Island in the Sky (Utah Trip Day 4/Canyonlands NP)
On Monday (9/12/2005) we drove to Canyonlands NP. Its about an hours drive from Moab. That is, the Island in the Sky district of the park is an hours drive. Canyonlands NP is divided into three large districts separated by the Green and Colorado rivers. You cannot drive from one district to another within the park.
To start off we took a short hike at the top of cliffs called the Grand View Point. It offers contant breathtaking views along the cliff's edge. We then travelled to a thing called Upheaval Dome which is a geologic formation of uncertain origin (either a salt dome or a meteor crater). After Upheaval Dome we saw the Mesa Arch which is an arch right at the cliff side. My guess is that someone saw it from the canyon floor and then figured out how to get to it from the top since its not very visible from the upper plateau.
At the end of the day we went to Dead Horse Point State Park to view the sunset. There were lots of photographers but the sunset ended up being rather average. Still, a great view.
We definitely only scratched the surface of Canyonlands NP. Within the park is a 100 mile road called the White Rim Road for hikers, bikers and 4-wheelers that follows the edge of the "white rim" edge of the canyons. I would go again if I could. Here are a few sample pics below, and here is the gallery for Canyonlands.
On the cliffs at Grand View Point
Mesa Arch
View from Dead Horse Point
To start off we took a short hike at the top of cliffs called the Grand View Point. It offers contant breathtaking views along the cliff's edge. We then travelled to a thing called Upheaval Dome which is a geologic formation of uncertain origin (either a salt dome or a meteor crater). After Upheaval Dome we saw the Mesa Arch which is an arch right at the cliff side. My guess is that someone saw it from the canyon floor and then figured out how to get to it from the top since its not very visible from the upper plateau.
At the end of the day we went to Dead Horse Point State Park to view the sunset. There were lots of photographers but the sunset ended up being rather average. Still, a great view.
We definitely only scratched the surface of Canyonlands NP. Within the park is a 100 mile road called the White Rim Road for hikers, bikers and 4-wheelers that follows the edge of the "white rim" edge of the canyons. I would go again if I could. Here are a few sample pics below, and here is the gallery for Canyonlands.
On the cliffs at Grand View Point
Mesa Arch
View from Dead Horse Point
posted by Bob Sardelli at 5:00 PM
2 Comments:
Hi Bob,
Good for you taking this time off and trying to accomplish some important goals. I personally LOVED Bryce Canyon, and I'm living vicariously as I look at your pictures of the other parks in Utah. That was the most beautiful state I've ever seen. Just bought a picture book of it, in fact. Hope your year continues to go well.
Lisa
Bob
I finally found some time to read the rest of your blog on the trip and view the photos - great descriptions! You have some very good photo shots e.g. the view looking up at cliffs at upper emerald pool, and the "P150172" at bryce. I left space in my photo album for some sardelli shots. your wall street shot P9150348 is one I will want a print of for example, and a shot of the "hidden canyon trail". As far as the arch monikers, I did not remember all the ones we named, & I do recall the mesa arch was most "Knarly" (sp?).
Mike
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