Canyonlands

Canyonlands Video

Desert Southwest, National Parks, Seasons, Utah

Clouds, Rain, Fog and a Rainbow Make An Appearace At Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Possibly The Most Spectacular State Park

Desert Southwest, National Parks, Utah, video, Weather

Dead Horse Point State Park near Moab, Utah, is adjacent to Canyonlands National Park and is every bit as amazing. You do see a lot of Canyonlands from Dead Horse Point so they kind of operate together. The Colorado River winds its way through both parks and is mostly responsible for their rugged look.

Legend has it that Dead Horse Point received its name because cowboys would round up wild horses into a natural corral here as the point narrows down to some 30 yards at the end.

Dead Horse Point is also renowned as the location where the last scene in “Thelma and Louise” was filmed. If you come to visit nearby Arches National Park and Canyonlands, you should definitely stop by Dead Horse Point.

A passing rainstorm leaves residual clouds and fog as the sun penetrates the red rock landscape at Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah

Hiking Canyonland’s Needles District

National Parks, Utah

Canyonlands National Park in Southeastern Utah, is one of my favorite places, especially the Needles District. It is raw, stark and relatively untouched by humans. It’s amazing that you can actually hike through this landscape, although its not for everyone. The trail I took was a loop hike, 11 miles in length. I started at Squaw Flat Campground and negotiated the ups and downs through Elephant and Squaw Canyons. There was one spot just past Squaw Canyon where I could barely fit through a crack in the sandstone. Couldn’t even get a photo of it.

This slot is about 2 1/2 feet wide.

They embedded this metal ladder into the sandstone so you can get up into the remarkable Squaw Canyon

Unusually shaped and colored rock formations make up the landscape at the Needles District at Canyonlands National Park, Utah — This is Squaw Canyon. You can see the second ladder towards the bottom center.

The sun sets at the Needles District at Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Canyonlands Needles District — Finishing at one of the best campgrounds you’ll ever find

The full moon or supermoon rises over The Needles District at Canyonlands National Park, Utah — Relaxed in time to watch the supermoon rising.

Lavender Canyon

Desert Southwest, In The Country, National Parks, Utah

You have to drive a 4 wheel drive vehicle up Lavender Canyon which makes the trip fun. You’ll encounter sand, water and numerous BLM cattle gates. Adjacent to Canyonlands National Park, the landscape is classic Canyonlands along with some funky clouds.

Colorado River Reflection

Desert Southwest, Out In The Field, Photography, Rivers, Utah

In the Moab, Utah area, the Colorado River is ubiquitous. And it moves very slowly, unlike down stream at The Grand Canyon. The still waters make for some great photo opps as you’ll see in these images. I’m still on the road to Delicate Arch.