Memories From Moab

Arriving to Moab, Utah we found a region filled with many opportunities for sightseeing and exploring.  Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park are all located about 50 or so miles within the Moab region.  Ronnie and I briefly visited this area over 20 years ago and wow..did we find how much Moab had changed/grown from what we remembered. Finding a campground for our homebase proved to be a challenge because we arrived during the fall season, this area's busiest one due to cooler weather. We did find a pretty basic campground that worked..even though it was a bit out of the town.  When full-timing, weather can also play a part in travel plans and we made changes related to that concern.  Originally planning to include Bryce National Park, Zion National Park and Capitol Reef National Park in our travels this summer, we had to table those for another trip.  Due to their higher elevations, cold snowy weather was predicted for next few weeks..nope, we can wait to visit that region another late September/early October. Ronnie and I only planned to spend one week enjoying the Moab region, quickly those plans turned into three weeks of Moab memories.

 Here's a photo journal, "Scenic Route Drive" descriptions of some of the beautiful places and areas we have experienced.

Colorado River Scenic Byway 128
We found this 44 mile drive, as the Colorado River cuts its way through Utah, one of the most beautiful we have traveled.  I took way too may photographs because every turn seemed to open up a new landscape.

This view of the Fisher Towers stopped us in our tracks..stunning

Every roadside pull off offered a scenic vista.

The muddy Colorado River, filled with the red silt of erosion..still at it's carving work.

Traveling underneath this cliff, you get a feeling of awe as you look out over the river.

We drove Highway 128 a couple of times during our stay in the area.  We visited the Castle Creek Winery, took the side road La Sal Mountain Loop and stopped as many, many river overlooks to see the river rafters.

We will never forget the 'scenic Jeep drive' on the famous Shafer Road.  Ronnie did his research/homework before we attempted this drive but it still made me whine.  We made the trip fine with memories and moments we will never forget.  The road was originally a cattle path then turned into a mining road.  Now, the Canyonlands National Park manages the road for those that wish to experience 4x4 trails.

This info is posted at the end of the road..at the Colorado River rafter's 'put in'.  Interestingly, no info like this is posted at the entrance we took, the Canyonlands National Park Highway 313.

Starting out, the road sets the tone for incredible scenery ahead.

We're going to drive on that ledge! 

We we get to the ledge, it is much wider that it looks.  "Whew..Ronnie, please stay over, closer to the mountain side."

Ronnie takes all of the switchback photos from the Jeep.  I just cannot get out to do this..no way.  We will eventually end up on that road way down below..yes, the skinny line you see in the photo.

Ronnie takes this photo too.  Nope, I still don't get out of the Jeep.

Wow, what a drive.  Ronnie does an excellent job navigating the switchbacks.  We did meet a couple of cars on the way down including this vehicle.  We are not the only ones wanting to experience the Shafer Road.

Feeling a bit better now that we have come off the high ledges, we enjoy the red rock landscapes.

Much of the road was in good shape.  We did have a few areas where Ronnie had to pick his way through because of high rocks and sand.  He kept the Jeep in 4-wheel drive the entire way.

I wish I had paid better attention to our location but I was too busy holding on to the Jeep's grab bar and whining.  It seems we were at the famous movie location called the 'Thelma and Louise Cliff". 

Continuing on, we pass by more intriguing sandstone formations.

Reaching the end of the Shafer Road, it now becomes paved Highway 279 following the Colorado River to the main Highway 191.

We note the signs pointing out the Pictographs on Highway 279, stop and become amazed at the Native American rock art mixed in with 'Mother Nature's rock art'.

Concluding, this drive will be one we never forget!

We enjoyed a memorable auto-hike through Canyonlands National Park.  Driving out to the Grand View Overlook, we are on the section called "Island in the Sky".  We certainly feel like we are on an island surrounded by scenic views everywhere we look.

The many pull offs provide an opportunity to enjoy more effects of the power of water and wind erosion.

Grand View Point Overlook in Canyonlands National Park.
This last overlook on the main Park highway, offers views from 6080 feet.  On a clear days you can see surrounding distant mountain ranges, canyons, basins and the White Rim 4x4 Road.  That 4x4 road is approximately 100 miles long and requires backcounrty permits from the National Park.

That's the White Rim 4x4 Trail in the lower, center part of the photo.  Larger dark dot on the road is a Jeep.

Another inspiring view from one of Canyonlands National Park's overlooks.

We visited the southern portion of Canyonlands National Park back in 2015.  We drove out to the Newspaper Rock Petroglyphs area and also enjoyed the Needles Overlook.  We said 'one day maybe we can come back to visit the Grand View Overlook of Canyonlands National Park.'

Most of our time in the Moab area we enjoyed 'auto-hiking'. Several weather systems swept through this region while we were here bringing rain, wind and very chilly temperatures.  We spent several days in the motorhome waiting for the rains to quit.  Once it let up and the sun came out, we found snowy mountains, wet red rocks and greener deserts. 

'Scenic drive' along the La Sal Mountain Loop Road.

Rising 13,000 feet these mountains are just 20 miles from Moab.  We made two trips on this scenic road..one trip just to see the freshly fallen snow!

This beautiful drive traverses different landscapes from high mountain ecosystems to dry, desert sand and red rocks.  The contrast in views is one you don't forget.

The La Sal Mountains Loop Road was exactly what we hoped..memorable no matter what the weather.  We went from sweatshirts to heavy winter coats back to sweatshirts during our snowy drive.

More Later..
 Dead Horse Point State Park and a day trip to Capitol Reef National Park.