first hand. The main descriptive term that comes to mind is “VAST”! Located some 30 miles outside Moab, the drive offers wide vistas of grassland punctuated by red rock. There are two main entrances into the park: north, which we took, and from the southeast.
The day was hazy and fairly overcast, not a great exposure for photos. Since the entire park encompasses some 527 square miles: you definitely cannot see it all in one day. These pictures, which show a fraction of the space, may give you some idea of what diverse land masses are here in this awe inspiring place.
The Visitor’s Center, aptly named Island in the Sky, offers the first views of the massive canyons created in part by the Colorado and Green Rivers which flow on opposite sides of the park and actually converge in the south end.
The Visitor’s Center, aptly named Island in the Sky, offers the first views of the massive canyons created in part by the Colorado and Green Rivers which flow on opposite sides of the park and actually converge in the south end.
The main roads and pull-off areas through the park are paved; these are for off-road vehicles. Thomas would have no part in taking the Dodge truck down them!
While Canyonlands is not known for its arches, I had the privilege of walking the mile trail down to Mesa Arch, enjoying myself along the way.
Neat hole in the rock:
I especially liked this rock formation accented by the dead tree:
Here is the Mesa Arch:
The view through the arch is also impressive:
Here are some looks at the East Side of the park, the gorges cut by the Colorado River:
And now for the West Side of the park, the Green River side:
The Green River as it snakes along through Canyonlands:
More unusual rock formations as we end our day in Canyonlands:
We couldn’t resist some tourist poses:
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