Canyonlands National Park Utah

Canyonlands is divided into 2 unconnected parts - one is to the south, one to the north. In addition there are parts scattered along the roadside. The first arch of the park is beside the main road and is Wilsons Arch.

This park is more inclusive than Arches since it includes phenomenal geologic structures, canyons and historical assets. This is newspaper rock which is also outside the park along the road. These are 2000 years old. One would think they would be behind glass or some such thing.

The sad thing here is there is pretty much nothing known about the petroglyph. Actually most any question I posed to the folk attending the visitors center was unanswered because it was not known - like this turquoise color rock - everyone knows what the red is (iron) but what is this lovely, unusual turquoise color? We don't really know for sure was the answer. How can the park service not know?

The south end has a road said to lead to an outlook to the Colorado River -- do not take that road!! There are levels of roads within the park - some are labeled as 2 wd roads even if unpaved, and then there are 4wd roads. No 4 wd I know would take this road knowing what it is and ATVs are not allowed. An ATV is the only vehicle able to make this - one needs high clearance, helmet and a strong gut to endure the tremendous bumps! We had to LOOK for the road at times and when we finally ran out of road before we got to the overlook, we just turned back.

There is Looking Glass Rock also not in the park. When approaching this rock, we did not think it was an arch until we got completely around the other side. We got out, the dog got out, and we climbed up to the arch.

There are lovely views.

There are lines in the stone itself recording the different layers laid down over the years.

These are called Needles although I think they are just pillars with sandstone caps.

On the north end, there is a road that leads to the Green River - this one is passable but steep and it was worth the drive.

Cave Spring is in the North part and is a seep that never goes dry. It did used to have much more water in it but even now stays wet enough Dog drank from it. This is an easy trail but does have a couple ladders if you want to do the entire loop. You need not do the ladders to see this part. Note the writings on the cave wall.

The main attraction at the north end is Upevil Dome. This attraction is the result of meteorite impact. It was unknown until recent discovery of shocked quartz what caused this crater but the finding proved it is the result of meteorite impact. There is a short climb up a fairly good trail to the overlook.

Mesa Arch is not a difficult walk and there is a nice view through the arch.

I liked this little windswept hole, arch in the making that is beside this arch.

The last stop was a view of the canyon and river. We thought it was odd that the overlook was made by the Utah National Guard.

And this last one is just for fun. We are indeed having the time of our lives, two retired folks, a 14 foot travel trailer and a dog. Life is good. The next stop is Capitol Reef and cooler weather probably without internet connectivity - we are hoping to get a spot in the park away from traffic noise. Get out there and enjoy your National Parks! These are your tax dollars, your lands and they are magnificent and amazing.