Canyonlands National Park–Island in the Sky…

Canyonlands National Park is so huge it is split by two rivers, The Green and the Colorado.  There are actually four distinct parts (or districts) within the Park. I visited the Canyonlands many years ago when I did a 100 mile float trip down the Green River where my group took out in the Needles District of the Canyonlands to hike from the river about 5 miles to our pickup point.  However the section most proximal to our current location in Moab is the Islands in the Sky District of the park where we wanted to visit during our stay.

The drive over is scenic in itself as we followed alongside the Colorado River part of the way. Also, since there is a climb and change in elevation we experienced a 10 degree temperature drop upon entering the park making this a great place to go when the climate is hot in Moab. We visited many of the highlights of the Islands in the Sky District. There are some very awe inspiring vistas we encountered, some even rivaling those in the Grand Canyon. With the large landscapes our photos hardly captured the experience …

So I offer our photographic evidence as best I can of our encounter with the vastness and solitude of this amazing place… I still have three more blogs I want to pen about our time in Moab and yet it is time for us to leave. We are heading to Provo, Utah this morning so I have some blogging to catch up with…

Two hikes to Delicate Arch and to Negro Bill Canyon…

One very scenic hike we found here in Moab Utah that was not in the Arches National Park  the Negro Bill Canyon Hike. This hike totals 4.6 miles round trip and it is one of Moab’s most popular day hikes. The hike has you going in a canyon right beside the Colorado river and it meanders alongside a running creek through lush green woodlands and, of course, through some spectacular red rock canyon walls and valleys. We crossed the creek at least eight times ( although I may have lost count) so plan on wet feet if you are not careful. The trail is mostly well maintained but there are a few spots where poison oak grew all along the trail. Use the mantra,  leaflets three let it be (especially glossy green leaves). There is about 400 feet of elevation gain but at the end of this glorious hike is a box canyon. When looking up we saw the magnificent geologic feature called Morning Glory Bridge. A wonderful morning hike this is…

Morning Glory Arch near Moab, Utah

The same day in the afternoon we wanted to hike to Delicate Arch which was 3.2 miles round trip. It is said that Delicate Arch is second only to the Grand Canyon as the most photographed landmark on the Colorado plateau and when you get there you know why.  It is indeed a true wonder of nature and it is so popular that it’s the background of the State of Utah’s license plates. This is a must hike when in the Moab area! It is however a fairly rigorous hike in that it is nonstop climbing .… After 1.6 miles of steady uphill climbing we at last rounded a corner and there it was… Delicate Arch!!! What a beauty… No matter how many pictures we have seen of the this arch absolutely nothing compared to actually seeing it up close, live and in-person.

Sooooo many hikes and things to do in this area…