Capitol Reef National Park

Leaving Moab/North to Interstate 70/West to Route 24 and on to Hanksville. Make a right turn and continue on 24 to Capitol Reef NP. Route 24 is now a busy paved road that follows the Fremont River. If you have read the Monkey Wrench Gang, you know the road and its history. Edward Abbey country. First came here in the 60's after reading Desert Solitaire and on returning home this year re-read the book. A journey completed.

Arches National Park

Like something from Easter Island, these monoliths watch over the landscape of limestone, sand and brush that that is Arches.

Arches National Park

One of the many arches to be found in Arches National Park.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park lies on top of an underground salt bed that is responsible for the arches, spires, balanced rocks, sandstone fins, and eroded monoliths.

Arches National Park

A view down Park Avenue from the trail head. Rather easy walk downhill ending as you reach the road. Two choices are available-return uphill along the same trail or have someone meet you at the road.

Arches National Park

Courthouse Towers, Arches NP. It was in 1968, with the publication of Desert Solitaire, that Edward Abbey described the wonders of Arches. Now a national park over run with tourists and travelers, the roads are wide and paved and the trails outlined in stone. Almost impossible to obtain a camping site. Yet leave the roads and trails and head into the back country and you discover the landscape and wilderness that Abbey experienced.

Northeast of Moab, Utah

The Colorado River and Route 128 wind their way to Moab, Utah. A quiet early morning drive with perhaps only a couple of other cars/trucks on the road.

Northeast of Moab, Utah

Colorado River as it flows towards Moab, Utah.

Colorado National Monument

Weathered sandstone along the Capitol wash.

Colorado National Monument

Along the road looking into the valley.

Colorado National Monument

Weathered sandstone along a canyon wall.

Colorado National Monument

Most visitors make a quick drive thru the monument on their way to another location. Spending three days and a couple of nights allowed me to experience the varying moods of the area.

Colorado National Monument

The Colorado National Monument is located near Fruita, Colorado. The Monument and McInnis Canyons share a 225 square mile, red-rock plateau that rises more then 2,000 feet above the Grand Valley. Rugged canyons drain to the Colorado River and pinyon-juniper woodlands cover the mesas and ridges.