Day 15 – Canyonlands National Park, UT

Today was expected to be 75-85 degrees, so we packed our neck cool wraps and were on the road at 8am. Canyonlands is about 30 miles from Moab, and the majority of the route was very scenic. More red rock formations greeted us as we turned onto Highway 313. It wasn’t long before we moved up into elevation onto a high plateau that was very flat and grassy, unlike the red sandy desert just a few miles away.

We stopped at the Visitor’s Center to figure out our plan and discovered that the park is separated into several parts with the Green and Colorado Rivers flanking each side and merged at the southern portion of the park. After realizing we’d have to add 200 miles to our day to see the southern portion, we opted for the “Island in the Sky” section.

The first stop was a half-mile or so rocky trail to Mesa Arch. We were in awe! This park does not boast the number of arches like Arches NP, but this one arch rivaled any that we saw yesterday. The view through the arch down into the canyon and beyond was overwhelming. There were only a dozen other people out this early so we got plenty of photo opportunities.

Next we headed up to Upheaval Dome. There are two theories about the formation of this big crater. First is a meteorite struck it, except millions of years of erosion eroded away any chance of confirming, and second that it was a salt flat with seismic activity. Either way, it was very cool to see. Notice Tom standing on the precipice!

We decided to take the trail over to the second lookout point, not realizing it was clear on the other side of the crater! The trail marker said only a half-mile walk from this point (after we already walked a half mile up steep rocks). They lied! It was much longer. Either way, Michele officially categorized it as rock climbing since it was no ordinary path in the woods!

The little lizards were everywhere, and Rob caught a glimpse of one bold guy who didn’t seem bothered by his short tail.

When we got back to our bikes (eventually!) Tom and Rob put on the cool wraps, which had been frozen in the hotel freezer. Their necks went numb and they probably got brain freeze, but they weren’t hot anymore.

Since it was well past lunchtime, our last stop would be Grand View Point Overlook. From here we could see the white rim trail and edge of the canyon. We learned that the park is separated into three climates. The high plateau where we stood gets moderate rain and is grassy, the middle section called White Rim is more desert like, and the lower portion is the river canyon. Because of the steep cliff walls, animals don’t really travel between the three climates.

We also encountered a non-native animal named Harley at this overlook. He is a seizure service dog for his owner and was very friendly (surprising for a Chihuahua).

After leaving the park, we got a late lunch next door. Tom and Rob enjoyed the fruit smoothies. We did a batch of laundry and called it a day.

A pretty rainbow was right outside our hotel window greeting us good night.

Tomorrow we continue our march east and make our last National Park stop at Mesa Verde, CO. With elevations over 10,000 feet, we’re hoping for clear and dry roads. Mesa Verde doesn’t have much in the way of internet service so it may be a few days before we can post on our Mesa Verde visit.