Today we started our exploration of Canyonlands in the Island in the Sky area.
Our first stop was at Mesa Arch. This was the most crowded spot we visited, but there didn’t really seem like there was as many people about as the number of cars indicated. It attracts an early morning crowd because this is the spot where if the weather cooperates you can watch the sunrise through the arch. We were after the sunrise, but we didn’t miss anything because it was a sort of cloudy morning. And as a bonus while we were there the sun did appear above the clouds.
Our next stop was the Upheaval Dome which is what they now believe to have been a fast moving meteor strike 60 million years ago. It is a large crater with the rocks in the center pushed back up. Think drop a rock in water and watch the resulting pattern. There is a strenuous 8.1 mile loop around the dome, but we opted for the “easy” 1/2 mile trail to an overlook.
From there we stopped at the Green River Overlook which has probably the most iconic view in this section of the park. After that our last major stop was the Grand View Point Overlook. We also did take in a couple of other view points and short walks before heading back to Moab.
Below are some of the photos I took and cropped square for Instagram:
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- CX-5 and Entrance Sign
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- The Sunrise Crew Gathers
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- Green River Overlook
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- Canyonland Morning
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- Its a Grand Canyon, but not THE Grand Canyon
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- How Did They Get There
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- Scott Canyon
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- CX-5 and Butte
Here are some more photos in their original aspect ratio:
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- Mesa Arch
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- Mesa Arch Overview
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- Scott Canyon
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- Red Cliffs
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- Giant Prehistoric Chicken Footprint
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- Green River Overlook
And my favorite photo of the day came the Green River Overlook. I said let’s take a selfie and she said, “Sure, let me know when to smile.” Because of where the sun is I can’t really see the phone screen, so I’m estimating where I should hold it. When I think I’m ready, I say, “Smile.” Where then my camera shy wife takes her cue and turns away…
