Canyonlands is divided into three major sections - Island in The Sky, The Needles and The Maze. The two sections we got to see (unfortunately, only a small portion of) were Island in The Sky and The Needles.
We first got our glimpse of Canyonlands when we headed towards the road leading to The Needles overlooks (these were not actually inside the boundaries of the park). Upon our arrival we were treated with spectacular panoramas that appeared as if they went out for dozens of miles. The depth was difficult to comprehend.
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| Shot from Sixshooter Viewpoint at The Needles overlooks. |
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| Another view at The Needles overlooks. |
We then headed up the road to a slightly more distant yet also amazing overlook - Anticline Overlook.
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| Anticline Overlook offers a very unique but amazing view. |
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| Another view at Anticline Overlook. |
It was very quiet here. You could only hear the wind, and a few nagging flies buzzing around. Other than that, it was pure silence. Of course, these sights were to only wet our appetite.
Later that afternoon we drove up to Island In The Sky. This would be our chance to truly experience Canyonlands. Every turnoff showcased something dramatic.
Later that afternoon we drove up to Island In The Sky. This would be our chance to truly experience Canyonlands. Every turnoff showcased something dramatic.
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| Buck Canyon Overlook. |
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| Grand View Overlook. |
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| This overlook did not have a name, but it was one of my favorites. |
The pictures cannot even begin to capture the sheer beauty of these places. To actually experience them, you must be there.
It was getting late, so we quickly drove over to Dead Horse Point State Park, which was about 25 miles away. We arrived just in time for perhaps one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen in my entire life.
The way the sun fell on the canyon made the scenery absolutely splendorous. No matter where you looked, you could never escape the awe of the canyon. This was by far the best way to end the day.
Canyonlands is only a little bit further away from the other parks near Moab (the Island in The Sky entrance is about 30 miles). Island in The Sky and The Needles are the most accessible by car. The Maze, however, is made up of dirt road that requires a car with good 4 wheel drive. Dead Horse Point is a bit closer. Heading north from Moab, you will turn left onto State Highway 313. From there, you'll follow a road that leads to the north entrance of the park (leading to Island in The Sky). Dead Horse Point is accessible through Highway 313 also.
I truly wish to return to these places when I find time someday. I probably only saw about a mere fraction of the sights in these places.
Map of Canyonlands:
http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/upload/tripmap.pdf
More of my shots of Canyonlands:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?s=int&w=52619990%40N06&q=canyonlands&m=text
More of my shots of Dead Horse Point:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?s=int&w=52619990%40N06&q=dead+horse+point&m=text
Truly remarkable photos of remarkable places! I really need to get out and explore our great state more, as do more people that live here! Dead horse point looks awesome! I wanna go exploring so bad! Goblin Valley is at the top of my list! I just saw that movie about Aron Ralston called 127 days. He got his arm trapped in a boulder in a large crack canyon in Southern Utah. The film was really well done and is up for some awards I think. But you should go see it, you would love it! It is only playing at the broadway though for some stupid reason. You would think a movie all filmed in Utah would proudly be playing in all our theaters right?
ReplyDeleteThis is getting me all pumped up for next spring when i will be heading down to moab. Dead Horse looks like it would be well worth checking out.
ReplyDelete@Calvin: Thanks for the kind comment! I definitely recommend everyone to visit this area. I didn't get to explore this place as much as I wanted to do (only had less than a day). 127 Days sounds interesting though, I think I'll check it out when I get the chance.
ReplyDelete@Matt: I think spring is probably the best time to head down there, the weather won't be too bad at all. Dead Horse is definitely well worth the drive. There weren't nearly as many people as I thought who were viewing the sunset when I was there, but that could change.