Canyonlands National Park

     This morning (9/27) was cold and threatening rain as we left our campsite on the Colorado River and drove to Canyonlands National Park.  Our first stop was the Shafer Canyon Overlook.  The view was incredible.  Mark went back to the camper for the umbrella to protect the camera from the rain that began to fall, and a few rumbles of thunder made me a little nervous out on the rocky overlook, but the vista spread out below was breathtaking.  

Shafer Canyon Overlook 

 

 

 

       From there we drove out to Upheaval Dome which may be the sight of a meteorite collision with earth (scientists aren't sure).  It was a strenuous but fairly short hike up to the rim.  We left the camera in the truck because it was raining fairly hard when we started out, but thankfully the rain let up as we hiked.       We also stopped at the Green River Overlook and the Buck Canyon Overlook as we continued through the park.  Every overlook had spectacular views.

Green River Overlook

                                   

Buck Canyon Overlook

       The Grand View Point Overlook was a busy place and we hiked a mile along the rim to the Point and back with several others.  We heard many different languages spoken by visitors from other countries.  

Grand View Point Overlook

 

       When we left Canyonlands we drove a short distance to Dead Horse State Park.  Dead Horse Point Overlook has amazing views of the Colorado River.  

The Colorado River

Dead Horse State Park

       Utah is a beautiful state . . . A showcase of God's amazing creation!  

Little Wild Horse Canyon

     Today (9/26) we explored our first slot canyon, Little Wild Horse Canyon, just outside Goblin Valley State Park.  A slot canyon is a very narrow canyon with high walls which make it extremely hazardous in stormy weather due to the danger of flash floods.  The entrance to the canyon was full of water so we climbed up the rocks along the side and then down into the canyon a little further in where it was dry.  The next time we encountered water was in a very narrow section of the canyon and the only way to proceed was to go through it for about 20 feet.   Mark was wearing shorts and waded ahead.  The deepest part was halfway to his knees.  I really didn't want to get my shoes, socks and jeans wet and was hesitant to continue.   While Mark was checking ahead to see if there was more water around the bend, another hiker appeared.  His name was Robert and he wasn't keen on getting wet feet either.   He worked his way OVER the water by bracing himself between the canyon walls and moving along like spiderman.  He encouraged me to try it but there was no way that I was strong enough.  I ended up on Mark's back as we squeezed laughing and stumbling through the narrow walls of the canyon.  We continued on for quite a ways until we encountered a longer stretch of water.  Robert and I sent Mark ahead to check it out since he was already wet.  It kept getting deeper and deeper, though, so when it reached the bottom of his shorts he decided it was time to turn back.  We retraced our steps and returned to the parking area about 3 hours from the time we had started out.  It was a fun morning.  

Little Wild Horse Canyon

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Wading through the water

 

Spiderman Robert  

 

More water

 

       We said good bye to Robert and after lunch we headed in the direction of  Arches National Park.  We took a scenic route along the Colorado River and stopped at Fishers Tower,  a rock formation seen in some hollywood movies. 

Fishers Tower

        There were several small campgrounds along the way that seemed to be full, so we decided it would be prudent to stop early and find a place for the night.  The third place we stopped we got the last available spot.  All evening people were driving through looking for a place to camp.  Usually when we travel this time of the year we have no problems finding a place for the night, but that might not be the case this trip! 

 

The Wedge, Spotted Wolf Canyon Overlook, and Valley of the Goblins

     Yesterday (9/24) was cold with rain and snow.  We spent the better part of the day on gravel roads in barren gas and oil fields looking for the way to 9 Mile Cavern Road.  Turned around more than once and finally gave up when the way became impassable.  Apparently there are better ways to get there than the one we were trying from the north.  Instead we headed to Price on 191 through the Ashley National Forest.  At an elevation of 8,000 feet the pine trees were frosted white with snow. 

Barren gas and oil fields

       Today (9/25) was a gorgeous, sunny day with temperatures reaching the 60's.  We left Price and headed down SR 10 almost to Castle Dale where we took a poorly marked gravel road 20 miles to the Wedge Overlook of Utah's Little Grand Canyon.  Definitely worth the drive. 

View from the Wedge Overlook

 

 

See the San Rafael River waaay down there?

       From there we continued on gravel roads another 40 miles through picturesque rock formations, past ancient rock paintings, and over the San Rafael River to I-70.

 

 

Buckhorn Wash Pictograph Panel

Ancient Paintings

San Rafael River

      On 1-70 we stopped at the Spotted Wolf Canyon Overlook to enjoy some truly spectacular views.  A definite WOW.  Too bad the picture doesn't do it justice.

I-70 passing through Spotted Wolf Canyon

      Our next stop was Goblin Valley State Park where we camped for the night.  No electricity but they have restrooms and showers.  We spent about an hour exploring the sandstone "goblins", unusual rock formations surrounded by eroded cliffs.  I'm glad we're here during cooler weather.  I think the summer heat would be unbearable in the harsh environment of these beautiful but arid desert places.  

Entering the Valley of the Goblins

View down into part of the Valley of the Goblins

Just a few of the many, many "goblins" in the valley