Islands in the Sky is a section of Canyonlands National Park, easily reached and easy to visit. Our first stop was the Visitor Center, where we asked the rangers about "easy" hikes. The day was brisk-perfect for walking!
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| actually...its below freezing |
Not too far from the Visitor Center is a viewpoint overlooking the Shafer Trail, which switchbacks down the canyon. Its an 18-mile dirt track. For more information, click
here. The views from this overlook were just a hint at what was to come.
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| amazing views |
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| ready? |
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| looking down on the Shafer Trail |
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| heading down to the overlook |
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| want to take a drive Susie? |
We then headed out to the Mesa Arch, which is amazing. There is a short walk to get to the arch. When you come up to the arch, it is really nice, but as you get right up there and look through the arch, the view just takes your breath away. Just beautiful!
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| check out those colors! |
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| just gorgeous views |
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| the landscape leaves me speechless |
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| heading to the Mesa Arch |
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| there it is....down there |
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| great! |
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| the view through the arch was priceless |
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| WOW! Let me just sit down and take this all in |
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| just amazing |
Walking through the desert environment, we enjoyed the plant life so specific to this area. The leaves are just starting to come out, and the flowers are starting to bloom. Very nice!
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| desert view |
We stopped at the Green River Overlook, which is just like a painting! Really it is! Again, took our breath away. There are no words to describe the beauty. We were also able to see the White Rim Trail from this viewpoint. It is supposed to be an amazing biking/camping trip for the adventurous. Everyone talks about a bike/camp trip on this trail with reverence...its supposed to be quite something. For more information, click
here.
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| Green River Overlook |
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| more |
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| isn't this incredible Susie? |
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| I'm speechless |
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| Green River |
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| See the famous White Rim Trail? There are a couple of 4-wheelers on it. Bikers love this trail too! |
On the drive past Whale Rock, we could see why it was named that. It really did look like a whale. Tom had his eye on that, and we knew we would be making a stop there on our way back. However, we continued on to Upheaval Dome, an interesting geological feature. Not sure whether a meteor hit here, or if the salt deposit underneath it washed away. Regardless, it was a sight to see. We enjoyed the blooms along the way too!
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| Whale Rock |
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| love the color! |
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| trail heading up to the dome |
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| pretty desert |
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| looks professionally landscaped |
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| going on up to the dome |
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| are you with me Susie? |
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| cool! |
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| the viewpoint is right up there...on the edge of the rock |
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| great views |
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| don't get too close now |
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| meteor hit? not sure! |
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| standing behind the message board...for protection...hahaha |
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| step away from the edge! |
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| that message board was in a perfect spot! |
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| the views are just great..really! |
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| heading back |
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| fun little trip |
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| the biggest raven I've ever seen |
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| just a scenic desert photo |
As predicted, we stopped at Whale Rock, and Tom hiked up to the top. I knew he would want to go for that view! I only made it about 1/3 of the way, but enjoyed watching him climb. He was so fast...like a kid. Much different pace than when he walks with me...the ball and chain! He thoroughly enjoyed that quick hike!
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| I just gotta go up there! |
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| I think I'll wait here.... |
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| there he goes ... heading down before heading up |
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| over hill and dale |
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| he's pretty fast without me! |
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| on a mission |
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| heading up to the very top of the "whale spout" |
We stopped at some more viewpoints on our way out of the park. Just can't get enough of the views. The landscape and geology here is so diverse and interesting. The colors add to the magic.
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| like a painting |
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| this is amazing |
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| good view of the river |
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| Canyonlands...Island in the Sky area |
On our way out of the park, we stopped at the overlook right across from the Visitor Center. It was magnificent. Funny....we watched a little kid, about 8 years old, run out of his family's car and race to the overlook and he was SOOO excited....calling to his family to hurry to check it out! As if the scene before us would disappear. Even the kid was super impressed!
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| great views right across the street from the Visitor Center |
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| again |
Some of these roads can be busy with all kinds of traffic jams...bikes, cows, cars.....just sayin'. Another magnificent day enjoying the National Parks here in Utah. WOW! We are just so lucky and we know it.
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| traffic jam of sorts?!? |
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