Road Trip: The Grand Circle Part II
Canyons upon Canyons Oh My! 07/05-06
We're certainly not in Kansas, but the motley crew of Debra, Brittni, Kevin, and I packed up pre-dawn from Moab and headed out to see canyon country. Albeit our heroic attempt to capture and experience these other worldly places on film, a drive-thru canyon country merely snapshots the lifetimes one can explore these wonders that are our national parks.
The La Sal Range, Utah's second highest mountain range
(left to right) Mt. Waas (12417'), Mt Tukuhnikivatz (12721'), South Mountain (11,818')
Roughly 35 miles away
Panorma from the Grand View Point in Island in the Sky
Eastward View from Grand View Point
To provide some perspective, Grand View Point at the end of the road on Island in the Sky Canyonlands is roughly at an elevation comparable to the summit of New England's Mt. Washington (6289') whereas the view point sits atop a canyon wall at 6266 feet. The canyon floor, the deepest section that you can see in the pictures are about 2000 feet below, and a mere 35 miles away sit peaks with summits above 12,000 feet. This place truly deserves the name, Canyonlands, which additionally, Island in the Sky is just 1 of 3 visitor centers in the park.
South perspective from Grand View Point
Mesa Arch in Canyonlands
Pillars and iconic desert towers within Canyonlands seen from Mesa Arch
Unfortunately, Canyonlands was a drive-thru as just to give us a taste of the canyons to come as we charged forth through Capitol Reef National Park. From one canyon to another, each park is without a doubt a canyon, but also incredibly unique in geological terms as well as historical significance.
People shaped sandstone petroglyphs from the ancient Fremont Culture
Distinctly carved big horn sheep
One segment of massive sandstone walls in Capitol Reef
Iconic view from the Fruita apricot field
Photo Credit: Debra Hasse
Another massive canyon wall, where heights ranged from 800-1200' tall
Our camp for the night was at our last canyon park of the day, Bryce Canyon National Park, where the famous Hoodoo pillars seem shape impassable mazes. Arriving at nightfall, Debra and I sought to take advantage of yet another clear night, but notably our only night at Bryce.
Just as the sun set and the milky way rose upon the Hoodoos
Although the temptation to stay and snap the milky way is strong for city folk like ourselves, an unplanned late night in combination with a planned sunrise of the Hoodoos had us scuttle away as soon as we could.
Luck was on our side with another brilliant day ahead in Bryce, as we caught the sunrise as well as hiked the trails that wound through the mazes of Hoodoos.
Sunrise over the Hoodoos
View of our descent
On the Queens Garden Trail as we witness the sunrise
With water, wind, and time, windows can be found everywhere
Descending to the mazes of chossy Hoodoos, with an unusually green desert
Wandering through on the Queens Garden Trail
Colorado Wildflower game is strong this year
Life, uh, finds a way, even in the desert of Bryce Canyons
Spectacular Hoodoo formations
Lots of ups and downs, and of course arches
The Peek-a-boo Trail
Photo Credit: Debra Hasse
A path forged for people, and sometimes horses too
along the Peek-a-boo trail as Brittni walks on through
Horse rides are accommodated on the Peek-a-boo trail
Photo Credit: Kevin Barnett
Can you spot the mammalian wildlife?
Another arch
Chubby chipmunks from foraging, likely off unknowing hikers.
Don't feed the wildlife! Regardless, it was quite adorable to say the least.
First view of the trail aptly named Wall Street
Photo Credit: Kevin Barnett
Switchbacks upwards
Photo Credit: Kevin Barnett
Ascent of switchbacks of Wall Street
Photo Credit: Kevin Barnett
Upon completing the various loops, aptly named as Queens Garden, Peek-a-boo, and Wall Street, around midday, our journey continues onwards towards Zion, Grand Canyon, and more. More pictures and details of our journey along the Grand Circle to come!