CanyonlandsSep 16, 2009
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Pictographs outside Moab
Pictographs outside Moab
Pictographs outside Moab
| We left Moab and headed to the Canyonlands National Park which is divided into 3 sections; Needles, the Maze and Islands in the Sky. The entrance to Islands in the Sky is located just north of Arches. What strikes you most about Canyonlands is it’s often similar appearance to the Grand Canyon, the Badlands, Arches, Bryce, etc. Canyonlands seems to have a little bit of all of these parks blended into one location. The first stop we made after the vistor center was at Shafer Overlook. This was part of the master plan because later in the day we were going to drive down the side of the cliffs on Shafer trail. When you look at the first pictures you will get an idea of what this road is like! We took a stop at Mesa Arch before lunch. Mesa arch is just like those in Arches but frames some spectacular views of the surrounding terrain. We enlisted the help of a stranger to reenact the Abbey Road scene (like we did on Vail mountain). I guess it’s our signature move now. After Mesa we headed to the Upheaval Dome picnic area and scored a great spot in the trees. The place was packed and we had to be a little assertive to keep folks from cutting in line. Since the parking lot is a loop, one car dropped off its passengers to run across the loop and stand in the last parking spot to keep us from going into it – SAVIES-. But what they didn’t consider was that if I didn’t move the car the one behind me couldn’t get in – stalemate. We got the spot. Upheaval Dome is the source of some controversy as it is a unique geological formation. There are two main theories. One is that a giant (mammoth) salt bubble, popped leaving a ridge and protruding center. The other is that it is an impact crater. The third unofficial theory is that an alien space ship taking off from its underground location left a strange hole in the ground – we need to work on getting that one in the official lists. Our next stop was to the Grand View Point Overlook. This is a wonderful vista which allows you to see most all of the Islands section in one stop. The last part of the trip through Canyonlands was our favorite. This was the road down Shafer Trail to Potash road and then back to Moab. These pictures, going down the cliff and through the valley of the Colorado river are pretty amazing, but probably not as much as the ride itself. This was a trip highlight! Our pit stop for the night was in Green River. A little spit of a place along I70. This would be our jumping off point for Thursday’s adventures. |
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