Today’s plan was to go back to Canyonlands National Park. Canyonlands is extremely large and divided into three areas. Today’s plan included exploring the area called The Needles.
Before leaving town, we stopped at the Melon Vine grocery store for some necessities. We also stopped to watch the eastbound Amtrak cross the Green River bridge.
The drive today took us east then south through Moab and into unexplored territory. On the way, we stopped at a rest area that was right next to Hole ‘N’ The Rock, which appeared to be an over-the-top tourist trap. We decided to skip it and continued towards The Needles.
| Mom, Andrew, and Susan standing at the park entrance sign |
Inside the park, we saw other interesting things. First, we passed Wilson Arch. It looked like an easy access arch that was right next to the highway. We decided we’d stop there on the way back home. Then we stopped at the Visitor Center. Next was a viewpoint of the Wooden Shoe. We stopped briefly, then continued on our way.
The next stop was at the end of the road, at Big Spring Canyon Overlook. This is the closest drive-up overlook to where the Green River meets the Colorado River, but it is too far away to see. All other access to the confluence is along unpaved roads that require vehicles with high clearance.
| David relaxing in the shade |
| Andrew sitting in a cave |
Returning the way we came, we stopped at Pothole Point. From here, we hiked an easy trail that took us along the top of a flat rock that was pitted with hundreds of potholes. From here, we could see for miles in all directions.
Then we took a dirt road down to the Elephant Hill trailhead. From here, many trails wind up and through The Needles. We hiked up about a mile before turning back. Using my imagination, I could see why they named it Elephant Hill. Andrew was not a believer. Exploring all of these trails would take all day.
| David hiking along the Elephant Hill trail |
On the way back toward the park entrance, we took the south loop and stopped at Cave Spring. According to the information signs, the location was popular with cowboys and outlaws. This was probably my favorite spot for several reasons. First, it was an easy hike, so Mom could join us. Second, it was shady and actually under rock overhangs along the lower half, and third, there was a spring, so it was like a little oasis. Also, to do the upper half of the trail, we had to climb an old, shaky ladder. You just gotta love a trail with ladders.
| Mom, Susan, and David hiking along the Cave Spring trail |
| David and Susan hiking under the overhanging rocks |
As promised, we made a quick stop at Wilson Arch on the way back home. The arch was so close to the highway that we didn’t even have to hike to get a good view.
| Wilson Arch |
By this time, we were getting hungry. I wanted to try out the Moab Diner, since it was too busy the first time we stopped. Well, it was busy again, so we ordered shakes and drank them at a picnic table outside. From here, I thought about the differences between Green River and Moab. Moab is a busy hub of activity with a constant flow of traffic flowing through. It has everything you would expect a small town to have and it is full life. Due to its proximity to Arches National Park, there is a constant stream of tourists who are ready to spend their money. Green River is a town that was abandoned by industry and bypassed by the Interstate. Most of its buildings are boarded up and the only traffic in town is locals and people stopping at the truck stops. It is quite the contrast.
After the shakes, we made a quick shopping stop at Village Market, then returned to Green River. After dark, I thought we should try to go see the stars again. This time, we went northwest about 19 miles. The sky was darker and less cloudy, but still, the stars were not as amazing as those nights in Kanab.
Click the image below to see all pictures from the trip.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment